While those of you who follow us on social media are aware that we didn’t take a break even during the month of August, it is undeniable that September has brought about a return to our routine and a heightened level of activity.
This month marks the beginning of the countdown to VDS2023. On the 26th we started the timer, and now, there is just one month remaining until we celebrate our globally renowned flagship tech event!
As a result, September has been packed with activities related to VDS2023. Nacho Mas and Ángela Castelló were invited to record an interview at the City of Arts and Sciences with Levante-EMV to provide updates on the latest developments regarding the event. Early in the month, on the 6th, we launched the call for “The Challenge”, the VDS2023 team competition, in collaboration with the Universitat Politécnica de Valencia, and with support from HP, Ajuntament de València (Valencia City Council), Valencia Activa and VLC Tech City. The competition is being produced by Curiosibot Lab. We also announced our partnership with Banco Santander, which promises to further bolster the Valencian innovation ecosystem. The bank has joined the association as a Partner and as a Diamond Sponsor of VDS2023.
On the 20th, we held the official presentation of the event during a press conference at the City of Arts and Sciences. Notable attendees included Juan Luis Hortelano, President of Startup Valencia; Nuria Montes, Councillor for Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism of the Generalitat Valenciana (Valencian Regional Government); Juan Ramón Adsuara, Deputy for European Funds, Electronic Administration, and Innovation of the Diputación de Valencia (Valencia Provincial Council); and Paula Llobet, Councillor for Tourism, Innovation, Employment, and Entrepreneurship of the Valencia City Council.
We can definitely say that this month has been dedicated to institutional meetings. It all began on the 1st with a meeting involving Enrique Lores, CEO of HP, and Pilar Bernabé García, the Government Delegate in the Valencian Community, and the visit to La Terminal, alongside Valencia Innovation District.
Nacho Mas and Juan Luis Hortelano also had a meeting on the 7th with the Regional Minister for Innovation and Zeleros. A few days later, on the 12th, we formalised a collaboration agreement with the Valencia City Council, in partnership with València Activa. This agreement aims to further establish Valencia as an international tech hub and to draw talent and investment to our region.
Furthermore, on the 21st of September, we participated in the Night of the Valencian Economy organised by the Valencia Chamber of Commerce. This event was presided over by King Felipe VI and included the presentation of the Valencia Chamber of Commerce 2023 Awards.
Regarding events within our ecosystem, on the 13th of September we co-hosted the “On the Way to Scale Up – Investors Edition” in collaboration with Wayra. This gathering brought together the most prominent investment funds in Spain with a presence in Valencia, offering us a firsthand opportunity to gain insights into key players in the industry, their experiences, and the challenges that companies in their portfolios encounter when scaling their businesses.
As we entered the last week of the month, Nacho Mas and Karina Virrueta took part in the “Destination Valencia. ProChile Edition” event, organised by Invest in Valencia. This event aimed to extend a warm welcome to a delegation of 9 Chilean startups, introducing them to the potential of Valencia as an international tech hub. Additionally, we celebrated the 28th edition of SI Connect, an event organised by VIT Emprende and BStartup of Banco Sabadell, in which we participated as collaborators.
Among the noteworthy announcements made this month that our startups should keep a close eye on is Ecofira, in partnership with Feria Valencia. This opportunity provides 10 startups with exhibition space at the upcoming trade fairs scheduled from the 14th to the 16th of November at the fairgrounds. Additionally, the registration for the VLC Startup Awards was opened, organised by the Valencia City Council through València Activa, with our active collaboration.
Furthermore, you can now explore all the VDS2023 Side Events happening throughout the month of October. These events are set to transform Valencia into the global epicentre of innovation and will position the Valencian ecosystem at a global level.
