Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a technological promise of the future: it is the engine of the present for thousands of startups in Spain. In the last two years, the boom of generative AI, automatic learning and data -based solutions has transformed the entrepreneurial panorama, positioning these developments as central axes of economic growth and global competitiveness.
According to the latest data from the Startup Observatory of the Bankinter Innovation Foundation, in collaboration with CaixaBank, IA heads the most implemented technologies list by new technology companies, closely followed by advanced computing, blockchain and biotechnology. In this new scenario, Madrid and Barcelona reinforce their role as innovation poles, but other cities such as Malaga, Bilbao or Valencia also emerge, thanks to the impulse of technological hubs and policy of talent attraction.
AI as a competitive advantage in entrepreneurship
The prominence of artificial intelligence is not accidental. Startups are finding a tool capable of optimizing processes, improving customer experience, accelerating decision making and, above all, climbing products more efficiently. “Artificial intelligence is no longer just a trend, it is the strategic differential of new business models,” they point out from the CaixaBank Dayone program, focused on innovation and high growth.
In the words of Cristina Ventura, head of innovation of Caixabank Tech, “the AI not only changes what we do, it changes how we think the products, how we understand the user and how we design services.” An approach that, he explains, is attracting more and more foreign investment to the Spanish ecosystem.
A new generation of startups is committed to AI and advanced computing to lead innovation
Award of digital talent and collaboration with corporations
The growth of Deep Tech startups and the adoption of artificial intelligence are also redefining the dynamics between large corporations and entrepreneurs. Instead of competing, many consolidated companies are actively collaborating with Startups to incorporate disruptive technologies agilely. This open innovation model not only allows us to accelerate time-to-market, but also reduces technological risk.
The demand for specialized profiles, quantum computing, data science and cybersecurity has increased significantly, which makes digital talent an increasingly scarce resource. “We need to create bridges between university, company and investors to ensure that technological knowledge translates into real solutions,” they stand out from the Caixabank Tech team.
Challenges: Regulation, investment and scalability
Despite the boom, the ecosystem still faces challenges. One of them is the regulation of artificial intelligence in Europe, which generates uncertainty in business -processing business models. Another challenge is access to financing in climbing phases: although seed rounds have grown, there is still gap in growth phases that allow competing with the United States or Asia.
From CaixaBank they underline the need to promote specialized funds in Deep Tech, as well as strengthening the connection between risk capital and university projects. Initiatives such as Zone2Boost or the acceleration program with shuttle are examples of how bank entities can act as agents of change in the innovative ecosystem.
