ICEX launched the first AI Contest for Internationalization with the aim of identifying and showcasing business initiatives that develop innovative AI-based solutions designed specifically to facilitate the internationalization of Spanish companies. AI Challenge, created with the support of IndesIA, Area101, and IETEAM, will be open until June 12.
In an increasingly competitive and digitized global environment, the adoption of advanced technologies such as AI has become a key factor for improving decision-making, optimizing processes and reducing barriers to entry into new markets. From identifying business opportunities to adapting to regulatory, cultural and linguistic contexts, AI opens new possibilities to accelerate the international expansion of companies.
This competition pursues three strategic objectives: identify and amplify AI tools that reduce operating costs and increase synergies in global trade; raise Spain’s profile as a technology hub for solutions for internationalization; and foster the direct incorporation of AI into the workflows of exporting companies, differentiating it from conventional digitalization.
This competition is aimed at startups developing AI-based technological solutions capable of guiding companies in their outward internationalization, delivering differential value, scalability and real applicability across different markets.
Participation Requirements
To participate in the competition, candidate proposals must meet six requirements:
- The company must be Spanish, incorporated in Spain or have its registered and principal operating headquarters in Spain or a development center in Spain.
- Secondly, it must be a technology company with an AI-based proposal: the solution must incorporate artificial intelligence as a central or relevant technology, valuing especially the use of own developments, not just the integration of third-party tools.
- It must incorporate real AI use, not considering mere digitization of processes as valid. The proposal must consist of creating AI tools or the direct incorporation of this technology.
- Furthermore, the proposal must have a linkage with international trade, so that the relationship between the developed tool and exporting activity or outward investment is evident and verifiable.
- The impact must be quantifiable. Participants must provide data quantifying benefits such as time savings, cost reductions, increases in external sales, entry into new markets or improved product positioning abroad.
- Finally, participants must have demonstrable business experience in marketing AI-based technologies for international trade.
Awards: Training and Outreach
The winning company will receive a prize package with a dual focus: specialized training and promotion of the company. On the one hand, the winner will receive a place for one employee of the company in the Executive Master in International Trade offered in partnership by ICEX and the Garrigues Studies Center for 250 hours between September 2026 and January 2027. This training is valued at €9,800 as the tuition cost.
On the other hand, in addition to having the opportunity to pitch during the ICEX Forum in front of the attending companies, the eight finalists will appear in a digital catalog published on ICEX’s portal and will benefit from outreach campaigns on social media and in ICEX’s LinkedIn newsletter, which reaches more than 18,000 professionals.
The list of finalists will be announced on June 26.
