Jesus Valero Congil, PhD.

Dr. Jesús M. Valero is the Managing Director of TECNALIA, one of Europe’s leading research and technology organizations, and President of EARTO, representing over 350 innovation entities across 32 countries. He holds a PhD in Biological Sciences (UPV/EHU) and a Master’s in Marketing and Commercial Management (ESIC), combining scientific expertise with strategic business insight.

With more than 25 years of experience in applied research and technology leadership, he has driven innovation across healthcare, robotics, and biomaterials. Since becoming TECNALIA’s CEO in 2021, he has overseen high-impact R&D programs, secured competitive funding, and accelerated the creation of technology-based spin-offs.

Prior to this, he led TECNALIA’s Health Unit and served as Deputy General Director of Technology. He currently serves on the boards of several deeptech startups, including Neos Surgery, Fesia Technologies, Ingredalia, OCTANTIS, and FIK, and actively contributes to institutions such as the Elcano Royal Institute, ADEGI, BRTA, Euskampus Fundazioa, FEDIT, Innobasque, and the Spain-China Foundation.

His vision is rooted in strengthening the bridge between science and industry to foster sustainable development, global competitiveness, and transformative innovation.