The city doesn't wait.
Neither do we.
Real technology transforming environmental services. AI, IoT, robotics and digital twins operating in the field — for cleaner, safer, smarter cities.
About Us
Pioneering ideas for
minds that create, build,
and inspire.
Valoriza is Spain's leading environmental services company — street cleaning, waste collection, green infrastructure, mobility, and waste treatment for over 700 municipalities and 12 million people.
Our innovation team drives real-world pilots at the intersection of AI, IoT, wearables, robotics, and smart city technology — turning ambitious ideas into operational reality.
Our Approach
We believe innovation must be operational — not theoretical. Every technology we pilot connects directly to the people doing the work, improving safety, efficiency and quality of life in cities across Spain.
Innovation × Impact
Where we operate
From waste treatment plants to smart helmets on field workers — Valoriza innovation spans the full environmental service lifecycle. We don't prototype for demos. We deploy for results.
How we work
Each pilot follows a structured methodology: problem definition, technology scouting, controlled deployment, and measured impact. Fast iteration, real evidence.
Eight technologies.
One ecosystem.
From predictive AI to humanoid robotics — each initiative transforms data into decisions that protect people and improve cities.
Pando AI
Predictive Intelligence
AI platform that analyses operational data to generate preventive insights, detect risk patterns, and support evidence-based decision-making across Valoriza services.
HALO-I Helmet
Smart PPE
IoT-enabled smart helmet that monitors real-time safety conditions for field workers. Connected to the HaloTech platform for centralised alert management and geofencing.
Digital Twin
3D Urban Modelling
Georeferenced 3D model of Madrid built on ArcGIS, integrating thermal layers, urban trees, buildings and risk zones. Real-time planning for heat-wave prevention.
Canaria+
Heat Stress Wearable
Patented wristband with thermal-flux sensor that estimates core body temperature and alerts workers before heat stroke. First large-scale deployment in Spain.
Exoskeleton
Ergonomic Assistance
Mechanical assistance device that reduces physical load during sweeping, loading and unloading tasks. Tested in real waste-collection operations.
Robotics
Field Robotics
Bipedal humanoid and quadruped robots integrated into real urban cleaning operations. The first deployment in the Spanish environmental sector.
Our strategy
A structured approach to transform ideas into value, driving continuous improvement and exploring new business opportunities.
Value Creation
Operational Excellence
New Business Models
Continuous Improvement
Highlights 2025
4 focus areas concentrating our future
Strategically defined by the Innovation Committee. Each area groups specific challenges with direct impact on business, operations, safety and competitive positioning.
From transforming waste into value to digitally upskilling +12,000 operational workers, these areas represent our roadmap towards a more innovative, safe and competitive organization.
From idea to impact
Real deployments solving real problems. These pilots demonstrate how innovation translates into measurable operational improvements.
TrisTrash
Smart Waste Operations
AI-powered platform for urban cleaning operations. Real-time detection management and intelligent fleet assignment.
Lixo
Waste Intelligence
IoT sensors + ML for smart waste management. Real-time monitoring and predictive collection optimization.
Have an innovative idea for waste or environmental services?
Let's TalkOpen innovation
Talent and innovation can emerge from anywhere. We collaborate with startups, universities, technology centers, and partners to solve the big challenges.
Access to external talent
Solve challenges through collaboration
Identify new technologies
Position Valoriza as an innovation driver
Ecosystem partners
Operational excellence
The method by which we transform innovative ideas into tangible projects, services, and contracts with measurable results.
Innovation at scale
Efficiency and optimization
Quality improvement
Measurable impact
PANDO
AI-powered digital copilot that connects Valoriza operations, provides secure information access, and supports decision-making.
NeuralTrust
Robust governance solution for generative AI services with analytics, security monitoring, and regulatory compliance.
Robotics
Integration of advanced robotics like quadruped robots for inspection and exoskeletons to improve physical performance.
Valoriza Shakers
We recognize people and teams who drive innovation at Valoriza with creativity, vision, and practical application.
Evaluation criteria
Projects are evaluated based on relevance, creativity, impact, collaboration, and applicability.
- •Relevance and impact of innovation
- •Creativity and originality
- •Evidence of results
- •Collaboration and influence
- •Applicability of the solution
- •Contribution to sustainability
Grants & investment
We identify and access regional, national, and European funding to accelerate our innovation and operational excellence projects.
Digitalization
Sustainability
Operational Efficiency
Artificial Intelligence
Have a project that could benefit from external funding? Get in touch with us.
Contact R&D TeamFunded projects with real impact
R&D+i projects funded by CDTI, NextGenerationEU and European funds. From circular economy to CO₂ capture, each project drives the transformation of the environmental sector.
SOS AGUA XXI
Sostenibilidad y Agricultura
Development of actions to boost the Spanish agriculture sector through the "Agriculture of the 21st Century" Mission. Water sustainability and efficient water use.
CÍCLICOM
Economía Circular
Creation of an Innovation Ecosystem for the Circularity of Composite Materials and Complex Plastics. National reference platform.
VALDESC
Construcción Circular
Response to the construction industry's need to increase transformation towards a circular economy. Recovery of construction and demolition waste.
DIGITAL WASTE
Digitalización
Development of digital technologies applied to waste treatment processes. AI, IoT and digital twins for operational optimization.
CO2MCHRETE
Captura CO₂
CO₂ Mineralized in Cements and Concretes from Thermally activated Waste and Slags. Reduction of carbon footprint in construction.
VALREC
RCD Circularidad
Innovative solutions to increase circularity, traceability and purity of mineral resources present in Construction and Demolition Waste.
CENTS4PACK
Economía Circular
Reward system for correct packaging recycling. Gamification and citizen engagement to increase recycling rates.
TECNOCIR
Revalorización
Exploration of various waste revalorization strategies from different industrial sectors. Multi-sector circular economy.
Meet the innovators
The minds transforming waste management through technology, AI, and open innovation.
David Redondo Pérez
Head of Innovation & AI Architecture
Agronomist engineer with Big Data and Blockchain expertise, leading digital transformation at Valoriza. Over 7 years architecting smart city solutions using GIS, AI, and data science to create sustainable urban environments.
Paloma Mingo de Vierna
R&D Projects, Patents & Grants Manager
Driving R&D excellence and securing strategic funding. Leading innovation projects, from circular economy initiatives to cutting-edge waste valorization technologies.
Blanca Almendro Gordillo
Open Innovation, Ecosystem & Growth Lead
Building innovation ecosystems across startups, academia and tech hubs. MBA with international experience driving open innovation culture and strategic partnerships for disruptive impact.
María Luisa Fombellida Maté
Open Innovation & Ecosystem Analyst
Spotting emerging trends and game-changing technologies. Connecting science, industry and innovation ecosystems to accelerate environmental solutions and circular economy projects.
María Useros Mesón
R&D Project Manager
Transforming environmental engineering concepts into reality. Orchestrating complex R&D projects with precision, from ideation to deployment in sustainable waste management.
The 8 challenges shaping our future
Selected by +40 participants in internal workshops. Prioritized by the Innovation Committee for H2 2026 and 2027. These are the challenges with the highest strategic impact on Valoriza's business, operations and competitive positioning.
TOP 3 — Main Focus (Team + Dedicated Resources)
TOP 5 — Active Radar (Monitoring, Less Dedication)
Do you have an innovative solution for any of these challenges?
From collective idea to strategic execution
A structured and transparent process that converts Valoriza's collective intelligence into innovation projects with real impact. From the field to the executive committee, every voice counts.
Participatory Workshops
+40 employees from 4 business areas identify needs and opportunities from the field.
Analysis & Prioritization
20 challenges analyzed through Impact vs. Difficulty matrix. Filtered to TOP 8 with highest strategic potential.
Innovation Committee
Directors validate, prioritize TOP 3 and TOP 5, assign sponsors and select innovation vehicles.
H2 2026 Activation
Execution through scouting, pilots, public funding or open innovation according to each challenge.
4 pathways to execute innovation
There's no single way to innovate. Each challenge requires a different approach. That's why we use 4 complementary vehicles that allow us to act with speed, scale or depth according to the need.
From rapid solution scouting to long-term R&D+i projects funded with European funds. Flexibility to choose the best path.
Technology Scouting
Identification and evaluation of existing technologies and solutions in the market. Specialized partners, startups, university spin-offs and technology providers.
IoT sensors, SaaS solutions, management platforms
Pilots & PoCs
Proof of concepts and pilots in real environment with impact metrics. Rapid hypothesis validation before scaling. Iterative learning with controlled risk.
Humanoid robots, smart helmets, gas detection systems
Public Funding / EU Funds
R&D+i projects funded by CDTI, NextGenerationEU funds, Horizon Europe programs. Co-development with technology centers and universities.
CÍCLICOM, VALDESC, SOS AGUA XXI, circular economy projects
Open Innovation / Ecosystem
Strategic collaborations with the ecosystem: innovation hubs (Patio Campus, Area101), technology centers (CIRCE, Tecnalia), corporate ventures and internal shakers.
TrisTrash, startup workshops, ReruWaste events
Each TOP 3 and TOP 5 will be executed through one or more of these vehicles. Selection depends on challenge type, technological maturity and required timeframe.
Not everything is innovation. And that's okay
At Valoriza we understand the difference between innovation, IT and continuous improvement. Knowing when to use each approach is as important as executing it well. This clarity makes us more efficient and strategic.
Calling everything "innovation" dilutes the term. Here we precisely define what an innovation challenge is and what it is not.
Innovation Challenge
When there is no known solution in the market
- Ambiguous or ill-defined problem
- Requires exploration and experimentation
- Solution not obvious → needs discovery
- High degree of technical uncertainty
Plant outputs without market, CO₂ capture, biomethane social battle
IT / Digitalization
When technology is mature and ready to implement
- Proven and stable technology
- Known solution in the market
- Low or controlled technical risk
- Direct implementation → no exploratory phase
ERP, CRM, standard IoT sensors, cloud platforms
Continuous Improvement
When optimizing existing processes or systems
- Process or system already exists
- Goal: increase efficiency
- Does not require new technology
- Methodologies: Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen
Route optimization, time reduction, operational procedure improvement
💡 The 8 challenges prioritized for 2026 are authentic innovation challenges. They require exploration, managed uncertainty and iterative learning. They are not IT projects or continuous improvement initiatives.
Building together
A global ecosystem of technology, research, and innovation partners driving the transformation of environmental services.
Have an idea?
The Valoriza Innovation inbox is open. Share your proposal, technology or question. Our team responds within 2 business days.