Spanish National Innovation and Design Awards 2024 Ceremony
Yesterday, November 6th, the National Innovation and Design Awards ceremony took place, presided over by Her Majesty Queen of Spain, Letizia. Esther and Elena Castaño-López accepted the award on behalf of Sancal, a recognition granted by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. The event, held at the Royal Palace of el Pardo, brought together some of the country’s most outstanding projects, “a cartography of excellence,” as the Queen described it.
During her speech, Queen Letizia emphasized that human intelligence is irreplaceable, highlighting the talent, perseverance, and sensitivity of the awardees. “Your very human synaptic connections allow us to learn, think, act, remember, and feel.” With these words, the Queen celebrated the importance of creative thought and the passionate work of those who, from different disciplines, transform reality with ideas born from both intellect and heart.
The Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities, Diana Morant, also shared an emotional reflection, stating: “This is today’s Spain. A Spain with women in power who help other women to achieve it.” Since the creation of these awards, only ten women have received this recognition.
Innovation and Design: Reason and Emotion
Innovation means looking at the world from a different angle and finding new answers to old questions, but also daring to ask new ones. Whether we realize it or not, every creation involves design; the difference lies in whether it has been thoughtfully conceived. Good design is born from reflection.
Likewise, innovation does not always mean inventing something entirely new. Sometimes, it is about rethinking what already exists, reinterpreting materials, processes, or everyday objects to make them more accessible, sustainable, or humane.
Science and technology enable progress, while design seeks the most efficient and beautiful way to apply it. This union of reason and emotion defines our approach to work: creating products that not only serve a purpose but also inspire, comfort, and move people.
Receiving the 2024 National Design Award is an honour we share with everyone who makes our work possible: our team, collaborators, and clients. This recognition encourages us to keep exploring new ways of feeling, imagining, and creating.
We would also like to extend our congratulations to all the other awardees who received their prizes yesterday. Their talent, dedication, and commitment are the best proof that innovation and design, together, have the power to transform the world.
