Business Factory Aero opens applications for its 7th edition

Business Factory Aero (BFAero), the business incubator and accelerator promoted by the Xunta de Galicia through the Galician Institute for Economic Promotion (IGAPE) and XesGalicia, launches its 7th edition. The program promotes innovative services and technologies for the aeronautical, aerospace, and unmanned vehicle sectors, attracting new investments and thereby strengthening Galicia’s business ecosystem.

Spain’s top accelerator according to the Funcas ranking
BFAero, recognized as Spain’s best accelerator for the second consecutive year according to the Funcas ranking, has several key features that make it a unique accelerator within the aeronautical and aerospace sector. Its specialized focus, available resources, and connection to the global market set it apart from similar initiatives, offering entrepreneurs an ideal environment for the development and consolidation of their projects.

The seventh edition of BFAero offers projects access to mentors with expertise in areas such as aeronautics, UAV regulations, intellectual property, business management, and marketing, aiming to transform startups into innovative, viable, and scalable companies within the aeronautical and aerospace sectors.

The accelerator provides participants with a unique ecosystem, including specialized training, expert advice, networking, access to investors, and workspaces at the Pazo de Feiras de Lugo, near the Rozas airfield and the Rozas Airport Research Center (CIAR). Additionally, it provides financial support through grants, participatory loans, and potential equity investments, ensuring sustainable growth for the projects.

Economic and industrial impact
BFAero has demonstrated a strong economic and industrial impact in Galicia. Managed by the CEL Iniciativas por Lugo Foundation (FCEL), since its launch in 2018 it has supported 58 projects, created 15 new tech companies, and promoted the relocation of 13 companies to Galicia, mobilizing over €9.2 million in investment and facilitating the creation of more than 230 skilled jobs. The sixth edition closed with a record 110 applications, 57% of which came from national and international entrepreneurs.

Program tracks and funding
The program offers three tracks, adapted to the maturity level of each project:

Incubation, for early-stage projects without a validated value proposition, lasting up to 12 months.
Acceleration, for projects with a developed Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that are making their first sales, lasting 8 months.
Consolidation, for companies with a defined product or service and actual sales that seek to scale their business, lasting up to 6 months.

During the Incubation phase, startups can access funding of up to €40,000 from IGAPE as non-repayable grants. Acceleration-stage projects can receive up to €60,000 in non-repayable funding from IGAPE, along with the possibility of equity participation through a participatory loan of up to €50,000, with the option of conversion to equity via XesGalicia, the investment vehicle of the Xunta de Galicia.

Companies in the Consolidation phase can access up to €30,000 in non-repayable funding from IGAPE. If requested by the company, and within the framework of a financing round, a direct equity investment of up to €250,000 in the company may be considered.

Program schedule and phases
The 7th edition of BFAero began with the call for applications and the registration process, which will remain open until October 30, 2025. After the registration closes, the selection phase will begin, during which applications will be evaluated and projects chosen for entry into the program.

Selected projects will enter the onboarding phase, with 1 month to submit the required documentation, sign the necessary agreements, and complete other procedures related to joining BFAero. Once formalized, the projects will start the Incubation, Acceleration, and Consolidation phases.