How Spain’s innovative ICT ecosystem helps startups rise up

As the third-ranked country in the EU for connectivity and digital public services, Spain has positioned itself as a powerhouse of technological innovation, offering a robust ecosystem for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) startups.

The numbers tell a compelling story of growth and potential. In 2023, Spain's ICT sector boasted a turnover of over €129 billion, representing a 5,2% year-on-year growth. With 35,729 national and international ICT companies and a direct workforce of 764,128 professionals, the sector's impact on GDP reached an impressive 3.84%.

Ever-looming climate change and global economic challenges have accelerated digital transformation and investment, and Spain is at the forefront of this revolution pursuing rapid development of its AI, Quantum, IoT, Cybersecurity, and other sectors – 36.7% of Spain’s innovative companies belong to the ICT sector.

Innovation powered by physical and personal networks

All of the above is made possible by EU-leading infrastructure paired with a country-wide support network for innovators and entrepreneurs – two factors international founders have found extremely attractive.

With 93% of the population accessing fixed networks operating at more than 100 Mbps, Spain leads the European Union in very high capacity network coverage. It also ranks fourth in the EU for advanced digital skills – nearly one in four 25-34-year-olds are STEM graduates.

Having the tools and talent to shape tomorrow’s digital landscape is a powerful combination. It’s further enhanced by the country’s tech and entrepreneurship ecosystem that empowers individuals, ideas, and innovation to thrive. Technology parks, universities, and research centers collaborate closely, fostering an environment that transforms digital potential into market-ready solutions. The synergy between academic institutions, government support, and private sector innovation enables startups to rapidly scale and compete on the global stage.

To sustain its technological momentum, Spain has developed a strategic approach to attracting global innovators. ICEX-Invest in Spain serves as the country's international gateway, creating targeted pathways for foreign founders to integrate into the vibrant Spanish tech ecosystem. By proactively breaking down barriers to entry, the organization ensures that international talent can seamlessly connect with Spain's robust digital infrastructure.

The Rising Up in Spain program is one of the cornerstones of this international outreach strategy. Designed to support foreign entrepreneurs, the initiative offers end-to-end assistance – from navigating legal complexities to establishing critical local connections. Its bilingual approach ensures accessibility for founders from diverse linguistic backgrounds, providing market guidance, visibility support, and a structured pathway to success in the Spanish tech landscape and beyond.

3 companies Rising Up in Spain and building for the world

Currently in its 7th edition, Rising Up in Spain is welcoming interested applicants until year's end to apply for the program and join a distinguished lineup of current participants and alumni, such as:

1. Lyzer – A Portuguese startup transforming logistics technology for retail and e-commerce. Their Logistics-as-a-Service platform optimizes order management through an intelligent task allocation algorithm, delivering impressive results: 52% faster picking, 18% delivery cost savings, and 70% reduction in manual interactions. Born from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company evolved from 360hyper, an essential goods marketplace, to a sophisticated technology provider.
2. Finalrentals – A global leader transforming the car rental industry with cutting-edge digital solutions. Finalrentals has redefined vehicle rentals by leveraging advanced technology to seamlessly compare prices and negotiate rates across an extensive network of providers. Operating in 41 countries across the Middle East, Europe, North America, the Caribbean, and beyond – including key markets such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UK, Italy, Turkey, the USA, Grenada, and more – Finalrentals simplifies the rental experience. By prioritizing simplicity, efficiency, and affordability, Finalrentals empowers travelers worldwide to secure the best deals with minimal effort, setting a new standard for convenience and innovation in the car rental industry.
3. Okulyo – An EdTech startup from Turkey revolutionizing school management through a comprehensive digital platform. Their innovative solution streamlines campus operations by integrating building access, automated attendance tracking, and smart communication tools. Designed to simplify administrative processes, Okulyo helps educational institutions enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve stakeholder experiences with a single, seamless system. As the team puts it: “Okulyo is an all-in-one platform designed to simplify campus management by streamlining daily workflows, ensuring better preparedness and an elevated experience for all stakeholders. Our innovative solution integrates fintech capabilities, replacing traditional access cards with multifunctional banking cards. These cards facilitate building and classroom access, balance top-ups, payments, and purchases, all within the daily operations of a campus.”

Plug into the network and rise up

Spain provides a holistic innovation ecosystem. With competitive labor costs, world-class infrastructure, and a government actively supporting digital transformation, the country presents an unparalleled opportunity for tech startups.

ICEX's Rising Up in Spain program is your chance to be part of tomorrow's digital landscape – apply today.