- The director of Igape, Covadonga Toca, took part in the round table “Importance of Regional Ecosystems in Spain”, held as part of the presentation of the Tech and Innovative Companies Report
- She underlined that the Galician model combines public financing, internationalisation networks and sectoral accelerators, which have made it possible to support more than 830 projects and create 1,400 skilled jobs
- She highlighted that the Economic Office of Galicia and Xesgalicia consolidate the support and capital structure that makes it possible to turn ideas into viable businesses, while the network of technology hubs and the connection with universities ensures the effective transfer of knowledge to the productive fabric
Madrid, 28 May 2025
The director of Igape, Covadonga Toca, took part today in the round table “Importance of Regional Ecosystems in Spain”, held within the presentation of the Tech and Innovative Companies Report, where she valued the Galician model of support for entrepreneurship as a driver of economic and social transformation, attracting talent and fostering innovation across the territory. In this regard, she emphasised that Galicia “does not seek to compete in volume, but in specialisation, sector maturity and added value.”
During her speech, Toca pointed out that the region has an ecosystem integrating financial instruments such as Xesgalicia, support structures like the Economic Office of Galicia – which has already handled more than 21,000 enquiries and 950 business meetings since its creation in 2024 – and a network of sectoral accelerators (Business Factories) that transform ideas into companies and engines of change.
Toca Carús detailed the good performance of this Business Factories network promoted by the Xunta in collaboration with key companies and technology centres. These accelerators, such as BFAuto, BFFood, BFAero and BF ClimaTech, have supported more than 830 business projects and generated over 1,400 skilled jobs.
She explained that this network has recently added the new BFSport accelerator, focused on sports technology and performance, while others dedicated to health and renewable energy are already in development. “These accelerators emerge from within Galicia’s own productive system and respond to real challenges, generating applied innovation and employment opportunities,” she remarked.
Retention and attraction of talent
The Igape director also emphasised the Galician ecosystem’s ability to retain local talent and attract returning or specialised talent. Through the Galicia Retorna Strategy, the Xunta aims to facilitate the return of 30,000 Galicians from abroad. Support for returning entrepreneurship, the visibility of Galician talent through the network of international offices, and the internationalisation of start-ups are among the mechanisms that foster global connections.
Finally, the director noted that the Galician ecosystem is made possible by effective collaboration between public administrations, universities, technology centres and companies. Initiatives such as the digital innovation hubs (DIHGIGAL and DATALIFE), the IGAPE Innova, IA360 and Ticket Innova programmes, and the active participation of universities and centres such as CTAG, AIMEN and ANFACO are key to ensuring effective knowledge transfer.
