About Interconnection Academy
Built by industry and academia, designed for the future of connectivity
Interconnection Academy is a collaborative initiative founded by leading organisations in both industry and academia, bringing together deep technical expertise and academic excellence to shape the future of interconnection education.
The Academy was established through a partnership between DE-CIX, the world’s leading Internet Exchange operator, and Pompeu Fabra University, a globally recognised institution for research and innovation. Together, they have created a structured and forward thinking approach to interconnection education that supports both current professionals and the next generation of talent.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to building accessible, high quality learning that responds to the real needs of the digital ecosystem.
Our Founders
DE-CIX, the world’s leading Internet Exchange (IX) operator, and partner Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) in Barcelona – an institution internationally recognized for excellence in research, innovation, and teaching – have been collaborating since 2022 on a groundbreaking initiative in the field of interconnection. Together, they have established the DE-CIX UPF Global Interconnection Academy, a program designed to standardize education and training for the next generation of interconnection professionals.
About DE-CIX
Founded in 1995 in Germany, DE-CIX (Deutsche Commercial Internet Exchange) is home to the largest neutral interconnection ecosystem in the world. With thousands of connected networks and availability in 600+ data centers across five continents, DE-CIX ensures fast, secure, and reliable data exchange for carriers, ISPs, cloud providers, and enterprises. Its flagship exchange in Frankfurt regularly handles peak traffic exceeding 18 terabits per second, making it one of the most critical hubs of the global Internet infrastructure. DE-CIX’s mission is to build and operate interconnection platforms that empower the digital economy worldwide.
About Pompeu Fabra University (UPF)
Established in 1990, UPF is a public university located in Barcelona and consistently ranked among Spain’s top institutions. It is renowned for its strengths in Economics, Law, Political Science, Communication, and Information & Communication Technologies (ICT). UPF has earned a strong international reputation, appearing in the QS World University Rankings and participating in global networks such as EUTOPIA and The Guild. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research and innovation, UPF has become a leader in shaping highly skilled professionals prepared for the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
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Our Board
The Academy is guided by a board of experienced leaders who bring deep expertise across technology, research and global internet infrastructure. Their combined experience ensures that the Academy remains aligned to industry realities while continuing to innovate in how knowledge is shared and applied.
Ivo Ivanov
Chief Executive Officer, DE-CIX
Chief Executive Officer of DE-CIX and Chair of the Board of the DE-CIX Group AG. Prior to these positions, Ivanov was Chief Operating Officer of DE-CIX and Chief Executive Officer of DE-CIX International, where he was responsible for the global business activities of the world’s leading Internet Exchange operator. Ivanov has more than 20 years of experience in the regulatory, legal, and commercial Internet environment. Having joined DE-CIX in 2007, in recent years he has been deeply involved in the establishment of DE-CIX sites in North and South America, Southern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, as well as several DE-CIX consultancy projects in Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Yolandi Cloete
Interconnection Community and Academy Manager, DE-CIX
Interconnection Community and Academy Manager at DE-CIX, leading global initiatives in education, professional development, and community engagement. With more than a decade of experience in peering, Internet Exchanges, interconnection, and digital infrastructure, she works with industry stakeholders worldwide to strengthen collaboration, promote knowledge sharing, and support the growth of the Internet ecosystem. A regular speaker at industry events, Yolandi is passionate about empowering professionals through education and fostering a more connected digital future.
Miquel Oliver
Professor, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF),
Full Professor in the Department of Information and Communication Technologies at Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), where he leads the Networking and Strategies Research Group (NeTS). He earned his Ph.D. from Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya and has held visiting positions at Rutgers, Columbia, MIT, and Harvard. His research focuses on wireless communications, telecom policy, and the economic impact of technology. Oliver has authored over 120 publications, holds patents, and has received multiple teaching awards. He has also served in senior leadership roles at UPF, including Vice-Rector for Institutional Strategy and Quality, and currently directs the Telefónica Chair on MOOCs.
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Collaborators & Sponsors
We are proud to partner with organizations that share our passion for education and knowledge‑sharing. These collaborators contribute their expertise and support to the Interconnection Academy, helping us ensure that our freely accessible content remains accurate, relevant, and inclusive. Together, we co‑create learning resources with subject matter experts to enhance the Academy’s relevance and diversity. By working hand‑in‑hand, we are building a global knowledge hub that leverages the strengths of experts across disciplines, empowering learners everywhere to shape the future of interconnection.
Collaborators
RIPE NCC is the Regional Internet Registry for Europe, the Middle East and parts of Central Asia, supporting the coordination and resilience of the global Internet. Through its Learning Portal and educational initiatives, RIPE NCC provides training and resources focused on networking, routing security and Internet infrastructure development for technical communities worldwide.
Nomad Futurist is a non profit initiative focused on making digital infrastructure and technology careers more accessible to future generations. Through education, storytelling and industry collaboration, the organisation helps demystify the technologies that power our connected world while inspiring broader participation across the digital infrastructure ecosystem.
Global Cyber Alliance is an international non profit organisation committed to reducing cyber risk and creating a safer Internet for everyone. Through practical training, resources and global collaboration, GCA supports organisations and individuals in strengthening cybersecurity awareness and building more resilient digital environments.
OIX (Open-IX Association) is a global industry association focused on advancing open standards and best practices for Internet exchange points (IXPs), data centers, and digital infrastructure. Through its certification programs, technical standards, and community-led initiatives, OIX provides resources and guidance that support resilient, transparent, and scalable interconnection infrastructure, strengthening connectivity and fostering collaboration across the Internet ecosystem.
Sponsors
The Interconnection Academy is proudly supported by DE-CIX, our founding sponsor. Their commitment reflects a strong belief in giving back to the community by enabling accessible, flexible education for professionals and students worldwide.
“We see this initiative as far more than a sponsorship opportunity. It reflects our commitment to empowering the next generation of learners while contributing to the growth and resilience of the digital ecosystem. By working together, we can create meaningful opportunities that deliver lasting impact,” said Ivo Ivanov, CEO of DE-CIX.
Sponsorship opportunities are open to organizations and businesses that share this vision. By partnering with us, you will help expand access to knowledge, foster innovation, and create lasting value for learners and the broader global community.
