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 in step with the creative and technology sectors, launching new degree programmes, expanding its campuses and consolidating an academic offering closely linked to design, innovation and technology.
Over more than three decades, this evolution has been characterised by the creation of pioneering programmes, the international reach of students and alumni, collaboration with institutions and leading figures in the sector, and a constant commitment to anticipating new disciplines and professional profiles. This is the story of how ESNE evolved into UDIT and of the milestones that have shaped the University as it stands today.
1988
The origins of our educational project
ESNE was founded as a business school. This marked the starting point of an educational project that would gradually evolve to meet new professional needs and pave the way for specialised training in design, creativity and technology.
2005
Design is incorporated into the academic programme
ESNE has signed a collaboration agreement with Camilo José Cela University to launch its own degree programmes in Interior Design, Graphic Design, Fashion Design and Video Games. This marks the start of a decisive phase in the institution’s specialisation within the creative industries.
2008
First official university degrees
A new agreement with Camilo José Cela University has made it possible to introduce official university degree programmes. That same year saw the launch of the Official University Degree in Interior Design, the first official degree programme in this discipline in Spain.
2009
A new campus to support our continued growth
ESNE is relocating its headquarters to the campus at 97 Avenida de Alfonso XIII, in Madrid. It is also launching an Official Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design, thereby becoming a pioneering institution by elevating this course to the level of an official university degree.
2010
Pioneers in university-level education in video games
The Official Bachelor’s Degree in Video Game Design and Development has been launched, making it Spain’s first official university degree programme specifically dedicated to the video game sector. The institution is once again leading the way in the transformation of the digital industries.
2011
Digital creativity broadens the range of academic programmes
The launch of the Official Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia and Graphic Design strengthens training in visual communication, graphic design and digital environments. ESNE continues to develop an academic programme linked to developments in creative and technological languages.
2013
Animation comes to the classroom
ESNE is launching a private degree course in Animation, adding a strategic discipline for the film, advertising, video games and digital content creation sectors to its educational offering.
2015
The Higher Vocational Training Centre is launched
The institution is establishing its Centre for Advanced Vocational Training. This new facility broadens the range of training programmes and reinforces a practical, specialised approach that is closely aligned with the real needs of businesses.
2016
A decisive year for institutional consolidation
The Official Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design is approved, the first and only one of its kind in Spain. ESNE also begins the process of becoming an independent private university, holds its first in-house fashion show as part of the official MBFWMadrid calendar, and becomes the first and only university to take part in Casa Decor.
2017
More campuses and greater international reach
ESNE opens the second building on its campus on Avenida de Alfonso XIII. That same year, it joins the Cumulus Association, the international network of higher education institutions specialising in art, design and media.
2019
National and international recognition
ESNE has received a special commendation at the National Innovation and Design Awards, organised by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. On 3 July 2020, the award was presented by Their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain.
The talent of its Product Design students has also been recognised with an international Red Dot Design Award.
2020
Product Design talent triumphs at the Edison Awards
Product Design students have received international recognition at the 2020 Edison Awards. This achievement underscores the ability of projects developed in the classroom to compete in some of the most demanding arenas of design and innovation.
2021
New qualifications and new awards
Official university degree programmes in Fashion Management and Communication and in Audiovisual Design and Illustration are launched. Eight alumni present their portfolios to the Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, whilst the Product Design department wins a German Design Award Special 2021.
2022
UDIT is launched
On 17 February, the Madrid Assembly approved the creation of UDIT, the University of Design, Innovation and Technology. On 28 December, the Governing Council of the Community of Madrid authorised the university to commence operations and approved its organisational and operational regulations.
The institution also opened a new building covering more than 5,000 square metres at 44 Calle Colombia. That same year, Graphic Design students received The Young Ones award in New York for the first time.
2023
A new chapter in university life begins
During the 2023–2024 academic year, ESNE will begin operating as UDIT, the University of Design, Innovation and Technology. The academic programme expands to include 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.
2024
The design and technology ecosystem is growing
UDIT has announced the opening of its International Campus for Technology, Innovation and Applied Sciences at 506 Calle Alcalá, and is incorporating official undergraduate degrees in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and in Full-Stack Development into its academic programme.
The University is also hosting a fashion show at the Palacio de Cibeles, in collaboration with the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum and Madrid City Council; it is sponsoring the ‘From Spain With Design’ exhibition at Matadero Madrid and has won further international Product Design awards in London and Lucerne.
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 students on the Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design, reaches the final of the Crystal Cabin Awards.
That same year, the University inaugurated the International Campus for Technology, Innovation and Applied Sciences alongside José Luis Martínez-Almeida, Mayor of Madrid.
2026
Design with impact and sectoral commitment
UDIT has become the first university to be recognised with a special mention in the Casa Decor Award for Best Original Design. The University is also a member of Alianza por la Lana, an initiative aimed at revitalising the Spanish wool sector, which enjoys the support of Queen Letizia.