OUR HISTORY
From ESNE to UDIT: more than three decades promoting design, innovation and technology from Madrid.
A history that defines who we are
UDIT, the University of Design, Innovation and Technology, is the result of a journey that began in Madrid in 1988 with the founding of ESNE. Since then, the institution has evolved alongside the creative and technology industries, introducing new university degree programmes, expanding its campuses and establishing an academic offering closely linked to design, innovation and technology.
Over more than three decades, this evolution has been shaped by the introduction of pioneering programmes, the international achievements of students and alumni, collaboration with institutions and industry leaders, and a continuous commitment to anticipating emerging disciplines and professional roles. This is the story of how ESNE evolved into UDIT and the milestones that have shaped the University we are today.
1988
The origins of our educational project
ESNE is founded as a business school. This marks the starting point of an educational project that will gradually evolve to meet new professional needs and pave the way for specialised education in design, creativity and technology.
2005
Design becomes part of the academic project
ESNE signs a collaboration agreement with Camilo José Cela University to introduce its own qualifications specialising in Design and Video Games. This marks the beginning of a decisive period in the institution's specialisation within the creative industries.
2007
Fashion arrives at ESNE
ESNE welcomes its first cohort of Fashion Design students, offering a rigorous, practical approach focused on creating value for one of Spain's leading industries. This marks the beginning of a successful journey that will establish the institution as a leader in the field.
2008
First official university degrees
A new agreement with Camilo José Cela University enables the introduction of official university degree programmes. That same year, the Official Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design is established, becoming the first official university qualification in this discipline in Spain.
2009
A new campus to support our continued growth
ESNE moves to its new campus at Avenida de Alfonso XIII, 97, in Madrid. The institution also introduces the Official Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design, becoming a pioneer in bringing this discipline into the Spanish official university education system.
2010
Pioneering university education in video games
The Official Bachelor's Degree in Video Game Design and Development is established, becoming Spain's first official university degree specifically dedicated to the video game industry. Once again, the institution anticipates the transformation of the digital industries.
2011
Digital creativity expands our academic offering
The introduction of the Official Bachelor's Degree in Multimedia and Graphic Design strengthens education in visual communication, graphic design and digital environments. ESNE continues to develop an academic portfolio aligned with the evolution of creative and technological disciplines.
2012
Connecting emerging fashion talent worldwide
ESNE launches Entramados, an international showcase for emerging fashion design talent held at IFEMA Madrid. The event brings together work by students from leading international fashion schools, as part of a programme featuring institutions such as Parsons in New York and Central Saint Martins in London, extending ESNE's international reach and its connections with the fashion industry.
2013
Animation comes to the classroom
ESNE introduces its own non-official qualification in Animation, adding a discipline of strategic importance to the film, advertising, video game and digital content creation industries.
2015
The Higher Vocational Education Centre is established
The institution establishes its Higher Vocational Education Centre. This new facility broadens the range of educational pathways available and reinforces a practical, specialised approach closely aligned with the needs of businesses.
2016
A decisive year for institutional development
The Official Bachelor's Degree in Product Design is approved, the first and only qualification of its kind in Spain. The inaugural intake of ESNE's Official Master's Degree in User Experience also begins, marking the institution's first official master's degree and establishing a programme that will become a benchmark in higher education for UX.
ESNE also begins the formal process of becoming an independent private university, stages its first fashion show within the official Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid (MBFWMadrid) calendar and becomes the first and only university institution to participate in Casa Decor.
2017
More campus facilities and a stronger international presence
ESNE opens the second building on its Avenida de Alfonso XIII campus. That same year, it joins the Cumulus Association, an international network of higher education institutions specialising in art, design and media.
The institution also obtains the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE), establishing the framework for participation in European academic mobility and cooperation programmes. This milestone supports the development of ESNE's own internationalisation strategy and helps expand its network of partner universities.
2018
Academic cooperation crosses new borders
ESNE expands its participation in Erasmus+ through a KA107 international mobility project with Mexico, creating new opportunities for student and staff exchanges beyond the programme's European countries. The initiative marks a further step in the institution's internationalisation strategy and strengthens its academic links with Latin America.
2019
National and international recognition
ESNE receives a special commendation at the National Innovation and Design Awards, presented by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. On 3 July 2020, the distinction is formally presented by Their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain.
Its Product Design students also receive an internationally recognised Red Dot Design Award.
The institutional distinction is the Special Mention for Innovation in the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise category.
2020
Product Design talent succeeds at the Edison Awards
Product Design students receive international recognition at the 2020 Edison Awards. This achievement demonstrates the ability of projects developed in the classroom to compete on some of the most demanding stages for design and innovation.
2021
New degree programmes and new distinctions
The Official Bachelor's Degrees in Fashion Management and Communication and in Audiovisual Design and Illustration are established. Eight alumni present their portfolios to Spain's Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, whilst the Product Design area receives a German Design Award Special 2021.
2022
ESNE becomes UDIT
On 17 February, the Assembly of Madrid approves the creation of UDIT, the University of Design, Innovation and Technology. On 28 December, the Governing Council of the Community of Madrid authorises the University to commence its activities and approves its organisational and operational regulations.
The institution also opens a new building spanning more than 5,000 square metres at Calle Colombia, 44. That same year, Graphic Design students receive a prize at The Young Ones Awards in New York for the first time.
2023
A new chapter as an independent university
During the 2023–2024 academic year, ESNE begins operating as UDIT, the University of Design, Innovation and Technology. Its academic offering expands with the Official Bachelor's Degree in Animation, the Official Bachelor's Degree in Advertising and Brand Creation and the Master's Degree in Artificial Intelligence.
This new chapter also strengthens the University's scientific activity. UDIT develops its research infrastructure, holds its first Research and Innovation Day and joins RedOTRI Madrid, the regional network of university research transfer offices. Its participation in the national Metaverso Educativo project further expands applied research into immersive environments and emerging technologies for education.
In the creative field, Multimedia and Graphic Design students and alumni receive one Gold Laus and two Bronze Laus awards, reinforcing their presence in one of the leading competitions for graphic design and visual communication.
2024
Expanding our design and technology ecosystem
UDIT announces the forthcoming opening of its International Campus for Technology, Innovation and Applied Sciences at Calle Alcalá, 506, and introduces official bachelor's degrees in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and Full-Stack Development.
The University also stages a fashion show at the Palacio de Cibeles in collaboration with the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum and Madrid City Council, sponsors the From Spain With Design exhibition at Matadero Madrid and receives further international Product Design awards in London and Lucerne.
The University's academic development receives further external recognition. UDIT achieves the highest QS Stars rating of five stars for teaching and graduate employability, whilst Spain's National Agency for Quality Assessment and Accreditation (ANECA) awards positive evaluations for seven six-year research periods completed by members of its academic staff. The University also receives the Innovative SME Seal in recognition of its research, development and innovation (R&D&I) activities. The building at Calle Colombia, 44, designed by Enrique Barrera, receives second prize at the Architecture Madrid Awards.
Research gains further momentum with the launch of Gender, Design and Innovation (GDI), UDIT's first academic research journal, and the establishment of the Tendam Sustainability Lab. Developed in partnership with the fashion group Tendam and IDavinci, the laboratory promotes applied research, sustainability and the circular economy in the fashion industry.
2025
A new campus and institutional recognition
UDIT receives the Education and Training Award at the Madrid Open Cities Awards. The R.A.I.S.S. project, developed by Bachelor's Degree in Product Design students, reaches the final of the Crystal Cabin Awards.
That same year, the University inaugurates its International Campus for Technology, Innovation and Applied Sciences alongside José Luis Martínez-Almeida, Mayor of Madrid.
UDIT's international presence reaches new heights as Interior Design students exhibit their work at the Venice Architecture Biennale alongside students from the School of Visual Arts in New York. The University also formalises collaboration agreements with University of the Arts London and an academic exchange agreement with London College of Communication, strengthening its international network of partner universities.
Research advances through participation in ENACT, a European project funded under Horizon Europe exploring the relationship between environmental factors, health and artificial intelligence. The University also holds its first International Conference on Design and Innovation (CIDINOVA) and establishes its Research Ethics Committee, reinforcing its commitment to scientific research and knowledge transfer. This progress marks another important step with the presentation of the PhD Programme in Design and Technology Applied to Business, developed in collaboration with the European University of the Atlantic to advance research and its practical application in industry.
Students and alumni continue to achieve national and international recognition. UDIT receives eight distinctions at the Laus Awards, including two Silver and two Bronze awards, whilst Fashion Design student Blanca de Bonrostro wins the Pierre Cardin Young Designers Award for her collection The Rounded Suit. The Tendam Sustainability Lab also receives an award from CompromisoRSE in recognition of its contribution to applied research and sustainability.
2026
Design with impact and a commitment to industry
UDIT becomes the first university to receive a special mention in the Casa Decor Award for Best Original Design. The University also joins Alianza por la Lana, an initiative supported by Queen Letizia that aims to revitalise Spain's wool industry.
The University reaches another milestone in its academic and research development with the arrival of the first cohort of its PhD Programme in Design and Technology Applied to Business, developed in collaboration with the European University of the Atlantic. This progress is complemented by participation in research projects such as NEU4NEU, which explores neuroarchitecture for inclusive educational environments, and CIRTEXCAM, focused on eco-design, recycling and circularity in the textile industry. A research collaboration with the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) further extends the University's activities into preventive conservation of cultural heritage, using chemical sensors and interactive digital environments.
This progress is reflected in the findings presented at UDIT's fourth Research Day, highlighting growth in external research funding, increased participation in competitive national and European funding programmes, and thirteen projects supported through the University's internal research funding programme.
Internationalisation continues to grow with the University's first International Week, bringing together more than 30 participants from 22 universities across 15 countries to exchange knowledge and explore new opportunities for academic cooperation.
UDIT's creative talent also earns further international recognition. Muqaria, a project developed at the University, receives the Outstanding Art Prize at the BioDesign Challenge in New York; five projects by Product Design students win European Product Design Awards; and UDIT alumna Aitana Acevedo receives an iF Design Award for her modular footwear concept, Capsole.