Elena Yndurain
An IE Alum myself, I now teach the Master in Finance at IE University. I earned my bachelor’s degree in the US, then came back to Europe to work in international strategy consulting, and completed the Executive MBA at IE Business School. I’ve always had a love for learning—I also hold a PhD in Telecommunications Engineering and numerous certificates in current industry trends and technologies. I’ve worked in the tech industry for many years now and bring my professional experiences into the classroom as much as possible. Alongside my industry work, I am actively involved in research and scientific outreach.
“I strongly believe that by developing a solid understanding, students entering the workforce can harness technology to drive the evolution of the financial industry.”
Embracing innovation: bringing the latest tech into the Master in Finance
Elena Yndurain’s career has spanned many roles and organizations, but in her own words, she is “a technology strategist specializing in launching emerging technologies and deep tech into the market.” Now, she is bringing her wealth of experience into the classroom as a professor for the Master in Finance at IE University.
Having worked for leading companies such as IBM, Microsoft and Nokia, along with strategy consulting firms like EY, Oliver Wyman and Cap Gemini, Elena is equally comfortable in the tech sector and the business world. She knows every step in the process of bringing technology to the market, from crafting strategies and establishing new business units to introducing innovative products and linking R&D with industry applicability.
As an active professional in the tech industry, Elena’s interest was piqued by IE University’s visionary digital transformation program—she’d not seen anything comparable anywhere else and wanted to be at the forefront of this movement. As a former student herself, she was already familiar with the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit at the core of the IE Community. She began teaching mobile business at IE University in the mid-2000s when that technology was still considered disruptive.
Nowadays, Elena is passionate about advancing the adoption of quantum computing in the tech industry. She works with startups to accelerate their business growth, guides industry corporations in defining their quantum computing journey and educates managers about the practical applications of quantum computing. She says this is a fast-growing industry and she is excited to be a key part of it.
Through Elena’s course on quantum computing, students of the Master in Finance will gain an in-depth understanding of how quantum technology functions. She aims to equip students with the necessary skills to use this innovative technology while providing insights into its practical applications. What’s more, they will benefit from firsthand experiences shared by Elena’s network of industry experts who have applied quantum computing in finance.
Elena is a firm believer in the importance of technology for every aspect of society: “It fosters innovation, creates jobs and boosts long-term economic prosperity.” With this in mind, she says it’s essential for all students to stay at the forefront of technological developments so they can make informed decisions. Elena enjoys challenging herself to stay up-to-date on trending topics and industry developments—something she also encourages her students to do.
In the words of Marie Curie, “Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood.” New technologies bring disruption but also a wealth of opportunities to every industry. Elena knows that by developing a solid understanding, students entering the workforce can harness technology to drive the evolution of the financial industry.
