n front of more than a hundred people, including the Secretary of State for Defense, the Mayor of Vigo, institutional leaders, military commanders, and business organizations and representatives, Zona Franca de Vigo and ASIME, through their Security and Defense group SECDEFENSE, have presented what will become Spain’s first Accelerator for Innovation, Business Development, and Internationalization in the field of Security and Defense.
As highlighted by the State Delegate in the Consortium, David Regades, and ASIME President Justo Sierra, who signed the agreement, this project aims to become a benchmark in promoting open and disruptive innovation in the sector. It seeks to leverage Galicia’s strong industrial ecosystem and meet the need for new European strategic projects in partnership with leading companies and organizations, especially given the current geopolitical context.
This event marks the launch of the first business accelerator specialized in security and defense, designed to support industrial and technology companies in their growth, positioning, and access to opportunities in a high-value sector with increasing national and international relevance. Its goal is to boost the strategic positioning of Galicia’s security and defense industry by providing a complementary support tool for the industrial ecosystem, assisting companies and projects in key areas such as technological development, innovation, financing, preparation for participation in strategic value chains, and connections with major flagship programs, with special attention to dual-use technologies.
The event was closed by Amparo Valcarce, Secretary of State for Defense:
“This is an innovative industry, open and connected to the territory, with an international vocation, capable of facing the challenges confronting our country, the European Union, and NATO.” Valcarce emphasized that “this accelerator not only supports projects, it builds value chains with an industrial vision. The leadership of Zona Franca de Vigo and ASIME’s role as sector coordinator form a solid trio, reinforcing the shared approach of the Ministry of Defense, with policies strongly rooted in the territory, achieving greater social cohesion.”
Valcarce highlighted the ambitious modernization program for the armed forces launched by the Ministry, with an investment of €322 million: “It is a roadmap to promote modern, interoperable, and sustainable capabilities, while strengthening the technological and industrial defense base. We are investing in leading companies like UROVESA, Indra, and Navantia, while also integrating SMEs and startups, with dual-use innovation—civil and military—and creating skilled employment, especially for new generations and to sustain the welfare state. Without a doubt, Galicia’s industry is ready to play a leading role in these national defense programs.”
David Regades, Special State Delegate at CZFV, stated: “This accelerator will offer entrepreneurs a specialized environment connected to innovation, industry, and talent. At Zona Franca, we are more than prepared to take on this challenge, with our experience in multiple accelerators, through which we have created over 520 companies. We have been supporting new ideas and startups for years, guiding them until they can stand on their own, and also financing them through our venture capital entity.”
Justo Sierra, ASIME President, added: “At the European level, we must strengthen our autonomy and deterrence capacity. This is the moment to take a technological leap based on our industrial sector, coordinated through public-private collaboration. In Galicia, we have an ecosystem capable of covering almost the entire security and defense value chain. Currently, around 30 Galician companies already operate in this area, generating 3,500 jobs, but ASIME aims to involve 150 companies over the next 10 years, which could generate up to 5,000 new jobs in Galicia.”
Carmela Silva, First Deputy Mayor and Senator, said: “Today is an important day because it marks the launch of a project that symbolizes a profound paradigm shift in how we understand economic development, industrial policy, and the future of our country. We live in a complex global environment that demands serious, strategic, and long-term solutions, such as this accelerator, through which Vigo and Galicia demonstrate their leading role in the country’s future projects.”
Finally, Abel Caballero, Mayor of Vigo, highlighted: “This accelerator is a major alliance between a business association and public institutions—a key collaboration not only in defense but also in security, which is an even broader concept affecting society as a whole. This initiative supports companies’ enormous efforts to advance their projects, integrating the challenges of new technologies. Our strength lies in unity; technology is stronger if we have social cohesion.”
ASIME will take an active co-leadership role, together with CZFV and Vigo Activo, participating in program management and project support, as well as facilitating connections with leading companies, technology centers, and other relevant industrial ecosystem players. This is crucial to reduce the barriers faced by SMEs when joining the value chain, from sector knowledge to obtaining certifications.
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Methodology:
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Process:
Up to 20 projects will be selected to participate in a Demo Day before the Technical Committee. After this event, where project promoters present their proposals, up to 10 projects will be selected to join the Accelerator.
The program will have two phases:
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