Smart Industry Open Innovation
Connect with industry-leading venture clients ready to contract startups for real-world projects.
BIND connects dynamic startup teams with well-established companies across the Basque ecosystem who are actively seeking external solutions to become more efficient, competitive and sustainable.
Through paid contracts and hands-on collaboration, startups implement their solutions in real environments, building commercial traction, gaining reference clients, and embedding themselves in a thriving entrepreneurial hub.
No equity taken. No fees. Just real projects with real clients.
What Startups Get
Immersion Programme
Startups that sign a contract with a venture client gain access to the exclusive BIND Immersion Programme. A 3-month programme (April – June) which includes:
Innovation Focus Areas
Our partners actively seek solutions spanning industry-agnostic and disruptive technologies that drive the future of smart industry, including innovations in sustainability, digitalization, automation, advanced manufacturing, data intelligence, and next-generation connectivity. Global startups with near-market or market-ready solutions are invited to apply.
11th Edition Timeline
JULY 2 – SEPT 4
Application Period
SEPT 7 – 18 SEPT
Pre-Selection
OCT 20 – 22 2026
Pitch Week
NOV 6
Finalist Announcement
NOV – MAR
Project Definition
APR – JUL 2027
Project Development
1 JUL 2027
Demo Day
BIND Supports your Startup and puts your Innovation into Action
10 Years of Real Impact
With over 400 Smart Industry projects realized, BIND has built a community where startups don’t just connect, they grow. Join a thriving network of founders, corporates, investors, and industry professionals who are actively shaping the future of Smart Industry together.
“Through BIND, we have the opportunity to develop a real-world solution for a well-established client and to validate our solution with them”
“BIND offers a unique opportunity to boost your project through a partnership with a leading company and accelerate your time to market”
“BIND gave us the opportunity to get a foot in Euskadi and get our first reference. Now we have 10 clients here”
“The combination of workshops, company visits and project collaboration is unique and useful for every startup.”
“BIND was like one more step towards establishing our operations and keeping consistency in Europe”
“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.”
