Prestigious distinction

Miami-Dade County has awarded the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) its Key to the County, one of the most prestigious honours granted by the county government in the state of Florida, United States of America.

The County Mayor, Daniella Levine Cava, presided over the award ceremony, an event that symbolises the trust, appreciation, and admiration of the Miami community towards institutions that stand out for their contributions to social, economic, cultural, and educational development on an international scale.

The Rector, José E. Capilla, and the Vice-Rector for Internationalisation and Communication, José F. Monserrat, received the Key to the County, a distinction that places the UPV alongside a select list of distinguished entities and personalities honoured this week, including Rafa Nadal, Jeff Bezos, Telefónica Tech and Banco Santander.

Recognition of excellence and international cooperation

The presentation of the Key to Miami-Dade County takes place annually and represents an institutional invitation to become part of the civic and economic community of South Florida, one of the global hubs of innovation, technology, and diversity.

The Rector of the UPV, José E. Capilla, stated that 'this is a very special day for the Universitat Politècnica de València. This Key is not just an honour. It is the symbol of a strategic bond between our university and one of the most dynamic regions on the planet, a gateway between Latin America, the United States and Europe'.

For the UPV, this recognition confirms that its model of an innovative and international university committed to sustainable development generates an impact that transcends borders. Miami-Dade is now one of the world's major hubs for innovation, technology and talent.

"The recognition of the UPV here allows us to strengthen ties with its business ecosystem, with leading universities and with cutting-edge research centres. It presents a unique opportunity to open new avenues of cooperation in strategic areas such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, energy transition and smart cities. This Key not only opens the doors to Miami... it opens the doors to the future," emphasised Rector José E. Capilla, upon receiving the award on behalf of the academic institution.

Capilla also added that ‘from Valencia to Miami, the UPV demonstrates that public universities can be agents of global transformation, capable of generating progress and opportunities wherever understanding and cooperation are cultivated,’ and he thanked the Beacon Council, the Miami-Dade County authorities, and all the people who made this recognition possible.

An academic and technological bridge between Valencia and the United States of America

The recognition reinforces the UPV's position as a leading Spanish university in the international sphere and opens new opportunities to expand its global network of collaboration.

The presentation of the Key to Miami County represents a symbolic honour of the highest prestige, as well as a diplomatic, academic and business meeting place between the UPV and one of the most dynamic environments on the American continent.

It also opens new opportunities for patronage and institutional collaboration. The connection with Miami and its international business ecosystem will enable the UPV to attract investment, strengthen philanthropic alliances, and develop joint projects in areas such as education, sustainability, innovation, and technological entrepreneurship. This distinction places the university in a privileged position to build global support networks that drive its social mission and academic leadership.

The award reinforces the university's role as a bridge of knowledge, innovation and culture between Europe and America, and consolidates the internationalisation strategy promoted by the Management Board.