Acceleration calls focused on startups and entrepreneurs during the month of October 2019

  • Below are details of each of the open initiatives, which also specify the types of projects they are looking for

The month of September closes with more than 17 acceleration calls specialized in startups and entrepreneurs, which propose different challenges and contests that startups can join. Many corporations such as Abanca, Acciona, Iberdrola, Banco Sabadell, Bankia as well as specialized accelerators have decided to launch their acceleration calls after summer and all of them will coincide with the celebration of the South Summit in Madrid from 2 to 4 October, an important time of the year as the Spanish ecosystem is concentrated throughout the week in Madrid.

Below are details of each of the open initiatives, which also specify the types of projects they are looking for (many of them are sectoral), the registration deadlines set by each program and the direct link to the registration page.

OPEN PROGRAMS

ABANCA has opened the third edition of the ABANCA Innova Program for startups, aimed at any type of startup in the Fintech, Insurtech, Regtech or Cybersecurity sector, from those that are in very early stages to those that are more developed. The objective of the program is to carry out a proof of concept with ABANCA in which the fit of the startup value proposal is validated with both the entity and the market. The call remains open until November 19 and you can apply at this link.

ACCIONA opens a new call for technological companies that can satisfy and add value to the new global challenges brought by the corporation. Through its open innovation platform I’mnovation, ACCIONA seeks solutions and technological partners in business areas in which the company appreciates growth potential linked to digital transformation and the fight against climate change. Companies will have until October 20 and in this edition, ACCIONA will select startups to solve 16 challenges of all its business units, which will be developed mainly in Spain and Chile. You can apply here.

BStartup, the technology-based and digital accelerator of Banco Sabadell, has launched the second call for BStartup Health, a program to support innovative health projects that seeks solutions in the sectors of eHealth, Medical Devices, Diagnosis, Therapeutics & Drugs in pre-seed, seed or early-stage phases, or teams with innovative projects. The deadline for applications is September 30 and you can apply here.

Business Factory Auto (BFA) has approved a new agreement with the Galician Government that guarantees its continuity with three new editions until 2022. Therefore, it will be an engine of wealth for the Community, since it aspires to generate 1,000 qualified jobs and 70 new companies in 2022, in a total of six editions. The registration period is open from the August 2 until the September 27, where those interested will be able to present their candidacy for each innovative project both in the acceleration phase. You can apply here.

BFAero opens its second call for acceleration on October 2. The accelerator specialized in the aeronautical sector launches its second call, through which it seeks, for its incubation and acceleration, projects that provide innovative solutions in the aeronautical sector and unmanned vehicles; its aim is to attract national and international talent to Galicia. Interested initiatives can apply here.

Bankia Fintech is the leading Spanish banking program in its relationship with fintech. In its four previous editions, more than 400 startups from more than 15 countries have participated. The accelerator seeks solutions linked to the sectors of Wealth Management, Cybersecurity, Offices, Open Banking, Biometrics, Rechtech, Employee Relations, Agritech, Risk Lab, Regulatory Reporting, Scoring, Insurtech, Legaltech, Apificación, Data Quality and User Experience. You can apply at this link.

GoHub Tech, Global Omnium’s Open Innovation Hub, has launched an exclusive acceleration program aimed at deeptech startups in the seed or growth phase that require strategic, technological and financial support. Interested parties can apply for access to the program through the website.

Fundación Cotec has opened the deadline for applications for the Pia2019 Challenge, the third call of its Open Innovation Program. Cotec’s objective is to select innovation proposals with which to collaborate, through a contract, to jointly develop projects. Cotec’s support can be financial (up to €40,000) or other (consultancy, communication and public relations, etc.). The call will be open until October 13 and you can apply at this link.

La Nave launches the second call of the La Nave Acceleration Program to startups and entrepreneurs who can apply methodologies adapted to the phases and needs of each of the startups. They are looking for companies related to SmartCity, Health and Biotech, Education and sustainability, bioeconomics and circular economy. Proposals can be submitted before November 11 and you can register here.

Metxa, Bootcamp’s accelerator program aimed at entrepreneurs who want to solve a business challenge as efficiently and quickly as possible, has opened a new call, which will remain open until October 9. The entrepreneurs and startups that participate in the program will be able to solve their business challenge in just ten weeks. In addition, the program includes six months of follow-up to validate the challenge achieved and continue to develop the next business steps. You can apply here.

The Iberdrola group, through its subsidiary Renovables and its international startup program PERSEO, launches Startup Challenge: Cleaning of photovoltaic panels, an international call for companies from all over the world to present sustainable, low-cost waterless solutions to improve the cleaning processes of solar panels in large-scale photovoltaic projects, such as the Núñez de Balboa (Spain) and Hermosillo (Mexico) plants. the registration period is open until October 18 and you can apply via the web.

Mercadona and Lanzadera promote the development of companies capable of contributing to the sustainable development of the food chain in order to respond to society’s growing demand for care for the environment and sustainability.  Both have launched a Corporate Shuttle Program, aimed at innovative entrepreneurs in the following 5 areas: healthy products, energy saving, elimination and reduction of plastics, urban distribution model and waste management. The program will be open until November 4 and you can apply here.

Marina de Empresas has opened the call for Traction, the first incubation program with complete business training free of charge. The entrepreneurial pole is promoted by Juan Roig, President of Mercadona, and is made up of EDEM Business School, the incubator and accelerator Lanzadera and the investment company Angels. Those interested have until November 4 to submit their candidacies, you can apply here.

CBRE, a leading real estate consultancy and services company, has kicked off the third edition of CBRE Proptech Challenge, the first European event to promote digital talent capable of revolutionizing the real estate sector through creative and innovative ideas. In this way, the consultancy offers the possibility for emerging companies in the sector to promote their projects and take advantage of the company’s network, as well as to express their opinion through its new platform. The call is open until November 11 and you can apply here.

SEK Lab, the accelerator for innovative startups in international education, opens the registration period for the 5th call of its acceleration program. The projects must have a product validated in the market, focused on e-Leaning, programming, robotics, 3D, virtual reality, augmented reality, gaming, apps, languages or music, among others. The call is open until October 15 and you can apply here.

Tourism Startups, the call for the second UNWTO Tourism Startup Competition, with the support of Turismo de Portugal, will be launched worldwide and will end on November 15. The winners will be announced on January 21, 2020 during a gala held within the framework of the International Tourism Fair of Madrid (Fitur). You can apply here.

TheCircularLab, the first innovation center on circular economy created in Europe by Ecoembes, have launched a new edition of their Circular Design Challenges, where participants will learn how to apply Google’s Design Sprint methodology in a practical and collaborative way. It will be open until October 5 and you can apply here.

Telefónica Open Future, the global platform for Telefónica’s open innovation area, has opened the registration period for its second open innovation call. Seven of the 19 Open Future hubs in Spain actively join the call, to receive the best ideas that respond to the technological proposals published in the legal bases of the call. Those interested can register for Telefónica’s calls for proposals through this link and the Andalusia Open Future’s Connected Car challenge on its website.