BIND Open Innovation Programme

Implement your solution with industry-leading clients

Accepting Startup Applications Worldwide!

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

  • Paid open innovation project

  • Market validation, POC and reference clients

  • International visibility and projection

  • No obligation to relocate to the Basque Country

  • Regular networking opportunities

  • High-impact mentoring and executive training

  • Business support services and investor introductions

  • Immersion Programme in the Basque Entrepreneurial Hub

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:

  • Immersion Week

  • High-Impact Mentoring

  • Executive Training

  • Investor Matching

  • Presentation during Demo Day

Alumni Programme

Startups who have successfully finished the programme become part of our Alumni network, which gives them access to various events throughout the year:

  • Investor Matching

  • Immersion Week

  • Executive Training

  • BIND events & connection with additional potential clients

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.

11 Blocks of Use Cases for 2026 Open Call

The BIND Venture Clients have prioritized 11 blocks of Use Cases that address current Industry Challenges. Each startup may present up to three project proposals, each of which must focus on a different block.

This block includes the following use cases:

  • ID05. Automation of plant tasks using advanced and collaborative robotics
  • ID06. Improving operator tasks through solutions based on human-machine interfaces (HMIs)
  • ID11. Automation and robotisation of logistics warehouses (e.g. stock management, etc.)

Find out more here.

This block includes the following use cases:

  • ID01. On-site monitoring of processes and machinery (advanced sensors and data collection)
  • ID02. Smart monitoring of infrastructure and facilities
  • ID07. Advanced virtualisation and simulation of processes, products and facilities
  • ID03. Traditional or predictive industrial maintenance
  • ID04. Quality control

Find out more here.

This block includes the following use cases:

  • ID10. Product life cycle assessment (LCA)
  • ID09. Advanced product design and development, incorporating embedded intelligence and functionalities
  • ID08. Additive Manufacturing for production and prototyping

Find out more here.

This block includes the following use cases:

  • ID12. Optimisation of operational logistics: routes, distribution and last-mile delivery
  • ID14. Comprehensive fleet management: financing, operation and maintenance
  • ID15. Electric, autonomous and/or connected mobility in an industrial setting
  • ID23. Electrification of transort and the energy transition in industrial vehicles (hydrogen, EVs) and urban services

Find out more here.

This block includes the following use cases:

  • ID37. Logical cybersecurity (e.g. cloud, on-line services, prevention, etc.)
  • ID38. Physical cybersecurity and security in operational technology (OT) environments: access control, plant and line security
  • ID39. Management of employees’ health, safety and well-being on site
  • ID40. Regulatory compliance, risk management and regulatory traceability (compliance and legal)

Find out more here.

This block includes the following use cases:

  • ID32. Automation of business processes and internal processes (BPA, RPA)
  • ID31. Digital management, planning and decision-support systems
  • ID42. Internal reporting and management systems, including monitoring and communication (e.g. CSR, ESG, SDGs, etc.)
  • ID34. Tools and platforms for internal and remote collaboration
  • ID36. Knowledge management and transfer within the organisation
  • ID33. Increased efficiency and quality in document management
  • ID41. Digitalisation of talent management: rectruitment, onboarding, training, upskilling, workforce planning and retention

Find out more here.

This block includes the following use cases:

  • ID16. Energy monitoring and traceability
  • ID17. Use of technology and new devices to increase energy efficiency
  • ID18. Predictive methods for dynamic real-time demand and consumption adjustment to support energy flexibility
  • ID30. Measurement of environmental impact (e.g. carbon and water footprints) and ESG/ Product Passport
  • ID49. Heat recovery and its electrification in industrial processes
  • ID50. Industrial electrification

Find out more here.

This block includes the following use cases:

  • ID28. Water management
  • ID25. CO2 capture, collection or storage
  • ID24. Control and reduction of pollutant emissions
  • ID27. Waste management and recovery, including waste from production

Find out more here.

This block includes the following use cases:

  • ID19. Power generation and cogeneration (solar, wind, etc.)
  • ID22. Hydrogen-based energy solutions and electrolysis processes
  • ID21. Microgrids and the integration of local and distributed renewable energy in industrial environments.
  • ID20. Energy storage and accumulation (e.g. batteries, hydrogen, gravitational, thermal, etc.)
  • ID51. Renewable fuels (biofuels, synthetic fuels, biogas)

Find out more here.

This block includes the following use cases:

  • ID43. Predictive models applied to demand forecasting.
  • ID13. Optimisation of the supply chain for planning, procurement and supplier management
  • ID44. Commercial intelligence and B2B prospecting (e.g. identifying opportunities, market monitoring, etc.)

Find out more here.

This block includes the following use cases:

  • ID47. Optimisation of the customer/user relationship model, loyalty and retention.
  • ID48. Implementation of new business models (e.g. subscription, delivery, marketplaces, etc.)

Find out more here.

Get Connected with 100 Potential Clients

  • Additive Manufacturing: Metallic and plastic additive manufacturing
  • Artificial Intelligence: Artificial vision, machine learning, adaptive AI, NLP, IDPs…
  • Big Data: Advanced analytics, advanced graphics representation…
  • Computing: Edge and quantum, cloud solutions, virtual and physical servers…
  • Connectivity and IoT: Smart sensors, geolocation and traceability…
  • Cybersecurity: Digital immune systems, securitization of industrial assets…
  • Energy Tech: Hydrogen technologies, smart grids, cleantech…
  • Immersive Technologies: Augmented reality, mixed reality, virtual reality, digital twin
  • Robotics and Electronics: Collaborative robotics, exoskeletons, power electronics, nanotechnology…
  • Software: Content management platforms, document management systems…
  • Sustainability and Circular Economy: Recycling, renewable energy, sustainable materials…
  • Other disruptive technologies

Ready to Learn More?

Attend a live webinar to learn more about BIND benefits and listen to our Alumni startups and mentors

23 July, 2026, 11:00 CEST

25 August, 2026, 15:00 CEST

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”

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

10 Years of Real Innovation. Real Contracts. Real Impact.

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2026 International Startup Open Call

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