- Both cooperatives will promote R&D projects, talent development, and new technology-based business initiatives.
EROSKI and IKERLAN have signed a strategic agreement that reinforces their commitment to technological innovation as a key driver for transforming the food retail sector. This partnership will enable the development of advanced solutions aimed at improving operational efficiency, security, and customer experience, while also boosting technological capabilities and creating new business opportunities.
Over the next four years, both organizations will work jointly on R&D projects focused on areas such as artificial intelligence, advanced data analytics, cybersecurity, and hyperautomation—technologies with strong potential to reshape the retail sector and strengthen EROSKI’s competitiveness in an increasingly digital environment.
The agreement includes the creation of joint teams and shared collaboration spaces, facilitating knowledge transfer between professionals from both organizations. It also incorporates initiatives to attract, develop, and specialize technological talent through joint participation in innovation projects, training programs, and upskilling activities.
The collaboration also opens the door to launching new cooperative, technology-based business initiatives that will further strengthen MONDRAGON’s innovation ecosystem.
Within the framework of the signing, EROSKI’s Director of Innovation and Technology, Enrique Monzonis, highlighted that “innovation is a cross-cutting capability that connects business and technology to generate real value. It enables us to make better decisions, operate more efficiently, and offer more relevant experiences to our customers. In this context, our collaboration with IKERLAN strengthens our commitment to ensuring technology has a real impact, working together on key areas that are shaping the future of retail.”
Similarly, IKERLAN’s CEO, Ion Etxeberria, stated that “this alliance strengthens a collaboration that allows us to drive technological solutions with real impact in the retail sector. Beyond specific projects, we will work together on talent development and the generation of new opportunities, with a long-term vision.”
Applied innovation delivering results
The agreement reinforces a long-standing strategic collaboration between the two organizations, which has already resulted in successfully implemented technological solutions at EROSKI.
As part of this cooperation, both entities have developed solutions combining robotic process automation (RPA) and artificial intelligence to manage large volumes of administrative documentation. These solutions enable the automation of document analysis, information extraction, and integration into corporate systems, achieving high levels of efficiency and accuracy.
In addition, EROSKI and IKERLAN jointly participate in the GALAXIA project, funded by HAZITEK and led by Lantek. The aim of the project is to develop artificial intelligence architectures based on multi-agent systems capable of operating autonomously within business processes. In this context, EROSKI acts as a driving company and solution validator in the retail domain, while IKERLAN leads the technological development.
Furthermore, both organizations have developed a pilot artificial vision experience aimed at optimizing shelf management, capable of detecting product shortages in real time and improving replenishment processes, all while ensuring the highest respect for customer privacy.
Currently, EROSKI and IKERLAN are part of the core group driving the AurreraGo project, an initiative that embodies MONDRAGON’s commitment to artificial intelligence and technology, bringing together universities, technology centers, industrial cooperatives, financial institutions, and service organizations, among other stakeholders.
Innovation based on cooperative values
EROSKI and IKERLAN share a strong track record within MONDRAGON, based on a common vision that combines innovation, knowledge generation, and a commitment to the economic and social development of their environment.
Through this alliance, both organizations take another step forward in their collaboration, strengthening their ability to address future technological challenges and develop solutions with a real impact on business competitiveness and customer experience.
The agreement establishes a stable framework for collaboration in artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, and advanced automation.
