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.

In general, in A Mode, the country for Phase 3 is expected to be the same as the one for Phase 2; however, changing the destination country may be allowed subject to approval and the budget available.

In A Mode, the traineeships total is 20 months (12 months in an institution + 8 months in a company). In B Mode, the traineeship is only 8 months in a company.

If you fail your postgraduate programme or do not pass Phase 1 tests, you will not be able to move on to the next phases. To continue the path you must pass all the tests and receive a positive assessment for the programme.

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.

No. SPRI covers 100% of the programme cost, but no financial support is provided to grant holders for Phase 1.

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.

If you have further questions, you can write an e-mail to info@spri.eus. We will be happy to resolve your queries.

To be determined.

You must have your degree or equivalent certificate before 31 May 2026.

No.

If you were under 30 on 1 January 2026, yes.

To prove your proficiency level in Basque, you can submit official certificates (level B2 or higher) or take the proficiency test.

Qualifications for foreign languages are not taken into account; candidates’ proficiency is assessed through special tests.

In 2026, proficiency in Spanish (minimum B2) will also be required: this will be checked in the personal interview and, if the level is not demonstrated, provision of an official certificate may be requested.