Tenerife Tech Sector Booms as Island Hosts Fifth Annual Isla Awards
Tenerife is solidifying its position as a burgeoning Atlantic technology hub, marked by significant growth in digital sector employment and the upcoming fifth annual Isla Awards to foster local and national innovation.
Tenerife has officially cemented its status as a major Atlantic technology hub. According to the Cabildo de Tenerife, the island’s digital sector is booming, with 41,381 tech-related contracts recorded in 2025—a 17% increase from 2023. This momentum has carried into 2026, with another 8,343 tech hires made in the first quarter alone.
Against this backdrop of growth, the fifth annual Isla Awards will take place on April 11 at the Adán Martín Auditorium in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Organized with the agency Isla Influencia, the event is more than just an awards ceremony; it is a platform designed to attract and retain young talent. A new addition this year is the "National Talent" category, which honors Spanish researchers and entrepreneurs creating tech solutions that benefit society.
Supported by the Cabildo and the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between education and the workplace. As part of the "Digital Talents Tour," workshops have been held at institutions like the European University of the Canary Islands and IES César Manrique, focusing on essential topics such as cybersecurity and the ethical use of technology.
Local authorities are focused on two main goals: diversifying the island’s economy beyond traditional tourism and building a strong ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship. President Rosa Dávila and Councilor Efraín Medina are leading these efforts to make Tenerife a magnet for skilled professionals. By partnering with Canary Islands Tourism, the administration also hopes to rebrand the archipelago as a competitive destination for technical and creative talent, rather than just a vacation spot.