A finales de 2014, Hidralia, la Universidad de Málaga y el CSIC se unieron para crear la Fundación Centro Andaluz de Investigaciones del Agua, Cetaqua Andalucía, un modelo pionero de colaboración público-privada para la investigación y la innovación con el objetivo de convertirse en un referente nacional en la aplicación del conocimiento científico al sector del agua y al medio ambiente a través del desarrollo de productos y servicios en beneficio de la sociedad.

At the end of 2014, Hidralia, the University of Malaga, and the CSIC joined forces to create the Andalusian Water Research Center Foundation (Cetaqua Andalucía), a pioneering model of public-private collaboration for research and innovation with the aim of becoming a national benchmark in the application of scientific knowledge to the water and environmental sectors through the development of products and services for the benefit of society.

A decade later, the center celebrated its 10th anniversary, having developed more than 150 R&D&I projects of various types and scopes. These projects have mobilized a total budget of more than 12 million euros directly in the region and have contributed to positioning this foundation as a benchmark center, especially in the field of managed aquifer recharge and the digitalization of all water processes, thanks to its operational excellence and ability to effectively understand the needs of the region.

The event took place at the Aguas de Torremolinos headquarters, the new location of Cetaqua Andalucía. This essential model integrates, under a single umbrella, R&D with the logistical, analytical, and operational capabilities associated with end-to-end water cycle management, creating a unique ecosystem for the development and implementation of environmental solutions and services.

The delegate in Malaga of the Ministry of Agriculture and Water, Fernando Fernández Tapia-Ruano, emphasized: “Cetaqua is a key player in the province in the field of water, a fundamental resource for the development of the primary and tourism sectors, pillars of the Andalusian economy. Cetaqua carries out very important work seeking efficient use of water resources and incorporating non-conventional resources, such as reclaimed water and desalinated water, to strengthen water resilience in the region.”

The trustees of Cetaqua Andalucía also spoke at the event. The rector of the University of Málaga, Teodomiro López, noted that “Cetaqua's vision over the years, understanding the value of public-private collaboration and the importance of R&D, and engaging with our University's ecosystem, has been and continues to be an absolute success, making it possible to optimize all water resources, especially groundwater, as well as promoting the digitalization of the water sector with an eye toward a sustainable future.”

Furthermore, Damián de Andrés, deputy delegate of the CSIC in Andalusia, added that “the CSIC has been committed to this model of public-private collaboration for more than 15 years, as it is a trustee of all the Cetaqua Foundations. The collaboration began in 2007 with Cetaqua Barcelona and has been extended to Galicia, Andalusia, and Chile.”

Manuel Cermerón, CEO of Veolia Spain, then stated: "Cetaqua Andalucía has established itself as a leading technology center, with more than 150 R&D&I projects developed with a clear objective: to promote innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development in the region to improve our water resilience."

Finally, the day was closed by Antonio Miguel Posadas, Secretary General of Research and Innovation of the Regional Government of Andalusia, who stated: "Technology centers like Cetaqua are strategic for the Regional Government of Andalusia and essential for continuing to develop innovative solutions to the problem of water scarcity. The Andalusian Government is firmly committed to strengthening science, knowledge, and our regional innovation system."

With this same objective, Cetaqua is celebrating 10 years in Andalusia, turning ideas into transformative realities with a positive impact, promoting innovative, applicable, and scalable technologies and solutions with a single goal: achieving a sustainable, safe, and accessible end-to-end water cycle for all, valuing and enhancing Andalusia's unique resources as key to sustainable development, and investing in Andalusian talent and its productive fabric, which are crucial for addressing current and future challenges (economic, social, and environmental).

And all of this, connected to the territory, understanding local needs to address global challenges and based on public-private collaboration as a driver of innovation, technological development, and excellence, promoting actions with universities, leading research centers, companies, and public entities at the local, regional, national, and international levels.