International experience, academic recognitions, new collaborations, and other achievements once again demonstrate DigiPen Europe-Bilbao’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation. Let’s review the 12 milestones that best represent the year 2024:
Year in Review
1 - Singapore Students’ Overseas Immersion Program
During the summer academic semester, our campus welcomed 70 students from DigiPen Singapore as part of the Overseas Immersion Program (OIP). This experience, which strengthens collaboration between our international campuses, provided participants with the opportunity to immerse themselves in both the academic and cultural life of Bilbao and Bizkaia.
Throughout their stay, they enjoyed a variety of activities, from a welcome event to foster camaraderie with their new peers to excursions that allowed them to better explore the region and enrich themselves with our culture. The OIP reflects the international dimension of DigiPen Institute of Technology and enables us to connect talent from around the world, reaffirming our commitment to specialized, global education.
2 - Awards and Nominations
This year has been especially fruitful for DigiPen Europe-Bilbao students: during the 2023-2024 academic year, they earned 92 recognitions across 18 different countries. The total number of awards and recognitions achieved since the Bilbao campus was established, for 2D and 3D animations and video games, exceeds 400. This impressive figure highlights the academic excellence, talent, dedication, and immense creativity of our students.
Conej Steps Out, Gaia, Shades, Trott, Witchy Crash, Goodbye Keepler, Bon Ali The Kind won at festivals, competing with professional productions, and were exhibited at numerous events, including ReAnima, CineMagic Belfast, Athens Animfest, Giffoni, and even at the Cannes Animation Film Festival!
3 - Bilbao Students Studying in the US and Singapore
DigiPen Europe-Bilbao students have the opportunity to study for an academic year at one of our international campuses in the United States or Singapore through the Student Abroad Program. Sixteen of our students crossed the Atlantic to continue their education at DigiPen Redmond (USA), while one student attended the Singapore campus.
Studying abroad is more than just a trip; it is an immersion in a cultural environment that strengthens language learning and allows the development of essential skills, preparing students to face the growing challenges of the global digital content industry. It also broadens their worldview and enhances their ability to work in an international and diverse team environment.
4 - Graduate Employability
Our graduates continue to demonstrate that the solid training they receive at DigiPen equips them with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel professionally, enabling them to successfully enter the industry. Leading companies have incorporated our graduates into their teams, highlighting their strong technical preparation. Bohemia Interactive, CAF Signalling, and MCP Montreal (which works for studios like Disney and Marvel) are just some of the companies where DigiPen Europe-Bilbao graduates work, contributing to world-renowned titles such as “Arma Reforger,” “Vigor,” “Mufasa: The Lion King,” and “Snow White.”
5 - Internship Program
We continue to strengthen our internship program, connecting more students with an increasing number of leading companies. These internships are crucial for students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings and face professional challenges that prepare them for their future careers. Companies like Vicomtech, BCAM, Ikerlan, Orbik, Marine Instruments, among others, hosted students this year.
6 - Director’s Visit to the Singapore Campus
In October, Ignacio de Otalora, Director of DigiPen Europe-Bilbao, traveled to the DigiPen Singapore campus to further strengthen ties between the two institutions. His visit coincided with that of the COO International and CFO of DigiPen US and included attending graduation ceremonies for DigiPen Singapore students, touring the newly inaugurated Asian campus in Punggol’s digital district, exchanging ideas, and exploring new collaboration opportunities.
7 - New Faculty Members
In 2024, we continued to expand our teaching staff with new members who bring experience and new skills to our educational model. Isabela Nardi, a professor in the Computer Science Department; Sergi Subirats, in the Design and Interactive Media Department; and Berta Fernández, in the Fine Arts and Animation Department, have joined the DigiPen Europe-Bilbao team.
Isabela Nardi da Silva
Isabela, who holds a PhD in Engineering for the Information Society and Sustainable Development from the University of Deusto and UFSC, specializes in extended reality applied to scientific education. With experience in teaching and research since 2015, her areas of interest include serious games, simulations, and extended reality.
Sergi Subirats
Sergi is a computer engineer from Pompeu Fabra University, with extensive experience in systems design and game balance, having worked at renowned companies such as Ubisoft and Bohemia Interactive. He holds a Scrum Master certification and is known for his analytical and technical approach, as well as his passion for chess and video games.
Berta Fernández
Berta Fernández is a 2D illustrator and animator, with a degree in Visual Design of Digital Content from U-tad. With over eight years of experience, she has worked on productions such as Buñuel in the Labyrinth of the Turtles, Klaus, and Space Jam: A New Legacy for studios like Netflix, Warner Bros, and The SPA Studios. She currently collaborates on animation and illustration projects, standing out for her artistic versatility and innovative approach.
8 - Tenth Graduating Class
The graduation ceremony always marks a key moment in the academic year, but when it comes to the 10th graduating class of DigiPen Europe-Bilbao, the celebration multiplies. Last June, we experienced an emotional day during which, alongside families and DigiPen staff, we honored a new generation of graduates and also celebrated the tenth anniversary of the graduation of our first class.
9 - Collaborations and Company Visits
Partnerships with technology and entertainment companies create synergies that benefit DigiPen Europe-Bilbao, its students, and the companies involved. This year, we have strengthened ties with the industry through collaborative events such as the Job & Talent Day, Career Fair, and Industrial Day with Vicomtech. These initiatives enable us to connect our students with companies in the sector and expand their network of contacts and professional opportunities. Additionally, activities conducted by experts, like Raúl García’s masterclass, enrich their education and reinforce our role as a bridge between the academic and professional worlds.
10 - Campus Life
At DigiPen, we believe that to provide quality education, the educational environment plays a fundamental role. That is why we place great importance on activities that foster a sense of community.
Throughout the year, with the undeniable participation of the DigiPen Guilds student association, we have enjoyed events such as Halloween Week, the first DigiJam music session, a Valorant tournament, welcome sessions for new students, the Multicultural Day, and even a Hogwarts-style tournament with dozens of activities and games. We definitely know how to have fun!
11 - Alumni Day
The Alumni Day was held for the first time in June, bringing together more than 120 graduates from 10 countries. The day included dynamic round tables, live music, a lively event at a bar, and, above all, a heartwarming day filled with memories of university years.
This gathering allowed alumni to reconnect with peers, professors, and the DigiPen Europe-Bilbao community, celebrating achievements and the growing impact of our education.
12 – Award at the BIG Festival
On December 6 and 7, DigiPen Europe-Bilbao students won the Best Basque Game award with Abyssal at the BIG Conference 2024 in Bilbao. Two more of our games were recognized: Mouse Ventures received nominations for Best Basque Game and Best University Game, and Zima Polaris was nominated for Best Basque Game.
The event also featured the participation of Asier Azkarraga, Director of the Fine Arts and Animation Department, in a roundtable discussion on the Basque audiovisual industry, and Aitor Tejedor, a DigiPen alumnus currently working at Ubisoft, who gave a talk on optimization in video game development, both receiving highly positive feedback for their contributions.
At DigiPen Europe-Bilbao, we remain committed to preparing our students for the professional industry of tomorrow. We are ready for the challenges and successes that 2025 will bring!