For three days, the event at the Palacio de Congresos de Canarias – Auditorio Alfredo Kraus in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria brings together startups, investors, companies, universities, institutions, and agents of the innovation ecosystem. The initiative aims to generate opportunities for investment, funding, collaboration, and business growth.
The inauguration included the participation of Yasmina Newport, president of AJE Canarias; Alfonso Cabello, Vice-Minister of the Presidency and spokesperson for the Government of the Canary Islands; Augusto Hidalgo, counselor of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria; and Pedro Quevedo, councilor of the City Council of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
This year, 35 startups are participating: 15 from Gran Canaria, nine from the rest of the Canary Islands, ten from the Spanish mainland, and one from Uruguay. The event combines an Expo Zone, conferences, round tables, professional meetings, and the Pitch Competition, with a prize of 10,000 euros.
Yasmina Newport highlighted the objective of startups finding contacts and opportunities, while Alfonso Cabello emphasized the diversity of agents to strengthen the internationalization of Canarian talent. Augusto Hidalgo underscored the importance of direct contact with investors, and Pedro Quevedo valued the exchange of experiences and collaboration.
The program includes discussions on innovation in large companies, R&D&I from knowledge centers, Urban and Tourism Sandboxes, new financing lines, and European opportunities. Friday will address new technologies and the Pitch Competition final.
The Expo Zone, open to the public, allows attendees to discover projects, products, and services. Participating entities include the Canarian Confederation of Employers, the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the Technological Institute of the Canary Islands, SODECAN, SPEGC, and PROEXCA.
The Pitch Competition will conclude on Friday with an awards ceremony, featuring a 10,000 euro prize, promoting visibility and funding opportunities for startups.
