70 corporations seek startup solutions in BIND Corporate, the Basque Government’s initiative

Application period open until September 5 for startups to join BIND Corporate

The application period for the program—which includes projects with Partner companies, mentoring, and connection to the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem—will remain open until September 5.

BIND, the open innovation initiative developed by the Basque Government’s Department of Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability in collaboration with SPRI, is seeking technology startups to develop projects with leading corporate clients in the fields of smart industry, clean energy and sustainability, health, and food.

In its 10th edition, BIND Corporate features leading companies such as Mercedes-Benz, ITP Aero, Iberdrola, Orona, DanobatGroup, Tubos Reunidos, Eroski, Erreka, GHCranes, Arania, Sacyr, and Ulma. The 70 participating companies have identified 12 use cases to work on with startups:

Digitalization and traceability of industrial processes
Automation and robotics for industrial environments
Information management, security, and regulatory compliance
Predictive maintenance and industrial quality control
Logistics optimization and smart supply chain management
Measurement, reduction, and compensation of environmental impact
Energy efficiency and smart consumption management
Renewable energy generation and storage
Circular economy and sustainable waste and resource management
Digital health, advanced diagnostics, and healthcare transformation
Connected and electrified mobility and fleet optimization
Retail optimization and customer experience

AI, IoT and Clean Tech to drive Basque industry

In this new edition, leading industrial companies are looking for the most innovative technology startups to develop projects that foster a more competitive, efficient, and sustainable industry. Areas of particular interest include artificial intelligence, IoT, robotics, immersive technologies, Clean Tech, and Health Tech.

With this 10th edition, BIND consolidates the success of its Corporate program, which already counts more than 320 successful cases of collaboration between startups and Basque corporations. One example is the Biscay-based startup Lowerton, which collaborated during the 9th edition with Ramondin, Talgo, Elecnor, and Enagás to accelerate industrial innovation through its AI-based management platform. “BIND has been the best way to secure our first clients,” said Gorka Muñecas, CEO and Founder of Lowerton.

Another focus of BIND is contributing to a more sustainable industry through the application of new technological solutions. In this field, the Álava-based startup Powerfultree developed, together with Iberdrola, an agrivoltaic system to reduce the carbon footprint of companies and organizations. “This solution fosters the production of renewable technologies alongside agricultural food production without competing for land,” explained Imanol Olaskoaga, CEO of Powerfultree.

Last chance to take part in the 10th edition of BIND

The BIND program is looking for startups with a technology solution already available on the market or in the final stages of development, ready to be implemented in projects with leading Basque companies. Selected startups will benefit from:

Connection to the Basque innovation and new technologies ecosystem: Access to reference companies based in Euskadi and participation in networking activities to foster a more competitive and sustainable industry.
First client opportunities: The chance to implement their innovative technology alongside leading companies, validating its market viability.
Expert mentoring: Support from over 40 specialized mentors in business acceleration, go-to-market strategies for new technologies, open innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Access to investors: Through the BIND Venture Club, an investor network aligned with the accelerator’s areas of specialization, designed to reinforce support services and foster connections between participating startups and specialized investment entities.

Startups interested in joining BIND can apply until September 5 at noon via the program website: bind.spri.eus