- Mindtech, the benchmark trade fair for the Iberian industrial sector to be held in Vigo from 20 to 22 June, will once again host the Mindtech Startup Arena, an exhibition space reserved for startups, incubators and accelerators, which has the backing of the Xunta de Galicia.
- Both entities are also jointly launching the first Mindtech Startup Event (MSE), a competition for startups, open until 21 May, in which they can win prizes of €2,000 and present their project to potential investors at the MSE final, which will take place at the heart of the Mindtech fair.
- The agreement signed by Mindtech and Xunta de Galicia also includes actions dedicated to the virtualisation and internationalisation of the fair, with a special focus on Asian countries.
The Mindtech fair has signed this morning a collaboration agreement with the Xunta de Galicia, through the Igape. Both entities have thus renewed their commitment for this third edition of the fair, which will be held at Ifevi in Vigo from 20 to 22 June.
The agreement includes, on the one hand, a dedicated exhibition space dedicated to startups with very attractive prices for exhibiting, together with a competition in which they can compete for prizes of 2,000 euros. On the other hand, the internationalisation of the fair will be boosted, to bring international delegations from countries with which our industry can open new business.
Justo Sierra, President of Mindtech, expressed his gratitude for the collaboration in such important areas as internationalisation and startups: “Mindtech offers the ideal space for the promotion of startups that our productive fabric needs so much. In addition, this year we are going a step further with the Mindtech Startup Event (MSE), a competition that will recognise the best startup projects to be then welcomed into the productive fabric with much more strength, opting for economic prizes and presenting their project to potential investments within the Mindtech fair”.
Regarding the expectations of the fair, Sierra highlighted that they are very high, being this third edition the consolidation, in which we expect at least 200 exhibitors and 10,000 visitors. Likewise, we are facing a fair that is already well established, a good example of this is that more than half of the exhibitors are from outside Galicia and we already have 10 international delegations from countries that want to do business here, in Galicia, as a gateway to Europe and the hub of the industrial business of the Iberian Pole.
Fernando Guldrís, General Director of Igape, highlighted that “Mindtech is already a benchmark for Galician industry. We are delighted to participate, making it possible for our industrial companies to advance in open innovation with emerging startups. On the other hand, we are working together to promote the fair and ensure that more and more players from abroad get to know our industrial fabric and capacities installed at this fair, which is already consolidated at national and international level”.
MINDTECH STARTUP EVENT (MSE)
This year, Mindtech will host the first edition of the Mindtech Startup Event, a competition looking for startups with the most innovative ideas, capable of transforming Industry 4.0 with a unique technological solution.
The organisation of Mindtech and the MSE is looking for startups that offer innovative solutions in three challenges linked to the current reality of the industrial and technological sector.
- Category 1: Transformation and digitisation of industrial processes. Development of digital technology to enable new capabilities and optimisation of processes in their value chain.
- Category 2: Energy efficiency and reduction of environmental impact. Efficiency solutions and reduction of environmental impact.
- Category 3: Circular Economy in Industry and Sustainability. Solutions that enable inclusive and environmentally sustainable industrial development as well as responsible use of resources.
PHASES AND REQUIREMENTS
Applications for the competition are free of charge and the deadline is open until 21 May. All companies that meet the definition of a startup according to the new law on startups (article 3.1.a) are eligible to apply: startups or companies with less than five years of experience if their activity is general, or seven years for those specific to biotechnology, energy, industrial and other strategic sectors or that have developed their own technology in Spain.
Startups must submit their application via the registration form, which must include a pitch deck and a video pitch.
The jury will select two finalists for each of the categories, who will be offered the opportunity to present their solution/project at the MSE final, which will take place on 21 June at the heart of the Mindtech fair. During the event, renowned experts from the international innovation and industry scene will be speaking.
Awards
The MSE offers a unique opportunity to boost the business capacity of the startups, gain visibility and benefit from open innovation opportunities with the driving companies that will attend the final of the event. The winning companies in each of the categories will receive:
- A cash prize of €2,000.
- Opportunity to present your business idea at the Mindtech 2023 fair.
- Maximum visibility and diffusion in local, regional and national media.
- Networking activity with investors, leading industrial companies and prominent industry benchmarks.
EXPERT JURY
The MSE will have a jury of six experts of recognised prestige in the industrial and technological sector, directors of companies and driving forces in the automotive, naval, aeronautical, machinery-food and technological industries: GKN Driveline, Navantia, Airbus, Jealsa, Inycom and Igape.
STARTUP ARENA
Mindtech promotes with the collaboration of the Xunta de Galicia a dedicated area for startups and innovation, the Mindtech Startup Arena. This is a specific exhibition space for 39 startups, incubators and accelerators of high technological level and with significant growth potential, which can opt for their own stand at very low prices. Startups can apply for their stand through the floor reservation form. Places are limited to 39 subsidised spaces and will be granted in order of registration.