About Startup Olé

Founded in 2014 by Emilio Corchado, Startup Olé has evolved into a pivotal platform that unites startups, investors, accelerators, and corporate partners through matchmaking events between companies and startups. It fosters collaboration and innovation, drawing participants from around the globe and offering diverse perspectives and ideas. Originating in Salamanca and inspired by a professor of Informatics who taught me, Startup Olé has expanded its reach to locations such as Marbella and Miami, bringing together companies, startups, and governmental bodies from various regions.

Key Experiences at Startup Olé 2024 The event featured a wide range of panels and sessions addressing critical topics such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and sustainable development. Among the most engaging talks, which blended science and technology with innovation, governance, policy, and biosecurity, were:

• Towards an Integral Model of Regional Entrepreneurship: Castilla y León, a Community of Entrepreneurs (Powered by Wolaria).
• How to Diversify an Accelerator: Wolaria and the Map of Vertical Accelerators of Castilla y León (Powered by Wolaria).
• How to Establish an Indisputable Market Position for your Startup.
• Transfiere, European Forum for Science, Technology, and Innovation: A Picture of the National R&D&I Ecosystem to Foster Knowledge Transfer (Powered by Transfiere Málaga).
• Connecting Ecosystems: Global Opportunities for Entrepreneurs.
• Cybersecurity and investment: A promising future.
• Cybersecurity and its impact on investment: A necessary dialogue.

These sessions offered profound insights into regional entrepreneurship models, accelerator diversification, global startup opportunities, and the interplay between cybersecurity and investment. The panelists included prominent figures such as Mr. José Francisco Diego Calvo (Salamanca Territorial Director of ICECYL), Ms. María Santos (Ayuntamiento de Salamanca, Abioinnova), and Ms. María Ángeles Hidalgo (General Secretary, Consejo de Cámaras de Castilla y León), along with entrepreneurs like Ezequiel Abramzon, Founder of LALO. Startup Olé also provided numerous networking opportunities, enabling participants to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering collaboration and the exchange of ideas.

Entrepreneurship as a Key to innovation

Startup Olé 2024 highlighted the critical role of entrepreneurship beyond simply starting businesses. It underscored the entrepreneurial mindset as essential for innovation, enabling individuals and organizations to adapt, address complex challenges, and capitalize on new opportunities in an ever-evolving landscape. The event also provided attendees with valuable knowledge on ensuring a circular bioeconomy, effective branding strategies, the importance of sharing both small and large success stories, and the significance of economic growth in Spain and Europe.

Among the various tracks where companies pitched their ideas, I found the ‘BioTech and EHealth’ track particularly compelling. Students and startups showcased groundbreaking innovations, such as sustainable sensors for detecting pests and novel diagnostic technologies using carbon-based imaging.

Yassin Somoue Chafik, iGEM Ambassador to Europe

“Attending Startup Olé 2024 was an incredibly rewarding experience that left me profoundly grateful. The event not only deepened my understanding of the dynamic interplay between entrepreneurship and innovation but also provided countless opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals driving change in their respective fields.

I felt inspired by the passion and creativity on display and am thrilled to have been part of such an influential gathering. The insights and connections I gained will undoubtedly shape my approach to fostering innovation within Europe’s entrepreneurial landscape. I eagerly look forward to implementing these lessons in future initiatives. Startup Olé 2024 was a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and the boundless potential of the entrepreneurial spirit."

To find more information about the iGEM Ambassadors & Promoters for Europe and regional synbio activities visit our Europe webpage. Learn more about the Ambassador Program here.

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