BIND Corporate

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Smart Industry Open Innovation + Acceleration

Reach 70 Industry Leaders who act as Venture Clients by offering contracts to Startups for real Industry projects.

The BIND Open Innovation and Acceleration Program connects dynamic startup teams with well-established companies, to provide external solutions for their internal digital transformation challenges while promoting the development of commercial skills and encouraging the immersion of startups in the local ecosystem, catalyzing new business opportunities.

This zero-equity approach to investing and active acceleration allows startups to maintain ownership and get reference customers while earning paid contracts for implementing solutions in real environments.

Ready to work with paying clients on real use cases with the companies driving the Intelligent Industry, Clean Energy & Sustainability, Health and Food sectors?

What Startups Get

  • POC, Market Validation

  • Access to 70 Corporate Clients

  • Startup Acceleration

  • 43K Average Contract

  • Introductions to Industry Investors

  • High Impact Mentoring

  • Cross-Vertical Network Immersion

  • Retain Ownership, No Equity Taken

  • Key Business Workshops

Seeking innovative technologies

The disruptive technologies of interest expand each year to meet the needs of the 70+ Corporate Clients from the sectors of Intelligent Industry, Clean Energy & Sustainability, Health Tech and Food Tech in the Basque region. If you have developed any related solutions, we encourage you to apply to put your innovation into action.

  • Connectivity and IoT: Smart sensors, Geolocation & Traceability…

  • Artificial Intelligence: Artificial Vision, Machine Learning, Adaptative AI, NLP, IDPs…

  • Immersive Technologies: Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality, Virtual Reality, Digital Twin

  • Big Data: Advanced Analytics, Advanced Graphics Representation…

  • Software: Content Management Platforms, Document Management Systems…

  • Computing: Edge and Quantum Computing, Cloud Solutions, Virtual and Physical Servers…

  • Additive Manufacturing: Metallic, Plastic and Food Additive Manufacturing.

  • Cybersecurity: Digital Immune Systems, Securitization of Industrial assets…

  • Robotics and Electronics: Collaborative Robotics, Exoskeletons, Power electronics, Nanotechnology…

  • Sustainability & Circular economy: Recycling, Smart Grids and Cleantech.

  • Hydrogen Technologies

  • Health Tech: Medical devices, Biobased solutions…

  • Food Tech

12 Business Use Cases for 2025 Open Call

In addition to the disruptive technologies in demand, the BIND Corporate Clients have prioritized 12 Use Cases that address current Industry Challenges. Apply today, if you have developed any technologies listed above, or solutions that address these Use Case challenges.

This use case encompasses initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency, control, and reliability of industrial processes through digital solutions.

  • Advanced monitoring of processes and machinery
  • Data-driven decision making
  • Comprehensive traceability of processes and products
  • Virtualization, simulation and monitoring of plants
  • Industrial connectivity and interoperability

Find out more here.

Integration of robotic solutions, automation systems, and advanced interaction technologies into industrial processes to enhance operational efficiency.

  • Collaborative robotics and human-machine interfaces
  • Integration of mobile and autonomous robots in industrial environments
  • Automation of manual processes
  • Operator empowerment through digital innovation

Find out more here.

Initiatives focused on improving internal management, safeguarding information, and ensuring regulatory compliance through digital solutions.

  • Cybersecurity and information protection
  • Automation of administrative and management processes
  • Automated reporting

Find out more here.

Enhancing operational reliability and product quality through advanced maintenance and inspection technologies.

  • Implementation of predictive maintenance
  • Application of computer vision
  • Quality control of critical processes
  • Optimization of maintenance processes

Find out more here.

Digital transformation of the supply chain, from demand forecasting to material traceability and supplier coordination.

  • Predictive models for demand forecasting
  • Smart inventory and logistics management
  • Logistics optimization in intermediate production phases
  • Digitalization of energy supply management
  • Monitoring and traceability of water resources

Find out more here.

Transforming industrial, urban and service mobility models, with a focus on enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability.

  • Route optimization for maintenance technicians and service fleets.
  • Connected mobility solutions
  • Comprehensive fleet management
  • Fleet electrification and energy transition
  • Cybersecurity applied to mobility

Find out more here.

Advancing toward more sustainable production models, leveraging technologies and methodologies to measure, reduce and offset environmental impact.

  • Environmental impact measurement
  • Solutions for reducing environmental impact
  • Exploration of emission offsetting methodologies
  • Opportunities linked to sustainability-driven business models
  • CO2 capture, storage and valorization

Find out more here.

Optimizing energy usage within industrial environments by combining digitalization, data analytics and automation to achieve more efficient, flexible and sustainable energy management.

  • Traceability and control of energy flows
  • Monitoring of energy consumption in critical equipment
  • Demand forecasting and dynamic consumption adjustment
  • Integration of renewable energy sources
  • Intelligent assistants for energy efficiency

Find out more here.

Promoting renewable energy generation, its efficient integration into existing infrastructures and its storage for industrial applications or grid stability.

  • Energy storage systems in renewable energy parks
  • Hydrogen-based solutions
  • Advanced monitoring of renewable energy parks
  • Exploitation of solar potential in existing infrastructures
  • Renewable generation systems

Find out more here.

Development and implementation of technological solutions for more efficient, circular and sustainable management of waste and resources, including industrial, food and water waste.

  • Filtration, treatment, and valorization of water
  • Revalorization of industrial waste
  • Advanced recycling of critical components and valuable materials
  • Utilization of industrial process

Find out more here.

Innovation in health products and services, the adoption of disruptive technologies in R&D processes, and the redesign of care models by integrating digital tools to enhance efficiency, safety and patient experience.

  • Optimization of pharmaceutical R&D processes
  • Development of diagnostics devices and medical devices
  • Integration of virtual assistants
  • Redesign of care services
  • Patient data protection

Find out more here.

Transforming the relationship with the end customer across both physical and digital environments.

  • Optimization of physical sales points
  • Application of artificial intelligence
  • Servitization of products
  • Implementation of new business models

Find out more here.

Ready to Learn More?

Watch the webinar on-demand to learn more about BIND benefits and listen to our Alumni startups and mentors

28 August, 2025, 11:00 CET

Available on-demand

What To Expect…

+ Connection
+ Acceleration
+ Validation
+ Growth

The BIND Open Innovation & Acceleration Program can be broken down into four interconnected phases.

What to expect

JULY-SEPT

Call for Startups, Scouting Process and Pre-Selection of Desired Solutions.

SEPT-DEC

Pitching Sessions and Matchmaking with 70 Industry Leading Corporate Clients.

JAN-JUNE

High Impact Acceleration and Smart Industry Project Implementation.

YEAR ROUND

Innovation Showcase & Activities in Basque Industrial Ecosystem.

BIND Supports your Startup and puts your Innovation into Action

9 Editions Of Proven Success

With over 350 Smart Industry Projects realized since 2017, joining BIND means being part of an influential group of startups, corporates, investors and professionals forming a large business support network.

“Through BIND, we have the opportunity to develop a real-world solution for a well-established client and to validate our solution with them”

Detektia

“BIND offers a unique opportunity to boost your project through a partnership with a leading company and accelerate your time to market”

Accexible

“BIND gave us the opportunity to get a foot in Euskadi and get our first reference. Now we have 10 clients here”

Hupi

“The combination of workshops, company visits and project collaboration is unique and useful for every startup.”

Nordbo Robotics

“BIND was like one more step towards establishing our operations and keeping consistency in Europe”

Hedro

“The biggest advantage of taking part in BIND is the established community: BIND Team, world-leading corporates, mentors and startups altogether pursuing new challenges and solutions.”

Flythings Technologies

BIND Program Impact

0+
Projects developed
0M
Euros Real Turnover
0+
Startups Impacted
0K
Average Project Amount
0%
Contract retention Post-Program
x0
Startups Double Billing

FAQ – BIND Corporate

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions about the Acceleration Program.

We accept Startups from all over the world proposing the use of new technologies which can be applied to the Industry, Energy & Sustainability, Health and Food sectors. The technologies of interest expands each year but some of the main areas are: AI, IIOT, Collaborative Robotics, AR/VR, Vision Systems, Big Data & Advanced Analytics, Cybersecurity, Nanotech, New Materials, Additive Manufacturing, Smart Energy, Clean Tech, Biobased Solutions, Positioning Systems, and many more. If your company has completed product development or recently launched a solution based on Industry 4.0 technologies, you’re ready to take the next step and join BIND.

This is where the Venture Client model comes in, the collaborating companies that partner with BIND are constantly searching for new concepts, innovative ideas and early-stage startups that can contribute to their Industry 4.0 challenges. Collaborating companies profit by connecting with the best entrepreneurial talent in the world and also by developing innovative projects with controlled risks and costs.

The participating startups are chosen by our 70 Corporate Venture Client companies looking to collaborate and implement new technologies. Be sure to review the profiles on our Venture Clients page to get familiar with the needs of the industry and see if your solutions are a fit. Startups that pass the selection process and reach a collaboration agreement and then sign a contract with at least one of the venture client companies will join BIND.

View the Terms and Conditions

The Selection process is divided into three phases:

PHASE 1: Pre-Selection of Startups

  • The Coordination Committee will evaluate all the applications and select the startups that best match the previously defined assessment criteria, Use Cases and technologies desired
  • During this period, potentially eligible teams might be requested to provide additional information
  • The 50 startups with the highest score will pass to the second phase

PHASE 2: Selection of Finalist Startups

  • The Venture Client companies will evaluate the pre-selected startups through “pitching” type interviews according to the previously defined assessment criteria
  • The Venture Client companies will select the finalist startups with the highest scores to move on to Phase 3

PHASE 3: Matching between a Venture Client Partner Company and Finalist Startups to work on a joint project

  • During this phase Finalist Startups and our Venture Client Partners will meet to define the scope of the Industry 4.0 project, reach a collaboration agreement and determine the scope of a contract
  • In order to ease the legal terms of the agreement, BIND will facilitate a standard contract template. However, both sides have full freedom to write additional clauses in the contract and establish the terms of their working relationship.
  • The Startups that receive a contract with one or more of our Venture Client Industry Partner companies will join BIND

Key dates for the 9th Edition of the BIND Acceleration Program

  • International Call for Applicants / July 1st, 2024
  • Registration Deadline / September 6th, 2024
  • Startup Selection Process / September – January 31, 2025
  • Acceleration Program Kickoff / February 6, 2025
  • Acceleration & Project Development / February – July 2025
  • BIND Demo Day: July 3rd, 2025

The Mentors of the program will coach participants and try to bring out the best in each of them. They are well-regarded international professionals who offer their knowledge, personal experience, and vision, with the goal of helping companies develop and evolve more effectively. The mentoring team will guide participating startups in each phase of their business model, marketing strategy, networks, etc. in an effort to obtain financing, investment or new clients.

The Program provides support in terms of travel-related processes, such as obtaining a VISA or finding acommodation and workspace for your team, so you can focus on what really matters.
The 2024 Edition is a hybrid online and in-person program with some dates required to attend in person. Startup teams will need to send one team member to the required events hosted in the Basque Country, Spain in order to participate. Startups that attend both in-person activities will receive financial support.

As well as the project, participant startups get individualised mentoring, workshops and investor sessions. Most of the sessions are between one and two hours long. We usually have around 8 sessions per startup every edition + the sessions with your mentors.

Furthermore, Startups are required to visit the Basque Country during the immersion week and Demo Day.

After closing the pre-selection process in September, BIND will contact the selected applicants to coordinate the Interviews of the second phase. The applicants who have not been selected will also be informed of the results.
When interviews of Phase 2 are completed, the BIND team will contact the finalists to coordinate a meeting between the startup and the venture client / industry partner company so that they can work on the definition and scope of the joint project to be carried out during the 24-week acceleration cycle.

The Venture Client / Corporate Partner companies will propose to each selected Startup the chance to develop a real Industry 4.0 project. During this phase, there will be meetings between Finalist Startups and interested Venture Client Companies to define the scope of the project and reach a collaboration agreement/contract. In order to ease the legal terms of the agreement, the BIND Program will facilitate a standard agreement template. However, both sides have full freedom to write other clauses in the contract. Startups will have the legal support of the Program to make this agreement. While the final amount of the project and the conditions of the possible contract to be signed between the venture client company and the startup will be agreed by the parties depending on the scope and complexity of their project, the program establishes an indicative minimum of €25,000 (excluding VAT)

The 2024 Edition is a hybrid online and in person program with some dates required to attend in person. Startups teams will need to send one team member to the required events hosted in Basque Country, Spain in order to participate, all events take place in the Madrid CET/CEST time zone.

BIND encourages participating startups to spend as much time as possible in the Basque Country, Spain, with the aim of promoting their immersion and development in the local Ecosystem. To learn more about the reasons to invest in this region, visit our Basque Industry 4.0 Ecosystem page for key business and industry figures.

BIND offers high-quality training and guidance provided by exemplary professionals with a wide range of experience in collaboration, sales, investment, scale-up and professional development. The goal of the training program is to support Startup teams with business development and acceleration issues while they are working on their Industry 4.0 collaborative projects.

It absolutely can. When the project is finished, the relationship between the startups and venture client companies will evolve based on the needs and motivations that may arise between both sides, which they can agree to privately. We are proud to say that 50% of BIND Startups retain their contract one year after their participation in our program.

We hold the Best of BIND Demo Day event at the end of June or beginning of July each year. It is an Innovation Showcase to share the results of the collaborative Industry 4.0 projects developed during the acceleration cycle. Investors, Corporate Companies, Startups and Industry Influencers attend to see what exciting technologies are being implemented, it’s a great networking opportunity providing visibility and credibility to each Startup.

  1. Plan: Watch our Corporate Partners videos to see what technology they are seeking in this edition. As they will review applications and request pitches, the Corporate Venture Clients make the final decision on which Startups are selected. It is KEY to know what they need and what challenges they present in order to target your video and application. This is the Research stage, important for any project. In this research phase all you have to do is watch and listen, here is the list of participating Corporates and the challenges they are facing.
  2. Prepare: Explain what your solution does and the differentiation and value compared to other Startups working in the same field. Apply those differences to your advantage as you present your solutions to the Corporate Clients you are addressing in the application. Remember your application can be seen by all 70 Corporate Partners across verticals, so consider these tips to get their interest.
    – Startups need to clearly define what challenges their solution targets and how the Corporate Venture Clients will benefit from their technology. Make it clear what sector(s) your solutions apply to as we have several fields of interest.
    – Explain in as much detail as possible and in simple terms what you’re working on and what results you plan to obtain in the near future. Use layman’s terms meaning, not too many acronyms and terminology that only experts in your field will know – explain what you can do not necessarily how you do it. Explain your value proposition, what the client will gain from working with you. (For example: energy savings, lower CO2 emissions, reduced risks, less downtime, etc.)
  3. Present: We ask applicants to create a short 2-3 minute video which introduces the team and solution and addresses the BIND Corporate Clients needs so they know what technologies and services the startups offer.
    – We advise using the video to explain one project or product, not your entire catalogue. It’s better to be clear and specific with one solution than to show too many things. Don’t worry about the quality of the video, we just want to hear in your words, what you plan to do. Create a video just for your BIND application. Don’t let this step slow you down, prepare a quick script and get in front of the camera to share your motivation and value proposition.

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