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The appointment of the Telefónica executive strengthens NEXTONIC’s strategy for implementing emerging technologies in real-world environments
Madrid, April 7, 2026 .-NEXTONIC has announced the appointment of Antonio Guzmán, Director of Strategic Exploration & Innovation Portfolio at Telefónica Innovación Digital (TID), as the new president of the laboratory.
With more than ten years of experience at Telefónica, Guzmán has held a range of positions in both innovation and business areas and also has a solid scientific background developed in academia. Throughout his career, he has led strategic projects in highly regulated environments and across multiple markets, specialising in areas such as cybersecurity, data science, artificial intelligence and quantum computing. He has also driven the development of solutions in fields such as digital identity management, virtual assistants, self-care applications, smart devices and digital twin technologies applied to connectivity.
“I am taking on this challenge with great enthusiasm and with the conviction that, through collaboration and co-creation, we will be able to drive solutions that respond to today’s and tomorrow’s technological challenges,” said Antonio Guzmán.
“NEXTONIC represents a key environment for validating emerging technologies in real-world settings and facilitating their adoption by companies and organisations,” he added.
NEXTONIC also thanked Cayetano Carbajo for his work during his time as president, as well as for his contribution to the development, evolution, growth and consolidation of the laboratory within Spain’s innovation ecosystem.
The appointment of Antonio Guzmán strengthens NEXTONIC’s strategy to consolidate its role as a leading laboratory for the development and validation of advanced technological solutions, in a context marked by the acceleration of digital transformation and the growing demand for secure, scalable and efficient environments.
About NEXTONIC
«Where Networks Evolve»
NEXTONIC is the open innovation laboratory for the networks of the future, founded by Telefónica and IMDEA Networks. Originally established as 5TONIC in 2015, the laboratory was rebranded as NEXTONIC in October 2025 to reflect its expanded mission beyond 5G toward the development of 6G and emerging technologies. The laboratory serves as a collaborative space where industry and academia come together to test and validate technological components, generating knowledge and building an end-to-end vision of tomorrow’s networks. NEXTONIC drives joint projects, discussion forums, events, and conferences within a high-impact international environment. The main premises of NEXTONIC are co-located at IMDEA Networks Institute in Leganés, Madrid.