Jauregi announces at BIEMH the launch of the Smart Industry Renove Programme to accelerate the technological modernisation of Basque industry
The Minister for Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability, Mikel Jauregi, announced the opening of the application period for the Renove Smart Industry programme grants, which this year has a budget of €9 million.
These grants are aimed at promoting the technological modernisation, automation and advanced digitalisation of Basque industry.
Jauregi made this announcement during his visit to Basque SMEs from the Advanced Manufacturing sector taking part in BIEMH 2026 – the International Machine-Tool Biennial.
The Renove Smart Industry programme supports Basque industry in the purchase of new machinery and advanced equipment, both hardware and software. This will enable Basque industry to evolve towards smarter, more connected and more efficient environments, facilitating the development of Industry 4.0 projects in the field of Advanced Manufacturing.
Renove Smart Industry
Advanced manufacturing is a driving sector of our industry and is defined as a strategic IRABAZI sector within the framework of the Industry Plan – Euskadi 2030.
It is a sector that acts as an engine of Basque industry and exports. The Basque advanced manufacturing industry is facing uncertainty arising from United States tariff policy, competition from China, energy costs and instability in global trade.
Jauregi stressed that “we must run faster than anyone else if Euskadi is to remain a leader in advanced manufacturing.” In this regard, he announced that the Basque Government has strengthened the Renove Smart Industry programme, “with the aim of accelerating the technological modernisation of our industry.”
In 2025, the Renove programme mobilised €49.8 million in private investment from €8 million in public support, leading to the modernisation of machinery in 185 projects.
The programme focuses on key technologies for Advanced Manufacturing, such as robotics, artificial intelligence and digital twins. “We are placing the focus on SMEs, supporting their transformation in order to enhance competitiveness,” the minister concluded.
Inauguration
The Lehendakari, Imanol Pradales, accompanied by the Minister for Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability, Mikel Jauregi, attended the official opening of the 33rd edition of BIEMH – the International Machine-Tool Biennial, one of the main international meetings in the field of advanced manufacturing.
During his speech, the Lehendakari praised the efforts of Basque companies to guarantee the prestige of the ‘Made in Euskadi’ product in international markets and stressed that Euskadi must protect itself while preparing for the future. Pradales also highlighted the opportunity scenario for Basque companies if they take advantage of the winds of European reindustrialisation, and called for far-reaching measures to protect the market, promote deregulation and administrative simplification, strengthen R&D&I, and renew productive equipment.
Also attending the opening ceremony alongside the Lehendakari were Mikel Jauregi, Minister for Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability; José Pérez Berdud, President of BEC; José Ignacio Ortiz de Urbina, President of AFM Cluster; Jordi García Brustenga, Secretary of State for Industry; Amaia del Campo, Mayor of Barakaldo; Ana Otadui, President of the General Assemblies of Bizkaia; Unai Andueza, Provincial Deputy for Economic Promotion and Strategic Projects in Gipuzkoa; Xabier Basáñez, Director General of BEC; and Xabier Ortueta, Director General of AFM Cluster, among others.
