Basque Tek Ventures is an itinerary specially designed to support the creation of deep-tech start-ups. It seeks to be a catalyst for new business projects based on the most innovative technologies from the centres belonging to the Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA).

In collaboration with BRTA and the BICs, Basque Tek Ventures accelerates the marketing of the most promising technologies and the creation of new business fabric through a mentored process for the creation and acceleration of new technology-based start-ups.

Basque Tek Ventures is mainly aimed at:

1. Centres belonging to the Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA) that are looking to convert their technological assets into new business projects.
2. Experienced entrepreneurs looking to embark on the adventure of creating a deep-tech start-up.
3. Investors and companies interested in new investment opportunities.

The initiative is led by the Basque Government’s Department of Economic Development, Sustainability and Environment through its development agency SPRI, in collaboration with BRTA and the Basque BICs.

Basque Tek Ventures will give priority support to projects that propose the transfer of technological assets with their own IP, likely to become innovative solutions that solve a real problem, for a market with high growth potential, and reflect the Centre’s commitment to the creation of science and technology-based companies.

Any intangible asset resulting from the R&D process developed by one of the Centres belonging to the Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA) and susceptible of being protected and transferred, with the aim of tackling the process of creating a technology-based company.

In order to identify and prioritise the opportunities with the greatest potential, SPRI carries out a process of scouting, analysis and expert comparison of the technological assets from R&D agents. This process includes the evaluation of the proposals from different perspectives such as the maturity and potential of the technology, the market opportunity, the robustness of the intellectual property, the equipment and resources available, etc.

Basque Tek Ventures provides a complete programme of specialised high-impact services aimed at supporting the process of creating technology start-ups:

• Scouting and expert analysis of technological assets.
• Personalised support and tutoring for each opportunity:
  • Design of the project roadmap.
  • Support in the configuration of high-performance equipment.
  • Expert advice/high-impact mentoring.
• Technology transfer fund (investment of up to €250,000).
• Connection with the investors and mentors that each project needs.
• Acceleration and market access.

The projects endorsed by the Investment Committee will be able to access a seed investment of up to €250,000, in order to execute the defined roadmap. This funding will be provided in different phases, depending on the performance of each team and the fulfilment of milestones.

Basque Tek Ventures is complementary and compatible with any other public and/or private initiative or programme aimed at supporting the creation and development of start-ups.

Due to the enormous responsibility involved in the transfer of technological assets and the significant amount of public and private resources allocated to Basque Tek Ventures, a minimum commitment of effort, motivation for entrepreneurship and commitment on the part of the research institutions is required. This translates into the exclusive dedication of at least one (1) participant representing the research group during the Venture Builder process.

We are looking for experienced entrepreneurs who are eager to embark on a new business venture and who meet the following requirements:

• Proven track record –from 5 to 10 years– in the start-up of innovative initiatives.
• Focus and experience in Business Development.
• Experience in fundraising.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Fully dedicated availability to the project.
• Alignment with the intrinsic values of the programme: transparency, diligence and rigour.

Basque Tek Ventures represents a unique opportunity to create a deep-tech start-up. Participating in this process requires full dedication and availability.