Another year, from MuyPymes we pack our bags and set course for Salamanca, where today a new edition of the country’s most exciting innovation event begins: Startup OLÉ 2026. In this article we outlined the reasons not to miss these days, especially if you’re a startup, an investor, or work at a university.
Until October 15, the thirteenth edition of Startup OLÉ Salamanca will once again position the city as one of the main meeting points for the international innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Among the confirmed speakers are notable figures such as Jere Erkko (Angry Birds), Vincent Rosso (BlaBlaCar Spain), Rodrigo del Prado (BQ), Carlos Moro (Bodegas Familiares Matarromera), Kwamara Thompson (Thompson Education Consulting), Vicente Milanes (Renault Group), Octaviana Marincas (Ministry of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship and Tourism of Romania), and David González (European Investment Fund). The international fair will bring together, at the Castilla y León Conference and Exhibition Palace and the University of Salamanca, more than 5,000 attendees, 800 international speakers, and over 500 companies, as well as broad representation from investment funds, corporations, public administrations, universities, and media outlets.
The event will enjoy broad institutional and corporate backing, both nationally and internationally. Locally and regionally, the University of Salamanca, the City of Salamanca, the Salamanca Provincial Council, and the Junta of Castilla y León will participate.
At the national level, representative public entities such as CDTI, ICO-AXIS, Red.es and ENISA will be present, alongside institutions like the Community of Madrid, the madri+d Knowledge Foundation, the Junta of Extremadura, Fundecyt-PCTEX, Andalucía Emprende, and APTE. The international projection will be reinforced with the participation of the European Investment Fund (EIF), the embassies of Brazil and Austria, delegations from Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Romania, the Franco-Spanish Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and representatives of the American ecosystem such as Broadline Capital and Women Invest in Women. Additionally, there will be a prominent business and financial representation, with entities such as Fundación ONCE, Impulsa Visión RTVE, Iberdrola, Enagás Emprende, Renault Group, BME, SpainCap, Mondragon, Caja Rural de Salamanca, Grupo Mirat, Gonvarri, Hiperbaric, Fundación Caja de Burgos, POLO Positivo, Buenavista Equity Partners, Cardumen Capital, Bcombinator, Sploro, Axon Partners, EA Ventures, Sherry Ventures, and Innventuur, among others.
Over three days, Startup OLÉ will offer conferences, roundtables, investment meetings, investment rounds, networking, and a tech fair, addressing areas such as artificial intelligence, dual-use technologies, cybersecurity, digital health, sustainability, biotechnology, and deep tech. The program will also include content on female leadership, inclusion and disability, youth entrepreneurship, European funding, and rural development.
Another major draw will be the international startup competition, linked to Pegasus Tech Ventures’ Startup World Cup (SWC). The regional winner will advance to the Grand Final in San Francisco for a $1 million investment prize. The competition will also offer recognitions such as access to Startup OLÉ Miami 2027 and Startup OLÉ Marbella 2027.
The agenda will begin today with a special focus on topics such as investment, company acceleration, and knowledge transfer. On October 14 there will be the official opening and the BME Opening Bell ceremony, as well as the panel “Entrepreneurship to Transform: Lessons from Great Founders,” featuring Jere Erkko, Vincent Rosso, Rodrigo del Prado, and Carlos Moro. The day will also include the pitch competition and meetings with international investors. On October 15 the focus will be on corporate innovation, social impact, inclusion, female leadership, and regional development.
