We share the interview published on 17 October 2025 by Jesús Lastra in El Diario Montañés, where our CEO, Francisco Alcalá, reflects on Celestia TST’s leadership in IoT and microelectronics. (Photo: Daniel Pedriza)
In recent years, Europe’s technological revolution has been driven by companies committed to innovation and local talent. From its headquarters in Cantabria and the technology centre in the Canary Islands, Celestia TST is positioned as a European benchmark in microelectronics and IoT, leading key projects across the continent and facing major challenges in the digital future.
Innovation and leadership in Europe
Celestia TST is part of a multinational group with a presence in several European countries, actively participating in strategic infrastructure protection initiatives such as EU ports and developing robotic solutions for fighting forest fires. The company stands out for developing its own IoT devices, as well as integrating third-party technology to offer complete, end-to-end solutions tailored to industry and public services.
The digital platform enables the management of large volumes of data generated by distributed devices, helping businesses and public administrations make real-time decisions, reduce costs, and automate processes. Nationally, the interview highlights how Celestia TST, together with Orange, has won landmark tenders such as that of Canal Isabel II in Madrid, marking a milestone in the rollout of smart metering for water meter reading.
Strategic microelectronics and local talent
Fran Alcalá also notes that one of Celestia TST’s latest commitments is the development of microelectronics, with special attention paid to the link between IoT and communications. From the Canary Islands, we focus on the design and manufacture of chips and electronic components that reinforce European industrial autonomy, in line with the objectives of the Perte Chip programme. This initiative aims to revitalise microprocessor manufacturing in Europe—a key strategy to reduce technological dependence on external countries and guarantee security in areas such as transport, defence, and artificial intelligence.
The CEO of Celestia TST, Fran Alcalá, warns in the interview that one of the biggest current challenges is the shortage of highly qualified personnel, particularly in fields like telecommunications and microelectronics. “A career in telecommunications is fantastic, with great salary progression and opportunities, but there’s a lack of vocation among young people, especially in Cantabria. It’s necessary to foster a culture of effort and encourage more enrolments in technical universities.”
Strategic projects and international alliances
Celestia TST expands its activity into fast-growing sectors, such as smart waste management through partnerships with German multinationals like Moba, smart agriculture projects with Bayer, and the deployment of IoT technology in greenhouses and phytosanitary systems. In the coming years, the company’s strategy will focus on the international expansion of utilities and the development of predictive systems with artificial intelligence, consolidating Celestia TST as a key agent in the digitalisation of public services.
Fran Alcalá also notes the commitment to compliance with new European regulations on electronic security and defence, highlighting the fundamental role of microelectronics in ensuring Europe’s technological sovereignty in the face of global challenges.
Fostering talent and local innovation
To address the lack of STEM vocations, Celestia TST collaborates with local universities, promotes the training of young people in advanced technologies, and highlights the importance of engineering and telecommunications as drivers of progress. The company’s commitment to regional development is reflected in a highly specialised workforce, sustainable growth, and the creation of skilled employment, making a decisive contribution to the industrial fabric of Cantabria.
To read the full feature and our CEO Francisco Alcalá's complete interview, visit the publication by Jesús Lastra in El Diario Montañés.