ISBE kicks off: Spain now has a functioning blockchain infrastructure

The Spanish Blockchain Services Infrastructure (ISBE) has started its operations after holding its kick-off ceremony on Thursday 18 December, a public, documented and auditable technical procedure involving the Community of Madrid, Alastria and the companies participating in the project, which included the generation of the master keys and the creation of the blockchain genesis block.

The launch ceremony is not a symbolic act. This is the "starting point" for trust in any blockchain network: where it is proven, with evidence, that no entity can start the network "behind closed doors" or take control. Using a hybrid format with institutional and technical representation at Digitaliza Madrid headquarters and the technical team remotely, the network initialisation process - including key generation, genesis block construction and infrastructure build-up - was carried out following the principles of decentralisation and transparency. Specifically, during the protocol, master key generation and distribution was performed using Shamir's Secret Sharing (SSS), a cryptographic mechanism that splits a secret into fragments and requires a minimum threshold to reconstruct it, avoiding concentration of power and reinforcing operational resilience.

The event was attended by Ignacio Azorín, Director General of Digital Strategy of the Community of Madrid, and Miguel Ángel Domínguez, President of Alastria. The technical protocol was coordinated by Izertis, Telefónica, Indra and ioBuilders. To ensure the integrity of the process, the ceremony had two auditors, Astrea and DigitelTS, a custodian, Onyze, and several observers, both on-site and online, to ensure the correct execution of the ceremony, reinforce trust and facilitate future verifications.

The process included the construction of the genesis block incorporating governance elements from the outset: the "governance diamond" and the initial assignment of roles to operate the two initial networks. The infrastructure thus starts with a clear and verifiable governance structure.

A launch aligned with eIDAS2: just as the EU publishes rules for "Qualified Electronic Ledgers"

This launch coincides with the publication of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2531, which sets reference standards and specifications for Qualified Electronic Ledgers under eIDAS2.

ISBE has been designed and built precisely incorporating this European model: defined governance, segregated roles, distributed control and verifiable start-up, requirements that are the basis of an infrastructure that aspires to cross-border qualification and recognition. Therefore, ISBE is positioned to be the first qualified blockchain network in Europe; networks that have substantive legal effect, presumption of trustworthiness and cross-border recognition.

Impact for businesses and administrations

ISBE is designed to transform the way organisations manage digital data, processes and services. Sectors such as healthcare, tourism, academic certification or public administration can already benefit from an infrastructure that improves efficiency, transparency and security.

For companies, especially SMEs, this means having an environment in which to innovate without facing technical complexities and regulatory uncertainty. For public administrations, it represents a step towards more modern, traceable and secure services.

"Today we are taking a decisive step: ISBE is no longer an infrastructure under construction but a fully operational network. We are building a trusted digital space that boosts business competitiveness and connects Spain to Europe's digital future", says Miguel Ángel Domínguez, president of Alastria.

"With the official launch of the network, we enter a new phase focused on adoption and progressive deployment of use cases. Our goal now is to accompany companies and administrations in the implementation of real solutions that demonstrate the value of ISBE for the economy and public services", concludes Domínguez.