At a time when demand for digital profiles is growing at a dizzying pace, The Bridge has positioned itself as one of the most influential players in the transformation of digital talent in Spain. It is not just a school: it is a platform that connects people, companies, public administrations, universities and social entities to respond to one of the great challenges of our time: closing the digital skills gap.
With campuses in Madrid, Valencia, Bilbao and Vitoria, and a model that combines intensive boot camps, sector-specific master’s degrees in applied artificial intelligence and training for companies and institutions, The Bridge has created an ecosystem that generates tangible value for all stakeholders in the system and, especially, for those seeking to transform their professional lives.
We spoke with Iker Arce, CEO and founder, about the origins of this project, his vision for the future of digital talent and the role that training should play in an increasingly technological and interconnected economy.
For those who don’t know you yet, what is The Bridge and what is your mission?
The Bridge is much more than a tech training school: we are a key player in driving digital talent, with a mission to close the digital skills gap through a comprehensive approach. We work directly with companies, public administrations, educational institutions, social organizations and our own community of students and alumni to create an ecosystem that fosters the digital transformation of society.
Through our intensive and specialized programs, we help people access or progress in the digital sector. We support organizations in their reskilling and upskilling processes, and enable public and private institutions to generate impact through training.
We have launched a pioneering line of master’s degrees in Artificial Intelligence applied to sectors such as Law, Finance or Human Resources, designed for active professionals who want to lead transformation from within. Everything is built with a hands-on approach, connected to the productive environment and focused on real impact. Our differential value lies in our ability to foster cross-sector cooperation to put talent at the service of change.
What are the main programs and training you offer and what impact do they have on the tech ecosystem?
Our offer is structured into two major lines: intensive bootcamps and specialized master’s programs in applied AI. In addition, we design tailor-made programs for companies, public administrations and social organizations that seek to train their teams or boost digital talent in their environment.
In the bootcamps, the highlights are Data Science & AI, Cybersecurity and Full Stack Web Development: practical, employment-oriented programs, co-designed with the industry and continuously updated.
In master’s programs, the sectorized AI pathways applied to Law, Finance, Human Resources or Generative AI for engineers allow active professionals to acquire key skills to lead digital transformation.
We work, for example, with the Valencia City Council under the Valencia Innovation Capital framework to bring training in Data, Cybersecurity and Web Development to unemployed people with direct job orientation. We also collaborate with organizations such as Eurofirms, Fundación ONCE and BBK to promote inclusion and real employability. In the corporate field, we support large companies with AI and data pathways aligned with their business objectives.
In the corporate field, we have designed reskilling pathways in Artificial Intelligence and data analysis for teams of large companies that need to adapt to technological and business changes. This combination of technical training and strategic guidance makes it possible to generate tangible value for both professionals and organizations.
In an increasingly digitalized world, what do you think are the main challenges in training tech talent?
The first major challenge is to update learning models, which often fail to respond quickly to technological changes or company needs. The second is the lack of a model that integrates not only technical knowledge but also human and professional skills, which make the real difference today.
At The Bridge we already work this way: 100% practical programs that recreate real environments to learn by doing. Our support extends beyond the diploma: we guide each student until they enter the workforce, and many return later as mentors, teachers or partners.
The Bridge has decided to become a supporter of Startup Valencia. What motivated you to take this step and what do you expect from this collaboration?
We believe in the power of communities to accelerate transformation. Valencia is already a benchmark as a tech hub, and Startup Valencia is doing an outstanding job of structuring and showcasing that ecosystem.
We want to contribute where we can add the most value: training talent that matches the real needs of startups. By becoming supporters, we commit to joining forces, sharing knowledge, detecting synergies and above all, building a bridge between training and real innovation.
What added value can you bring to the tech community through Startup Valencia?
Our greatest contribution is well-prepared, committed talent that can contribute from day one. But beyond that, we bring a comprehensive vision: not only do we train new professionals, we also support companies in their digital transformation, designing reskilling and upskilling programs for their teams.
We also bring a diverse and inclusive approach: with specific programs for women, unemployed people and groups at risk of exclusion, along with partnerships with organizations such as BBK, INCIBE and Fundación ONCE.
Valencia is consolidating itself as an international benchmark tech hub. What opportunities do you think this positioning brings for startups and professionals in the sector?
Valencia is already a benchmark tech hub and Startup Valencia is doing an excellent job of structuring and showcasing that ecosystem. We want to contribute where we can add the most value: training talent connected to the real needs of startups. As supporters, we join forces, share knowledge, detect synergies and, above all, build a bridge between training and innovation.
What role do you think VDS plays as an international tech event that will hold its eighth edition on October 22 and 23 at the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia?
VDS is a global loudspeaker for talent and innovation. It is a key event to connect with ecosystem players, share knowledge, build alliances and provide visibility to transformative projects.
For us it is also an opportunity to inspire, showcase what we do and reinforce our commitment to digital talent in all its forms.
What are The Bridge’s next goals and projects to continue boosting digital talent?
We will continue innovating in education, with new master’s programs in AI applied to key sectors such as Law, Finance or HR, and new programs designed with companies that want to train their teams in an agile way.
We will keep growing in Valencia and other cities with a clear vocation: to create local ecosystems of sustainable digital talent, connected to industry and with real social impact.
Ultimately, our commitment is to train today the talent that will lead tomorrow’s technological transformation.
