Accumulated professional experience, the knowledge gained, and the desire to stay active are leading more people to consider launching a business in the later stages of their careers. However, taking that step involves facing challenges such as a lack of specialized training, access to new tools, or the absence of mentorship and networking, which can hinder the leap. Aware of this reality, the Ageingnomics Research Center of Fundación Mapfre and the International Santander Entrepreneurship Center (CISE) are announcing the call for the fifth edition of their TaleS senior entrepreneurship program, the first inter-university network aimed at people aged 50 and over, which this year adds three new public universities and now includes twelve participating centers.
The University of Castilla-La Mancha, the University of A Coruña, and the University of the Balearic Islands join a network that already includes the Autonomous University of Madrid, the University of Barcelona, the University of Cantabria, the University of Extremadura, the University of Salamanca, the University of Granada, the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the University of Vigo, and the University of Zaragoza. Through these twelve centers, TaleS offers free practical training, mentoring, and networking spaces for participants to work on their ideas, identify opportunities, meet potential customers, define their value proposition, and test viability, with the support of Lean Startup and Design Thinking methodologies.
Four editions and five projects that demonstrate the potential of senior talent
Over its four editions, TaleS has recognized five projects that illustrate the variety of paths senior entrepreneurship can open. The first edition awarded ‘San Ildefonso Suites’ by Angus Cueto Martín (University of Granada), a sustainable tourist accommodation proposal, and the second, ‘Heidi Jarapales’ by Adelaida Mariño (University of Extremadura), focused on rural women’s employability and sustainable consumption. The third recognized ‘Latinexion’ by Martha Angélica (University of Cantabria), which connects professionals and Latin American entrepreneurs, while the fourth distinguished ‘Menoara’ by Carmen Olmedo (University of Granada) for its proposal on menopause well-being, and ‘Bridges Between Generations’ by Miguel Ángel Gaspar (University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria), for connecting older and younger generations.
Self-employment carries significant weight among seniors: 1.03 million of Spain’s 3.3 million self-employed workers are over 55, representing 31.1% of the total, according to the ‘Fifth Senior Talent Map’ from the Ageingnomics Research Center at Fundación Mapfre. However, entrepreneurship still faces barriers: according to the study ‘Senior Entrepreneurship in Spain’ by the same center, 49% of people aged 50 to 54 and 43% of those aged 55 to 64 who have started businesses feel they have the necessary knowledge, but fear of failure deters 54% in both groups, and only 24% of those aged 50-54 and 32% of those aged 55-64 consider entrepreneurship easy.
“From Ageingnomics, we work to offer a positive view of longevity and to help people stay active longer, and entrepreneurship can play an important role there. The data show there is interest in developing new projects and continuing to contribute to society. Now we must turn that desire into reality and ensure age is not a barrier. That’s why we’re very proud to organize another year with CISE and the participating universities in the TaleS program, to keep boosting senior talent and support those who want to turn their ideas into new opportunities,” says Juan Fernández Palacios, director of the Ageingnomics Research Center at Fundación Mapfre.
Eligibility and Registration
The new call will remain open until October 30, 2026, through the CISE website. People aged 50 or older, or who will reach that age during 2026, with a business idea or who want to develop a project from scratch, may apply, without needing to be affiliated with any of the participating universities. Once the deadline closes, the program will run from November 2026 to January 2027, with training and mentoring sessions, and will culminate with the selection of the best projects from each university to participate in the program final. The winning project will receive €2,000 in recognition, and the second place €1,000.
“One of TaleS’ greatest strengths is bringing together senior professionals from different universities, regions, and career paths into a space to share experience, compare ideas, and unlock new possibilities. This way of connecting people and knowledge aligns with CISE’s vision and with the Ageingnomics Research Center at Fundación Mapfre’s commitment to senior entrepreneurship. A collaboration that enables the network to continue growing with new universities, projects, and people eager to keep contributing,” says José Ignacio Rodríguez, director of CISE.
