The CVC celebrates 30 years advancing computer vision from Catalonia.
The Computer Vision Center (CVC) celebrated three decades of research and technology transfer with an institutional event full of emotions, reunions, and recognition for all the people who have contributed to making the center an international reference in computer vision and artificial intelligence.
The event took place on Thursday, July 17th, at Casa Convalescència of the Autonomous University of Barcelona, an emblematic space of Catalan modernism located in the heart of the city. The gathering brought together nearly 200 people connected to the CVC over these 30 years: current and former members of the center, professionals from academia and industry, institutional representatives, and key agents of the Catalan artificial intelligence ecosystem.
The event highlighted the CVC’s trajectory as a driver of technological transformation in fields such as health, mobility, industry, heritage, and the environment, with a clear focus on social return and a strong commitment to regional impact.
The ceremony began at 6 p.m., hosted by journalist and communicator Candela Figueras, who guided the event with sensitivity and professionalism. In her opening remarks, she recalled the origins of the center with a look at its founding purpose: “The CVC was established on the Bellaterra campus, which has seen countless talented people pass through, with the goal of making the Center a generator of high-level science and ensuring that technology solving problems reaches society.”
Next, Dr. Josep Lladós, the current director of the CVC and a key voice in commemorating this 30th anniversary, took the stage. In his speech, he reviewed some of the center’s most notable milestones and focused on future challenges, emphasizing the need to continue working closely with universities, companies, and institutions: “This center has always been a constant hub of activity; it has always sought to make science a passion; knowledge a value; value wellbeing; and cooperation and exchange friendship. Always with humility and honesty.”
But if one thing was clear during the afternoon, it was that the true driving force behind the CVC is its people. For this reason, firsthand testimonies were heard from some of those who have decisively contributed to what the center is today. Key figures spoke, such as Juanjo Villanueva, founder of the CVC; Miquel Puig, former Director General of Industry at the time of the center’s founding; Maria Vanrell and Petia Radeva, researchers linked to the CVC since its beginnings. Also, Marçal Rossinyol and Pau Rodríguez, former CVC members, shared how their time at the center shaped their professional careers. And Paula Font, a current intern, represented the new generations who see the CVC as a gateway to the world of research and innovation in computer vision and artificial intelligence.
During the event, two videos were shown: a commemorative video reviewing the center’s journey, and a compilation of congratulations and statements from people connected to the CVC over the past 30 years, including institutional representatives, collaborators, companies, and former members of the center. Taking advantage of the celebration, the CVC’s new visual identity was also unveiled, modernizing its image and making it more versatile and adaptable to new formats and digital channels.
Finally, the event closed with a speech by Josep Maria Ganyet, a renowned computer engineer and artificial intelligence expert, who took the stage to recall his beginnings as a CVC intern and highlight the center’s role in the country’s technological evolution. With an experienced perspective and thoughtful outlook, he spoke about the trajectory of artificial intelligence and what is expected for its future.
The institutional closing was delivered by the Honorable Mrs. Núria Montserrat, Minister of Research and Universities, who praised the center’s trajectory and contributions: “The CVC represents technology transfer with impact, internationalization, and research excellence, fostering interinstitutional collaboration.”
After her speech, Dr. Josep Lladós and Dr. Javier Lafuente returned to the stage to share a symbolic moment: blowing out the candles for the 30th anniversary, accompanied by the attending authorities, in a gesture of collective celebration that marked the official conclusion of the event.
Once the event concluded, attendees were guided to the outdoor area of Casa Convalescència, where they enjoyed catering in a relaxed and festive atmosphere. Additionally, there was a photocall area and two interactive demonstrations developed by the CVC, showcasing some of the technological advances created at the center in a practical and visual way.
This 30th anniversary was a celebration worthy of the history and future of the Computer Vision Center. A day to highlight the research, the people, and the commitment to society. Thirty years later, the CVC remains synonymous of knowledge, innovation, technology transfer, and collaboration in service of the region and society.
For more information and all the details about the CVC’s 30th anniversary, visit: https://www.cvc.uab.es/30years/
Thank you to all the people who made it possible.
If you’d like to see more photos from the celebration, visit our Flickr gallery: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCnfVZ
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