Banco Santander and Startup Valencia have renewed their collaboration agreement for VDS 2025. The bank returns as a Diamond Sponsor of the global tech summit, which will celebrate its eighth edition on October 22–23 at the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia.
With this alliance, Santander—an expert in supporting the growth of startups, scaleups, and entrepreneurial projects at every stage—reaffirms its commitment to talent, technological innovation, and entrepreneurship, both nationally and internationally. Its participation will help showcase the bank’s projects and solutions to the more than 12,000 attendees from 120 countries expected to gather in Valencia for this year’s event.
This marks the third consecutive year Santander partners with VDS to strengthen its presence in the region. In previous editions, the bank has hosted its own dedicated spaces, presented its financial solutions, and featured top-level speakers such as Vala Afshar, Chief Digital Evangelist at Salesforce; Alejandro Mullor, WW Public Sector Digital Strategist and Tourism Lead at Microsoft; Guenia Gawendo, Director of Telefónica Ventures; and Daniel Nieto, Vice President – Global Government Affairs, Policy and Public Sector at Remote, among others.
As in last year’s edition, VDS 2025 will also host the final and awards ceremony of the Santander X Spain Award | Startup & Scaleup 2025, a competition that recognizes and supports high-potential tech-based companies in Spain, with up to €65,000 in prizes for the winners.
Javier Gallardo, Regional Director of Banco Santander for the Valencian Community and the Region of Murcia, stated: “It’s a privilege to support and participate once again in an event that transforms Valencia into a world-class tech hub and global capital of innovation. At Santander, we firmly believe that investing in innovation, entrepreneurship, businesses, and talent means investing in progress, economic growth, and stronger, more competitive, and sustainable societies in an ever-changing global environment.”
Juan Luis Hortelano, President of Startup Valencia, added: “Having the continued support of an institution like Santander is a clear sign of VDS’s growing international recognition. Their presence strengthens our ability to connect talent, investment, and innovation in an open and collaborative ecosystem.”
VDS 2025: Technology, Impact, and Collaboration
Under the theme Symbiosis, VDS 2025 will explore how collaboration between entrepreneurs, technology, and innovation can generate transformative impact and address the key challenges facing society. This vision was inspired by the collective and supportive response following the floods that hit Valencia in October 2024, highlighting how human collaboration combined with technology can foster unity and accelerate recovery. The international tech event will showcase how innovation can make a difference when it’s needed most.
VDS will also cover the latest trends in deep tech and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, virtual and augmented reality, quantum computing, nanotechnology, and photonics. The main themes of this edition will include: Smart Cities & Digital Infrastructure, Next-Gen Consumer Tech, Talent & the Future of Work, HealthTech & Longevity, The Future of Energy & GreenTech, DeepTech & Scientific Innovation, Aerospace Industry, and Defense & Cybersecurity.
About Santander
Santander is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, with a strong presence in Europe and the Americas. Through initiatives like Santander X, the bank drives entrepreneurship and innovation, supporting startups and scaleups with a wide range of non-financial services that in 2024 benefited over 52,500 companies and entrepreneurs. Its Santander Growth program and specialized teams for high-potential startups and businesses enable the bank to offer flexible, innovative, and sustainable financial solutions aligned with its mission to contribute to progress.
About VDS
VDS is one of Europe’s most prominent international tech events. Organized by Startup Valencia, it has positioned Valencia as a global technology hub since its first edition in 2018, attracting industry leaders, top startups and scaleups from around the world, and forward-thinking investors. Year after year, VDS fosters innovation, promotes collaboration, and contributes to the development of a vibrant and sustainable tech ecosystem.
According to a report by EY (Ernst & Young), the seventh edition of VDS generated an economic impact of €20.3 million on the Valencian economy—a 64% increase compared to the 2023 edition, which registered €12.3 million. The study highlights the event’s strategic role as an economic driver and magnet for international investment.
About Startup Valencia
Startup Valencia is a nonprofit organization and the leading association for startups and scaleups in the Valencian Community. It is also one of the largest entrepreneurial communities in Spain, with over 45,000 professionals. The association connects founders at similar growth stages, providing a shared space and strong sense of belonging. Its mission is to foster tech entrepreneurship, support startup growth, and promote a knowledge-based economy with positive and sustainable impact.
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