No. This programme is not intended for early-stage ideas or projects under development. BIND targets startups less than 8 years old that have completed their technological development and are ready to launch — or have recently launched — their product or service to market.

• Startups must complete the application form, available from 2 July to 4 September 2026.
• Each team must submit a video presentation introducing the startup and its founders. Supporting materials providing additional information (such as demos, presentations, etc.) may also be considered.
• Applications must be submitted in English through the BIND website: https://bind.spri.eus/

The selection process is divided into three stages:

STAGE 1: Startup Pre-selection

• The Coordination Committee reviews all applications and selects startups that best meet the evaluation criteria and match the technologies sought by partner companies.
• During this stage, startups may be asked to provide additional information.

STAGE 2: Finalist Selection

• Shortlisted startups participate in pitching interviews with Venture Client companies, either individually or in groups.
• Finalists are selected directly by Venture Client companies and move on to Stage 3.

STAGE 3: Negotiation Between Venture Client Companies and Finalist Startups

• During this phase, finalist startups and Venture Client companies meet to define the project scope and negotiate collaboration terms.
• SPRI supports participants by facilitating direct contact between both parties.
• To simplify legal arrangements, BIND provides a standard contract template. However, both parties remain fully free to include additional clauses and define the terms of their commercial relationship.
• Startups securing contracts with one or more Venture Client companies officially join BIND.

After the pre-selection phase concludes in September, BIND contacts shortlisted startups to coordinate second-stage interviews. Applicants who are not selected are also informed.

Once second-stage interviews are complete, the BIND team contacts finalists and Venture Client companies begin negotiations.

At this stage, meetings are organised between finalist startups and interested Venture Client companies to define the scope of a potential project and formalise a collaboration agreement or contract. To simplify legal procedures, BIND provides a standard agreement template, although both parties remain free to negotiate additional terms.

To encourage face-to-face interaction between startups and potential clients, BIND organises an annual B2B event between November and March.

BIND connects startups with established industrial companies in the Basque Country to provide solutions that accelerate digital transformation and make processes more efficient and sustainable.

BIND promotes collaboration with disruptive startups as an effective source of innovation to enhance the competitiveness of the Basque industrial ecosystem. This model combines the agility and expertise of startups with the resources and capabilities of established companies.

Through the Venture Client business model, established companies — including BIND’s network of more than 100 corporate and SME partners — contract startups to develop real, paid projects.

This approach enables startups to retain intellectual property rights over their technology while gaining flagship customers, and allows companies to implement innovative technologies quickly, efficiently and with reduced risk.

BIND offers high-quality training and mentoring delivered by professionals with extensive expertise in open innovation, smart industry, sales, investment and startup development. Participating startups may also join optional sessions focused on investor connections, commercial pitch improvement and fundraising readiness.

Nothing. Thanks to the public-private model behind BIND, participation is entirely free of charge. Venture Client companies finance the development of the projects.

Key dates for the 11th edition of the BIND programme

• International call for applications: 2 July 2026
• Application deadline: 4 September 2026
• Startup selection process: September 2026 – March 2027
• Immersion Programme & project development launch: April 2027 – June 2027
• BIND Demo Day: 1 July 2027

Programme mentors help participants maximise their potential. They are internationally recognised professionals who provide expertise, practical experience and strategic guidance to help startups grow quickly and effectively. Mentors support startups in areas such as business model definition, marketing strategy, networking and other priority areas based on each startup’s needs.

Every year, at the beginning of July, BIND hosts the Demo Day, a flagship innovation showcase event where collaborative projects developed within the platform are presented. Investors, corporations, startups, industry influencers and innovation ecosystem stakeholders attend to discover cutting-edge technologies being implemented in industry. It is a valuable opportunity for networking, visibility and credibility-building for participating startups.

The 2027 edition will follow a hybrid format, combining online and in-person participation.

Kick-off sessions, workshops and mentoring activities will take place online.

Physical attendance will only be required during the immersion week, which includes networking activities, training sessions and the Demo Day event.

All programme activities are held according to the Madrid CET/CEST time zone. BIND strongly encourages participating startups to spend as much time as possible in the Basque Country (Spain) to fully benefit from the immersion programme and engage with the local industrial ecosystem.

Startup documentation is accessible only to the Venture Clients involved in the selection jury and the BIND coordination team. All submitted materials are protected against unauthorised access.

BIND is designed and funded by the Basque Government, the Department of Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability, and the SPRI Group. The platform is also supported by the HAZI Foundation and the three Provincial Councils of the Basque Autonomous Community.

BIND brings together leading industrial companies in the region, along with several public organisations acting as Venture Clients.

Yes, it can. Once the pilot project concludes, the relationship may continue depending on the needs and motivations of both parties. Currently, 60% of participating startups continue working with their company one year after the programme. The networking opportunities provided through immersion activities and Demo Day may also lead to contracts with additional companies.

For any questions or comments, please contact the BIND coordination team at: info@bindplatform.com. We are here to help.

BIND is a public-private initiative: an open innovation platform designed to foster interaction and collaboration between disruptive startups and established companies.

Each year, BIND launches an international call for startups to present their solutions to companies and develop real-world projects. In addition, startups that secure at least one contract with a company receive three months of free services, including mentoring, workshops, networking opportunities and investor connections.

After completing the programme, startups become part of the BIND Alumni Network.

We welcome startups from around the world developing innovative solutions for industrial processes. Technology focus areas vary by edition, but key areas typically include: Artificial Intelligence, IoT, robotics, virtual and augmented reality, big data, cybersecurity, nanotechnology, additive manufacturing, renewable energy, clean technologies and circular economy solutions.

If your company has already moved beyond the product development stage and recently launched a scalable solution applicable to industrial businesses, this is the right time to explore the BIND platform.