Last chance to submit your proposal to be a speaker at VDS2023
VDS2023 seeks to demonstrate how we can build a better future through innovation and technological advances, and it will do so with the help of great leaders and inspiring personalities.
The internationally recognised tech event, scheduled for the 26th and 27th of October at the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, will provide a platform for over 250 speakers to share their wealth of experience and knowledge and address the foremost social and economic challenges of the future. The sixth edition of the entrepreneurial ecosystem’s annual gathering will feature tech leaders and individuals seeking to encourage restless minds to build a better tomorrow.
You still have time to join the prestigious voices that have graced Valencia Digital Summit across all its editions. With a trajectory spanning five years, the event has seen the participation of over 900 speakers, including prominent figures like leaders from world-renowned companies such as Airbus, Google and Amazon, as well as successful startups such as Fever, Jobandtalent and Zeleros.
In the previous edition, held last December, the summit convened notable speakers such as Sebastian Greiss, Head of Startup Partnering at Siemens Mobility; Mike Butcher, Editor-at-large at TechCrunch; Elias Veris, Head of Global Operations at Google for Startups; Mariano Amartino, Americas Managing Director at Microsoft for Startups, and Ann Hiatt, leadership strategist with more than 15 years of experience in Silicon Valley as Executive Business Partner of Jeff Bezos (founder and CEO of Amazon) and Eric Schmidt (CEO/Executive Chairman of Google).
The sixth edition of Valencia Digital Summit is expected to draw over 10,000 attendees from more than 80 countries, attract over 400 international investors with an investment portfolio exceeding €8 billion, and bring together more than 1,500 startups.
We want you!
VDS2023 is seeking exceptional and innovative leaders who share our vision of inspiring and connecting like-minded tech enthusiasts. The event will delve into various topics, including mobility, sustainability, the future of work, the role of women in the technology sector, longevity, and the impact of technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain on our lives.
If you believe you have the potential to shape the future of tech and contribute to building a better tomorrow, we invite you to submit your proposal to become a speaker at Valencia Digital Summit 2023.
The submission deadline for proposals is the 15th of June, 2023, and we will start communicating the acceptance of selected proposals from the 30th of June onwards.
Become a sponsor or
exhibitor of VDS2023
Become a sponsor or
exhibitor of VDS2023
Artificial intelligence, mobility, and sustainability, the main topics of Valencia Digital Summit 2023
Valencia Digital Summit 2023 aims to examine, through its programme, the major social challenges that our society is facing. Under the slogan 'Building the Good Future', the event will bring together the global economic and tech elite to address pressing issues that play a pivotal role in shaping a brighter future.
VDS2023 also aims to foster engaging debates surrounding the latest tech advances, particularly those with significant social implications. One such technology that has made a profound impact is artificial intelligence, which is already transforming various aspects of our lives. The convention will delve into crucial topics including regulation, investment, new applications, limitations, and security.
VDS2023 will not only focus on artificial intelligence but also delve into various other important topics. Mobility, sustainability, the future of work and the role of women in tech will be explored through presentations and various expert panels. On the 26th and 27th of October, the City of Arts and Sciences will host the sixth edition of Valencia Digital Summit, bringing together internationally renowned leaders to explore the influence of technology on our lives and to emphasise how innovation plays a pivotal role in shaping a better future.
The event will also address the growing interest in achieving longer and healthier lives, highlighting how technology and advances in nutrition contribute to longevity. Furthermore, emerging trends in work structures will also be explored: the current generation is driving changes to traditional work models, and VDS2023 will provide insights into how these transformations will shape the future of work.
Regarding sustainability, Valencia Digital Summit aims to address the need to minimise the environmental impact on the development of life through energy efficiency solutions, new energy sources, and smarter, more sustainable mobility.
The latest technological advances to be debated
Blockchain technology and its impact on the field of finance will be another prominent topics in the event's programme. The discussion will revolve around the transformative potential of new assets, such as cryptocurrencies, in democratising the financial sector and revolutionising our relationship with money.
The analysis of the gender gap in the tech field will also hold significant importance at the summit, with the goal of highlighting the role of women in this sector and boosting their visibility.
According to Juan Luis Hortelano, President of Startup Valencia and the organiser of the event, Valencia Digital Summit is set to be a unique gathering that seeks to find solutions for the challenges of tomorrow. "The future is already here, and VDS2023 provides a valuable opportunity to understand and shape what lies ahead", he remarks.
About VDS2023
Once again, this year's Valencia Digital Summit is expected to attract over 10,000 attendees from over 80 countries, as well as welcoming more than 400 international investors boasting an investment portfolio exceeding €8 billion. With a lineup featuring internationally renowned speakers, the summit will serve as a platform for over 1,500 startups to connect and collaborate.
During the week of VDS2023, the city will transform into the global epicentre of innovation, solidifying the Valencian ecosystem’s position on the world stage. The event will shine a spotlight on regional startups, such as Igenomix, PLD Space, Zeleros, Voicemod, Quibim, Internxt, Sesame, ClimateTrade, Sales Layer, ARTHEx Biotech, Fourvenues, and many more.
In the last few years, the international summit has experienced exponential growth: since its inaugural edition in 2018, it has witnessed a 1,500% increase in the number of attendees. This growth has played a crucial role in establishing the Valencian tech and innovation ecosystem as the third largest in the country in terms of investment volume, with over 1,200 startups and an investment of over €700 million in recent years.
The previous edition, held in October 2022 at the City of Arts and Sciences, achieved incredible milestones. The event set a new record with over 12,000 attendees, a third of whom were CEOs or founders, and generated a turnover exceeding €10 million. Furthermore, in terms of international participation, more than 20% of the attendees came from over 70 different countries.
This fifth edition was attended by various global tech and innovation experts, such as Elias Veris, Head of Global Operations at Google for Startups; Sebastian Greiss, Head of Startup Partnering at Siemens Mobility; Mariano Amartino, Americas Managing Director at Microsoft for Startups, and Ann Hiatt, a renowned leadership strategist with over 15 years of experience in Silicon Valley as an Executive Business partner to Jeff Bezos (Founder and CEO of Amazon) and Eric Schmidt (CEO/Executive chairman of Google).
Become a sponsor or
exhibitor of VDS2023
Become a sponsor or
exhibitor of VDS2023
VDS2023: Attracting intercontinental talent and investment
The tech and innovation ecosystems of Valencia and Miami share numerous similarities in terms of their evolution, context, and size. This connection has led to the establishment of a business bridge, which has been serving as a gateway for European startups to access the United States and Latin American markets, while also providing American startups with direct entry into the European market.
Startup Valencia has actively organised and collaborated on activities and missions to Miami, aiming to introduce Valencian startups to the US ecosystem. Within the framework of VDS in December 2021, the 'Miami Valencia Forum' was organised, generating significant interest on both sides of the Atlantic. Building on this, in April 2022, with the support of IVACE and ICEX, Startup Valencia facilitated the participation of seven Valencian startups in eMerge Americas, the leading tech event in Miami that convenes experts from the global tech entrepreneurship sector.
In October 2022, a business mission organised by Hospitality Ventures in collaboration with Startup Valencia brought together an additional 18 Valencian startups. More recently, in April 2023, Miami witnessed the arrival of 40 companies from the Valencian ecosystem, comprising a mix of startups and other agents.
During this third entrepreneurial expedition, over 300 members of the Miami ecosystem had the opportunity to engage with participants from the Valencian expedition. With a carefully planned agenda, the companies were able to connect with American and Latin American investment funds, successful entrepreneurs based in Miami, as well as renowned professionals in the legal and banking sectors, who provided valuable advice on growing their businesses in America.
La Terminal: The new tech hub of the Valencian ecosystem
These types of missions are enriching for all parties involved, as they multiply business opportunities by establishing connections and collaborations between different ecosystems. So, why don't we initiate them on our own turf?
The first quarter of 2024 will mark the inauguration of La Terminal, the tech hub promoted by Startup Valencia and located in La Marina, which will represent an investment of over three million euros for Valencia Innovation District, the company awarded the 35-year concession. Its partners include Ángela Pérez, Founder of Health in Code; Iker Marcaide, Founder of Zubi Group; Quique Calabuig, Founder of Kaiho Capital; Ricardo Orts, architect and industrial engineer of the project; Isabel Úbeda, Founder of Inversiones L'Anella; Raúl Mir, Founder of Ángela IE, and the Valencian Startup Association.
Situated adjacent to the Clock Building in the heart of Valencia's innovation district, this expansive space will cover over 5,000 square metres and will house over 500 highly skilled professionals. It will serve as a centre for fostering open innovation projects, and above all, it will establish the Valencia brand as a leading tech hub on a local, national and global scale.
La Terminal will attract international expeditions and delegations and will showcase our ecosystem, the endeavours of our entrepreneurs, the talent that is being nurtured in the region, and the disruptive and cutting-edge projects that are being developed. Startups and investors from across the globe, as well as multinationals and other agents that can inspire us or with whom we can establish commercial partnerships, will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the inner workings of our ecosystem.
Furthermore, meetings and gatherings will be held with representatives of other tech ecosystems. It will serve as the starting point for the business bridge connecting Miami and Valencia, acting as a port of departure for collaboration and exchange, as well as a gateway to Europe for Latin American and American entrepreneurs.
VDS puts Valencia's innovative ecosystem on the world map
Valencia Digital Summit, the Valencian region’s flagship tech event that has positioned itself as a global benchmark and is already attracting intercontinental talent and investment, will serve as a showcase for the new tech hub. Through its five editions, VDS has effectively placed the region on the international map and brought significant visibility to the work being done within its innovative framework, attracting foreign investment and garnering the interest of corporations worldwide.
Efforts have been made to strengthen the connection across the Atlantic through the 'Miami Valencia Forum', which established a collaboration channel between the two cities, enabling the exchange of talent and investment and the exploration of international business opportunities.
The upcoming sixth edition of Valencia Digital Summit, to be held from the 26th to the 27th of October at the City of Arts and Sciences, presents a new opportunity to catch the eye of the US and Latin American ecosystems. The event will serve as a platform to promote the internationalisation of our local startups, as well as the growth of the city as a benchmark in tech and innovation.
Become a sponsor or
exhibitor of VDS2023
Become a sponsor or
exhibitor of VDS2023
Top 20 tech events from around the world
The range of international tech events is growing rapidly, providing valuable opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing. These events offer a host of benefits including inspiring leaders, pitch competitions, expert panels, exhibition areas, and engaging presentations.
However, until the day when humanity discovers the secret to being in multiple places at once, the wide array of tech summits happening simultaneously makes it virtually impossible to attend them all.
To make things easier for you, Startup Valencia has compiled a list of the top 20 tech events around the world that you simply cannot afford to miss. This international journey is tailored specifically for entrepreneurs and startups seeking to expand their horizons, are you ready?
Arctic15
Arctic15 is a networking event for startups in the Nordic and Baltic countries with a strong emphasis on fostering meaningful connections and driving business opportunities.
Scheduled to be held on the 1st and 2nd of June in Helsinki, Finland, Arctic15 is expected to attract over 2,000 attendees, most of which will be key players in the ecosystem promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.
Asia Tech x Singapore (ATxSG)
This is the flagship tech event on the Asian continent and is held in Singapore. The upcoming edition of ATxSG is scheduled for the 6th through to the 9th of June and promises to be a gathering of the brightest minds in the industry. Attendees can look forward to thought-provoking presentations, lively round-table discussions, and other events centred on the rapidly-evolving landscape of technology and telecommunications. Among these events are BroadcastAsia, CommunicAsia, SatelliteAsia, TechXLR8 Asia, and Innovfest x Elevating Founders.
Over 17,000 participants, 600 exhibitors and sponsors, and 350 speakers are expected to attend, offering a staggering 120 hours of content.
Bits & Pretzels
What started as a breakfast meeting for entrepreneurs in Munich's innovation ecosystem has blossomed into an international event for founders and startups, boasting over 500 speakers, 1,000 investors, 300 exhibitors and 5,000 attendees.
The Bits & Pretzels programme features a dynamic mix of networking opportunities, workshops, discussion forums, and presentations showcasing startups and industry experiences. The event is held from the 24th to the 26th of September in Munich, Germany, and coincides with the world-famous Oktoberfest, adding a fun twist of beer and sausages to the networking event.
In addition, the event's Healthtech satellite conference will be held on the 20th and 21st of June, bringing together key players in the pharmaceutical industry, medical technology professionals, startups, and politicians with the aim of improving the future of healthcare.
CES
CES, organised by the Consumer Technology Association, is the world's largest consumer technology trade show. The event takes place annually in Las Vegas, USA, and its most recent edition from the 5th to the 8th of January attracted over 115,000 attendees and 3,200 exhibitors, including tech giants like Abbott, Amazon, Bosch, BMW, Canon, Delta, Google, Hisense, John Deere, LG Electronics, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony, and Stellantis.
The next edition of this US tech event will be held from the 9th to the 12th of January 2024.
DLD Tel Aviv
The DLD Tel Aviv Innovation Festival is an annual event in Tel Aviv, Israel, that convenes corporations, startups, investors, and entrepreneurs to explore the evolving landscape of technology and its global ecosystem. In its most recent edition, held in February 2023, the event covered a wide range of innovation-related topics, including FoodTech, Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, Cybersecurity, Fintech, and Smart Cities.
eMerge Americas
eMerge Americas is the leading meeting point for the innovation ecosystems of Latin America and the United States. The event, held annually in Miami, USA, showcases the latest advances in technology through interactive exhibitions, live workshops and product demonstrations. In its most recent edition on the 20th and 21st of April, eMerge Americas drew over 20,000 attendees from across various tech and innovation sectors, including representatives from other tech hubs like Valencia.
The 2024 edition of the tech event will take place on the 18th and 19th of April in Florida’s biggest city, Miami.
London Tech Week
This global event marks its 10th anniversary in 2023, expecting to draw over 20,000 attendees to London, England, from the 12th to the 16th. It aims to showcase the profound impact of technology on businesses and society, while serving as a platform for the innovation ecosystem to collaborate and drive change.
London Tech Week will connect startup founders, corporate leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, venture capital funds, and the next generation of tech unicorns.
Mobile World Congress (MWC)
Barcelona, Spain, plays host to the largest mobile technology event in the world, which took place from the 27th of February to the 2nd of March 2023. MWC welcomed more than 88,500 attendees from 202 countries, over 2,400 exhibitors, sponsors, and partners, as well as more than 1,000 speakers and thought leaders.
4YFN, a startup event designed to connect entrepreneurs and investors, is also part of MWC, and in the last edition, it boasted nearly 800 exhibitors, over 375 speakers, and more than 250 pitching sessions.
MWC Barcelona 2024 will be held from the 26th to the 29th of February.
Slush
Slush is a global event held annually in Helsinki, Finland, that connects entrepreneurs, investors, and startups to share knowledge and experiences. The event focuses on offering advice and lessons for creating companies, and also provides opportunities to connect with investors through presentations and roundtable discussions.
The upcoming edition is scheduled for the 30th of November to the 1st of December and is expected to attract 5,000 entrepreneurs and 3,000 investors.
Sónar+D
Sónar+D is an international gathering that explores the intersection of art, science, and digital culture. Through talks, masterclasses, and exhibitions, it delves into the influence of creativity on social change and its connection to technology. This event takes place in Barcelona, Spain, as part of the Sónar festival. This year, the festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary and will be held from the 16th to the 17th of June, and attracted more than 122,000 attendees in its previous edition.
The Sónar+D programme will feature more than 50 activities and will focus on the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the arts and creative processes.
South Summit
South Summit is a major technology event in southern Europe, held annually in Madrid, Spain. It serves as a meeting point for startups, investors, corporations, and public agents from the innovation ecosystem, facilitating connections and discussions on the latest trends and challenges in the field.
The event, which brings together more than 6,000 startups and 1,800 investors every year, will hold its eleventh edition from the 7th to the 9th of June.
In 2017, South Summit expanded to Latin America and has since been organising satellite editions in Brazil. The next one is scheduled to take place in Porto Alegre, though the exact date is yet to be announced.
Startup Grind Global Conference
Startup Grind Global Conference is an annual event that unites the world's leading startups, fostering collaboration and paving the way for the future. Held in Silicon Valley, USA, this conference offers a diverse range of practical panels and workshops led by founders, investors, and innovators from renowned brands.
The most recent edition of this conference took place on the 11th and 12th of April this year.
SXSW
SXSW is a renowned event that takes place in Austin, Texas, USA, where technology, film, music, education, and culture intersect. The event, which occurred last March, featured a conference for digital creatives, highlighting the latest advancements in technology, film, culture, and music. It also encompassed various festivals dedicated to film, television, music, and comedy.
The next edition of this tech event will be held from the 8th to the 16th of March 2024 and is expected to draw 42,500 attendees.
TechChill
TechChill serves as the hub for the Baltic tech sector, fostering entrepreneurial innovation in Riga, Latvia. This dynamic event brings together a diverse range of local and international investors, founders, and ecosystem players for three days of impactful talks, engaging workshops, and expert panels, along with ample opportunities for networking.
In its most recent edition from April 26th to 28th, TechChill attracted over 2,300 attendees.
TechCrunch Disrupt
From the 19th to the 21st of September, San Francisco, USA, will be the host of this prominent startup event that convenes entrepreneurs, investors, and influential figures from the world of tech and innovation. TechCrunch Disrupt offers inspiring talks, networking opportunities, and exhibitions featuring the most disruptive startups on the global stage.
This event also serves as the host of the renowned Startup Battlefield 200, a startup competition that showcases the top 200 startups across various industries.
The Next Web (TNW)
TNW is a tech event powered and promoted by the Financial Times taking place in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on the 15th and 16th of June. With an expected attendance of over 10,000, the event serves as a convergence point for startups, investors, corporations, and governments to explore how technology can effectively address current and future challenges.
The Next Web offers a thoughtfully curated programme that focuses on topics with significant societal impact, along with a festive atmosphere, inspirational talks and large networking spaces.
The burgeoning innovation ecosystem in Valencia has gained recognition, leading to the successful hosting of the inaugural TNW satellite event outside of the Netherlands. The first edition of TNW Valencia, in collaboration with Startup Valencia, was held on the 30th and 31st of March, attracting over 2,000 attendees, more than 100 speakers, and showcasing over 350 startups. Following its triumphant launch, the satellite edition of this technology event is set to return to Valencia on the 11th and 12th of April 2024.
TOA Festival
Every summer, Berlin, Germany, brings together entrepreneurs, corporations and tech leaders at the TOA Festival, a gathering to discuss how technology can transform relationships, work and life. The next edition will take place from the 5th to the 7th of July and is expected to draw a crowd of over 5,000 attendees.
Viva Technology
The event Viva Technology, held annually in Paris, France, brings together over 91,000 attendees, including startups, tech leaders, large companies, international investors and public bodies, to address current challenges and propose solutions for businesses and society.
The upcoming 2023 edition, scheduled from June 14th to 17th, will focus on several themes such as the impact of Artificial Intelligence, technological solutions to combat climate change, inclusion and diversity, and the future of sports. The latter theme aims to bring together the technology and sports ecosystems one year before Paris hosts the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Web Summit
Lisbon, Portugal, is set to host this summit that brings together multinationals, renowned leaders, startups, and investors, all with the aim of generating synergies and business opportunities. Web Summit boasts a comprehensive program that addresses technological developments across all industries, featuring engaging round table discussions and inspiring presentations.
The upcoming edition of this event is expected to attract over 70,000 attendees and will take place from the 13th to the 16th of November in Lisbon.
We Make Future (WMF)
The festival We Make Future, held in Rimini, Italy, from the 15th to the 17th of June, is a dynamic convergence point for students, startups, companies, public bodies, and non-profit organisations such as Startup Valencia, which will showcase its member startups. With a mission to shape the future through innovation, education, and culture, this technology-focused event is expected to draw over 60,000 attendees.
Bonus track: VDS (Valencia Digital Summit)
Valencia Digital Summit has established itself as a prominent fixture in the global tech event calendar, regarded as a must-attend gathering for entrepreneurs, startups, corporations, and investors from around the world.
Scheduled for its highly anticipated sixth edition on the 26th and 27th of October, Valencia Digital Summit will showcase the influence of technology, innovation, and digitalisation in shaping and positively impacting society, as well as shedding light on the crucial role these factors play in addressing the major social and economic challenges of our time.
Under the slogan Building the Good Future, VDS2023 also aims to highlight the Valencia-Miami-Latam axis as a business gateway for startups and investors committed to driving technological innovation for a better future.
The event aims to attract over 10,000 attendees from 80+ countries and facilitate an investment portfolio exceeding €8 billion. The programme will feature over 250 internationally renowned speakers and will bring together over 1,500 startups.
Become a sponsor or
exhibitor of VDS2023
Become a sponsor or
exhibitor of VDS2023
Discover the 30 finalists from the last editions of the VDS Competition
Valencia Digital Summit, the tech event promoted by Startup Valencia in collaboration with Plug and Play, is on a mission to seek out the most innovative startups with the potential to create a positive impact and build a better future. As the VDS Competition enters its fourth consecutive year, it has grown exponentially in popularity, attracting over 500 applications from 35 countries in the last year alone.
For startups seeking valuable experience and exposure, pitching at an internationally renowned tech event such as VDS is an unparalleled opportunity. With an audience of over 10,000 people, participating startups get to showcase their projects and compete for exciting prizes and incentives.
With the launch of the VDS Competition for VDS2023, now is the perfect time to discover the 30 finalists from the past three editions.
Finalists of last year’s edition
- Arkadia Space. This tech company from Castellón, led by Francho García, specialises in designing, developing and marketing engines and propulsion systems, and was named the most innovative startup in the Valencian Community by CaixaBank's EmprendeXXI Awards.
- Mojito360. This Valencian company has developed software that integrates all logistics areas and enables real-time monitoring of containers being transported by shipping companies and airlines.
- Trebellar (Best Startup Seed). Founded by two Florida-based Spaniards, it won the award for Best Startup Seed at the fifth edition of the Valencia Digital Summit for its platform that unifies and analyses the data generated by buildings, making them more efficient and sustainable.
- Exheus. Founded by Dr. Teresa Tarragó, this startup specialises in RNA analysis using Artificial Intelligence. In 2022, the company raised €900,000 in funding and is now preparing to expand into the international market.
- Reental. Leveraging blockchain technology and tokenisation to sell the first crypto-financed property in Spain, this startup launched by Eric Sánchez was also the largest tokenised real estate project in the country.
- Proky. A Slovakian procurement startup for catering and hospitality professionals that helps hotels, restaurants and schools save time, costs and reduce food waste by digitising their supply chains.
- Delivers.AI (Best Startup Growth). This Turkish startup, with offices in London, Istanbul and Dubai, was awarded the title of Best Startup Growth at VDS2022 Competition for its innovative robot that provides on-demand delivery service for food, groceries and parcels.
- Drill Surgeries. Moisés Barberá, a young entrepreneur from Valencia, leads this startup that focuses on developing medical devices. In 2022, the company won the Tata Varsity Pitch 2022 Grand Final, promoted by NACUE.
- BizAway: This Italian startup offers a platform for managing business trips that provides average savings of 25% in commercial costs compared to the market price of the same booking, as well as greater time optimisation.
- IDnow. This French startup has developed a platform that enables digital identity verification or electronic signature of contracts through a mobile device or computer.
The startups we discovered in 2021
- Dative.io. This data-driven marketing platform based in Madrid received a special mention at the 2021 Capital4Startups Pitch Day organised by Startup Valencia for its API-enabled digital rewards service.
- Streamion (Best Startup Seed). This startup provides an advertising platform for live streaming channels and VOD platforms, facilitating connections between advertisers and streamers. It won Best Startup Seed at the 2021 VDS Competition and was one of the finalists at the 10th edition of South Summit.
- Wenalyze. The open data analytics platform for the insurance and banking sector was named Best Startup at the 6th edition of the VLC Startup Awards and was the winner of the 2021 Capital4Startups Pitch Day organised by Startup Valencia. It raised €1.7 million in a funding round in March 2022.
- Decoditive. This startup applies Artificial Intelligence in the field of neuromarketing to help companies improve their understanding of their customers, increase sales, and launch more precise campaigns.
- Fauna Smart Technologies. A startup that develops tools and services aimed at promoting more sustainable agricultural practices and making food cultivation compatible with ecosystem regeneration.
- Breeze Technologies. An environmental consultancy firm based in Hamburg, Germany, that uses environmental sensors to measure air quality and analyse the data in real time. The startup won the pitch competition held by Santander X at Web Summit Lisbon.
- 1 Million Bot. This Alicante-based startup is a leader in the field of Artificial Intelligence, specifically in the development of virtual assistants (AVIs) for both the public and private sector. They were the first tech company to integrate their conversational chatbots into Decentraland, a virtual reality platform.
- Zeleros. This startup, named the most disruptive at South Summit Madrid 2022, specialises in designing, developing, manufacturing and supplying hyperloop vehicles for intercity passenger and freight transport. It recently received the Generalitat Valenciana Award for the Most Innovative Project for the Future of Mobility at the 2023 eMobility Innovation Awards.
- BusUp. An innovative ridesharing platform that works with corporations, universities and schools to manage bus travel programmes for their employees and students.
- Nect (Best Startup Growth). Awarded the title of Best Startup Growth at VDS2021, Nect is an AI-based application that provides automated, online identity verification services.
The winners in 2020
- actiMirror. The Hong Kong-based company led by Valencian Víctor Ruiz, focused on producing smart mirrors, has recently started a collaboration with MartiDerm to develop a mirror that can diagnose skin conditions and suggest cosmetic treatments.
- AllRead. A Catalan startup specialising in computer vision technology that provides intelligent reading solutions for supply chains worldwide. In the last quarter of 2022, the company closed a financing round of €2.5 million with the goal of expanding its presence in Spain, Europe and Latin America.
- Aunoa. A Valencian startup specialising in developing software for customer service automation using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP).
- Camillion. A Mexico-based startup founded by Valencian Adrián Doménech that has developed an internal audio and video messaging app for sales and distributed teams. At the start of 2023, the company secured €1.8 million in funding to support its expansion plans.
- Doitplenoptic. A spin-off of the University of Valencia that has developed plenoptic technology to create intelligent products for a variety of applications, including clinical, biological, and industrial uses.
- GuruWalk. The international free tour community that connects travellers with local guides around the world was the winner in the Traveltech/Tourism category at the 6th edition of the VLC Startup Awards.
- Internxt. Fran Villalba's Valencia-based startup, supported by Wayra and Srinivasan, offers a cloud storage service using blockchain technology, and achieved a valuation of €40 million in April 2022. The company recently won the Spotlight Valencia Pitch Battle at TNW Valencia and was also named the winner in the Software category at the 6th edition of the VLC Startup Awards.
- REGEMAT3D. This startup, with locations in Granada and Valencia, specialises in the design and development of customised solutions for bioprinting and regenerative medicine. In 2022, it successfully completed its second round of equity crowdfunding, raising €515,402.
- TheLogicValue. A fintech startup with offices in Spain and Chile and representations in Mexico and Colombia, which provides B2B solutions to organisations looking to digitise and automate businesses and processes in the financial field.
- Wuolah. A startup from Seville that has developed a platform for sharing notes, which enables content creators to monetise their contributions. In 2022, it raised €5 million in a funding round to expand its business in Latin America.
Don't miss the chance to have your startup among the finalists of the VDS2023 Competition – fill out this form by the 29th of June. Click here to explore the various options for your startup to participate in the sixth edition of Valencia Digital Summit.
Become a sponsor or
exhibitor of VDS2023
Become a sponsor or
exhibitor of VDS2023
Valencia Digital Summit launches the call for entries for its international startup competition
Valencia Digital Summit 2023, the international tech event that will hold its sixth edition on the 26th and 27th of October at the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, has officially launched the call for entries for its international startup competition.
In partnership with Plug and Play, the initiative seeks to identify the most innovative and disruptive startups worldwide that possess the potential to create a positive impact and contribute to building a better future.
Tech companies can participate in four different ways in the competition, which will be open for submissions until the 29th of June through the event's website: VDS2023 Pitch Competition, Meet Corporates & Investors, Meet the Startups, and Expo Village.
Startups from any industry, anywhere in the world, are invited to apply to the competition, provided that they have at least one Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and their tech solution contributes to building a better future. The finalists will be selected by a panel of industry experts and international investors based on their degree of innovation, scalability and overall impact.
The 2022 edition received more than 500 applications from 35 countries and featured industry leaders including Sébastien Lefebvre, Partner at Elaia; Nelly Markova, Principal of Molten Ventures; Rachelle Young, Program Director at TNW; Paloma Mas, Events & Culture Manager at Plug and Play, and Juan Luis Hortelano, President of Startup Valencia, as judges in the final. Trebellar, a San Francisco-based startup founded by two Spaniards, was awarded Best Seed Startup, while Delivers.AI, with offices in London, Istanbul, and Dubai and originating from Turkey, won Best Growth Startup.
VDS2023 Pitch Competition
By participating in the VDS2023 Pitch Competition, you could be one of the 10 selected startups who will have the unique opportunity to present their projects on the main stage of the event to an audience of over 10,000 attendees.
A panel of high-level investors and international corporate leaders will be responsible for selecting the two winners of the competition, namely Best Seed Startup and Best Growth Startup.
The winning startups will receive a host of valuable prizes, including an exhibition space at the 2024 Valencia Digital Summit, and will benefit from networking and business promotion opportunities. The competition will also boost the visibility of the top 50 startups selected by the panel of judges.
About Valencia Digital Summit
Organised by Startup Valencia, VDS2023 is expected to draw registrations from over 80 countries, exceeding 10,000 attendees and attracting an investment portfolio of more than 8 billion euros. The event will feature internationally renowned speakers and will bring together more than 1,500 startups.
Valencia Digital Summit has experienced exponential growth since its inception in 2018, a 1,500% increase in attendance, turning it into an internationally recognised tech event.
The last edition, held on the 25th and 26th of October at the Museo de las Ciencias, saw a record-breaking attendance of over 10,000 attendees, with one-third of them being CEOs or founders. More than 20% of the attendees were international visitors from over 70 countries.
The fifth edition attracted prominent leaders from world-renowned companies, including Elias Veris, Head of Global Operations at Google for Startups; Sebastian Greiss, Head of Startup Partnering at Siemens Mobility; Mariano Amartino, Americas Managing Director at Microsoft for Startups, and Ann Hiatt, a leadership strategist with over 15 years of experience in Silicon Valley as Executive Business Partner of Jeff Bezos (founder and CEO of Amazon) and Eric Schmidt (CEO/Executive Chairman of Google).
Become a sponsor or
exhibitor of VDS2023
Become a sponsor or
exhibitor of VDS2023
Valencia Digital Summit 2023 opens its call for speakers
Valencia Digital Summit, the international tech event gearing up for its sixth edition on the 26th and 27th of October at the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, has opened its call for speakers. Under the slogan 'Building the Good Future', VDS2023 aims to showcase how technology, innovation and digitalisation are positively transforming and impacting society, and how they can help address major social and economic challenges.
The event is expected to bring together over 1,500 startups, attract over 10,000 attendees from 80+ countries, and facilitate connections between international corporations and investors with a portfolio totalling over €8 billion dedicated to investing in startups.
The meeting will showcase the latest global trends in fields such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, logistics, health, longevity, fintech, sustainability, mobility and cybersecurity. It will introduce the new Valencia-Miami-Latin America axis as a business bridge connecting startups and investors, while featuring talks from renowned international speakers, sharing their experience and knowledge to inspire all attendees.
Throughout its history, Valencia Digital Summit has attracted prominent speakers, including leaders from prestigious companies, such as Sebastian Greiss, Head of Startup Partnering at Siemens Mobility; Mike Butcher, Editor-at-large at TechCrunch; Elias Veris, Head of Global Operations at Google for Startups; and Mariano Amartino, Americas Managing Director at Microsoft for Startups. The event has also hosted world-renowned entrepreneurs, international investors, key players in the ecosystem and leadership strategists, such as Ann Hiatt, who has over 15 years of experience in Silicon Valley as Executive Business Partner of Jeff Bezos (founder and CEO of Amazon) and Eric Schmidt (CEO/Executive Chairman of Google).
If you are a thought leader who shares our vision of inspiring and connecting like-minded tech enthusiasts, and you possess the drive to enable a technology-based future that empowers creative minds to build a better tomorrow, we invite you to apply to speak at VDS2023 by clicking here.
Your session should address a pressing industry topic by exploring the role of technology in solving the primary social and economic challenges that society will face in the near future. Upon acceptance as a speaker, you will be granted a Speaker Pass, an extra Business Pass, exclusive access to the Speaker Lounge, and social media exposure as a VDS2023 speaker.
Who should apply?
C-level executives who are shaping and disrupting the tech landscape, inspirational startup founders sharing their tech journey, forward-thinking investors driving innovation in the ecosystem, visionary business leaders impacting our lives through tech, and eager minds challenging the role of technology in our society are all encouraged to submit their proposals.
Don't miss the opportunity to join us at VDS2023. The submission deadline for proposals is the 15th of June, 2023, and we will start communicating the acceptance of selected proposals from the 30th of June onwards.
Become a sponsor or
exhibitor of VDS2023
Become a sponsor or
exhibitor of VDS2023
Valencia Digital Summit 2023 returns in October to the City of Arts and Sciences
Valencia Digital Summit, an internationally recognised tech event, now has a date for its celebration in 2023. On the 26th and 27th of October, the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia will host this event that serves as a meeting point for entrepreneurs, startups, corporations, and investors.
Under the slogan 'Building the Good Future', Valencia Digital Summit 2023 will showcase how technology, innovation and digitalisation are building, shaping and impacting society in a positive way and will explore their role in addressing the main social and economic challenges.
With regards to expectations, Startup Valencia, the organising entity behind the event, aims to attract over 12,000 in-person attendees from over 80 countries and to accumulate an investment portfolio exceeding €8 billion. The programme will feature more than 450 internationally renowned speakers and will bring together over 1,500 startups.
"The previous edition of Valencia Digital Summit exceeded all expectations, with a record-breaking number of attendees and speakers. As the largest tech event in the Valencian Community, it has rightfully earned its prominence and has become a benchmark in southern Europe. For this sixth edition, we are committed to consolidating our position and continuing to showcase the potential of the Valencian innovation ecosystem, attracting talent and investment to the region", explains Juan Luis Hortelano, president of Startup Valencia.
VDS2023 is set to feature multiple stages located in the Museo de las Ciencias area, workshops, and presentations by prominent international leaders, as well as an exhibition area where the latest tech innovations, trends, and disruptive solutions will be showcased. Additionally, there will be designated spaces to facilitate networking, as well as areas for leisure and relaxation.
Exponential growth
Valencia Digital Summit has experienced explosive growth. Since its inaugural edition in 2018, this internationally-renowned tech conference has increased its number of attendees by 1,500%.
The most recent edition, held on the 25th and 26th of October 2022 at the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, broke record with over 12,000 attendees, one-third of whom were CEOs or founders. Additionally, over 20% of attendees were international visitors hailing from more than 70 countries.
This fifth edition featured the participation of leaders from world-renowned companies, including Elias Veris, Head of Global Operations at Google for Startups; Sebastian Greiss, Head of Startup Partnering at Siemens Mobility; Mariano Amartino, Americas Managing Director at Microsoft for Startups, and Ann Hiatt, a leadership strategist with over 15 years of experience in Silicon Valley as Executive Business Partner to Jeff Bezos (Founder and CEO of Amazon) and Eric Schmidt (CEO/Executive Chairman of Google).
Become a sponsor or
exhibitor of VDS2023
Become a sponsor or
exhibitor of VDS2023
Valencia Digital Summit neutralises its carbon footprint through ClimateTrade’s blockchain platform
Valencia Digital Summit (VDS), the international flagship event of the Valencian innovation ecosystem hosted yearly by Startup Valencia that celebrated its fifth edition at the end of October, has officially become a carbon neutral event after offsetting 90 tonnes of CO₂ thanks to its collaboration with ClimateTrade, Green Partner of VDS2022.
To calculate its carbon footprint, ClimateTrade followed the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, which requires measuring all six types of greenhouse gases (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, HFC, PFC and SF6) and took into account the presence of more than 12,000 attendees from 70 different countries, 450 speakers and more than 400 investors, as well as the means of transport used by each of them to reach the City of Arts and Sciences (the venue for VDS2022) and the energy used to power the three days of the international tech event.
These emissions will be offset by Startup Valencia through 'VTRM Renewable Energy 2′. This is a cluster project, located in Brazil, which consists of the planning and building of renewable energy power plants. These installations reduce greenhouse gas emissions and displace the use of fossil fuels when generating electricity. They also contribute to the sustainable development of the region where they are located, as they stimulate the economy, improve the area's infrastructure, promote skilled employment and generate income for the landowners, who can diversify the productivity of the land.
The entire offsetting process is guaranteed by ClimateTrade's blockchain platform, as its credits are 100% traceable. Moreover, this activity is reflected in a personalised certificate with information about the chosen project. This transparency guarantees the positive impact of carbon offsetting for the planet.
"Sustainability was one of the strategic pillars of the fifth edition of the Valencia Digital Summit, a convention that gives the Valencian entrepreneurial ecosystem a platform to showcase to the world how technology, innovation and digitalisation are inspiring a better future for both society and the planet," explains Juan Luis Hortelano, president of Startup Valencia. "Thanks to the compensation of its carbon footprint, VDS also becomes a symbol of commitment to the environment and a tech event that responds positively to the great social challenges at a global level", he points out.
According to Francisco Benedito, CEO of ClimateTrade, "It is a pleasure to support the carbon neutrality of this tech event with which we have been collaborating for years as part of the startup ecosystem of the Valencian Community. With this initiative, Valencia Digital Summit is positioned as a benchmark not only in innovation, but also in sustainability".
An international tech event
VDS2022 served to showcase and highlight the innovative solutions being developed in the Valencian Community, as well as to highlight the talent and technology being generated in the region. It allowed prominent national and international investors, with a portfolio of more than €6 billion to invest in the coming year, as well as CEOs and founders of the world's leading multinationals, to home in on the Valencian entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The fifth edition of Valencia Digital Summit counted on the support of the public administration, both local and regional. The Generalitat Valenciana, Valencia City Council, Valencia Activa, Las Naves, Diputación de Valencia and Valencian Finance Institute were involved in VDS2022 to demonstrate their commitment to the Valencian innovation ecosystem and to boost its dynamism.
Working together
makes us stronger
Working together
makes us stronger
Francisco Polo announces at Valencia Digital Summit that the Startup Act will be voted on the 3rd of November
Valencia Digital Summit’s closing ceremony was the scene of a highly anticipated announcement for the entire Spanish innovation ecosystem. The High Commissioner for Spain Entrepreneurial Nation, Francisco Polo, reported for the first time that the Startup Act would be passed in Congress next week, specifically on the 3rd of November.
This news was celebrated by Juan Luis Hortelano, president of Startup Valencia -- the organisation promoting the international tech event – who said that "It will introduce measures that will change the productive structure of the country and make it a more attractive place for investment”. He added that “it is an act that we at Startup Valencia have been demanding for years to boost the ecosystem and facilitate the development of innovative businesses with high added value".
Francisco Polo explained the main aspects of this act, which include stock options and the introduction of a visa for digital nomads.
The institutional closing also boasted the participation of Pilar Bernabé, Delegate for the Valencian Community, who agreed with Polo in highlighting that events such as Valencia Digital Summit offer the region international visibility and turn it into a focal point of digitalization and entrepreneurship. "This is the event that the Valencian ecosystem deserves," she stated.
VDS2022 Competition
The last day of Valencia Digital Summit also included the awards ceremony of the VDS2022 Competition, which declared startups Trebellar and Delivers.ai winners in the Seed and Growth categories, respectively. The prize consisted of a stand at VDS2023, a stand at TNW Valencia and tickets to TNW Amsterdam.
An international jury, made up of key players of the ecosystem such as Sébastien Lefebvre, Partner at the French venture capital firm Elaia; Nelly Markova, Principal of the English venture capital firm Molten Ventures; Rachelle Young, Program Director for TNW – the main event of Amsterdam's tech ecosystem promoted by the Financial Times – and Juan Luis Hortelano, president of Startup Valencia, was in charge of choosing the winners in the Seed and Growth categories from the following list of startups: Trebellar, Arkadia Space, Mojito360, Exheus, Reental, Proky, Delivers.ai, Drill Surgeries, BizAway and IDNow.
More than 500 startups from 35 different countries applied to participate in the VDS2022 Competition.
The closing ceremony also saw the presentation of THE CHALLENGE awards, a team competition organised by the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) together with Startup Valencia, as part of the Valencia Digital Summit. The first prize, endowed with a financial reward of €1,200 euros and personalised mentoring, went to Viejos Amigos. The second and third prizes, rewarded with €1,000 and €800 respectively, went to Bluechange and Greencam.
Finally, the Health & Wellbeing Startup award, sponsored by the Regional Ministry of Innovation, Universities, Science and Digital Society, was given to Repodrugs.
Triple Michelin-starred chef Quique Dacosta also received the Valencian Innovation Ambassador Award, in recognition of his career and commitment to innovation. Earlier, Dacosta participated in the Valencia Digital Summit programme through a meeting with the CEO of KM ZERO Food Innovation Hub, Beatriz Jacoste.
Working together
makes us stronger