ESADE Creapolis

ESADE Creapolis

Esade Creapolis is a premier innovation and business park located on the Esade campus in Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona, designed to bridge academia and industry. It acts as an open innovation hub for startups and corporations, featuring modern workspaces, specialized labs, and the Rambla of Innovation to foster collaboration and entrepreneurship.

Concept: A unique ecosystem connecting students, researchers, and company professionals.

Key Features: Over  of space housing corporations, startups, and academic areas, including the #RamblaOfInnovation.

Services: Startup accelerator, corporate innovation consulting, and flexible workspaces.

Goal: To stimulate creative thinking, open innovation, and real-world application of academic research. 

Essentially, it is a business school-led innovation hub where firms co-locate to work with faculty and students to foster innovation.

Barcelona Smart Logistics

Barcelona Smart Logistics Open Innovation Safari

Explore one of Southern Europe’s most dynamic ecosystems of logistics, mobility and supply chain innovation

Location: Barcelona – Themes: Smart Logistics / Supply Chain / Last Mile / Automation – Duration: One Day

The Barcelona Smart Logistics Open Innovation Safari is a one-day immersive experience designed for professionals who want to explore how innovation and technology are transforming the future of logistics and supply chain operations.

Led by Certified Innovation Safari Sherpa Francesc Saldaña, this Safari introduces explorers to the Barcelona smart logistics ecosystem, where corporates, logistics operators, infrastructure hubs and innovation organizations are developing new solutions related to automation, last-mile delivery, data-driven logistics and sustainable mobility.

During the experience, explorers will discover how professionals, operators and innovators are working together to create more efficient, connected and resilient logistics systems across urban and international environments.

Explorers will explore topics such as:

  • smart logistics innovation
  • supply chain digitalization
  • warehouse automation and robotics
  • last-mile delivery and sustainable mobility

The experience

The Safari combines curated exploration with interactive activities designed to encourage learning, discussion and inspiration.

Explorers will explore key innovation hotspots in Barcelona’s Smart Logistics ecosystem:

  • Amazon logistics hub – A relevant example of large-scale logistics operations, process optimization and last-mile innovation.
  • Port of Barcelona – One of Europe’s leading logistics and maritime ecosystems, where infrastructure, technology and global trade intersect.
  • ZFB Logistics 4.0 Hub – The first incubator in Spain dedicated to Industry 4.0 in the logistics value chain. Already incubated a total of 60 projects, helping to turn business ideas into companies of the future that generate employment..

Participants will:

  • Exploration walk at real logistics and supply chain environments
  • Meet startups and professionals and innovators working on the future of logistics
  • join an innovation workshop with other explorers focused on trends in automation, digital operations and mobility
  • discuss how smart logistics technologies can inspire new services, partnerships and business models in multiple sectors

This immersive approach helps participants better understand how Smart Logistics ecosystems operate in practice.

What explorers will gain

Explorers will learn and design by:

  • discovering emerging trends in smart logistics innovation
  • understanding how logistics organizations improve efficiency and resilience
  • connecting with professionals and ecosystem players
  • generating ideas and inspiration for new services, operations and business models

Who Should Join

  • corporate innovation leaders
  • logistics and supply chain professionals
  • entrepreneurs and startup founders
  • mobility and infrastructure professionals
  • public sector and economic development professionals
  • professionals from any sector interested in operational innovation

Participants from different sectors are encouraged to join and share perspectives.

Join this Open Safari

Limited group to ensure a high-quality exploration experience.

Barcelona Space

Barcelona Space Open Innovation Safari

Explore one of Europe’s most promising New Space ecosystems

Location: Barcelona – Themes: Space / New Space / Satellites / Connectivity – Duration: One Day

The Barcelona Space Open Innovation Safari is a one-day immersive experience designed for professionals who want to explore how innovation and technology are transforming the future of the space economy.

Led by Certified Innovation Safari Sherpa Oriol Ribera, this Safari introduces explorers to the Barcelona New Space ecosystem, where startups, research centers and innovation organizations are developing new solutions related to satellite connectivity, Earth observation and space-enabled services.

During the experience, explorers will discover how entrepreneurs, engineers and innovators are working together to create new technologies and business models that are reshaping industries through space-based infrastructure and data.

Explorers will explore topics such as:

  • New Space innovation
  • Satellite connectivity
  • Earth observation and data
  • Space-enabled services for multiple industries

Innovation Safaris allow professionals to experience innovation where it actually happens.

The experience

The Safari combines curated exploration with interactive activities designed to encourage learning, discussion and inspiration.

Explorers will explore key innovation hotspots in Barcelona’s Space ecosystem:

  • SATELIOT – A pioneering New Space startup connecting IoT devices through satellite networks.
  • IEEC – The Institut d’Estudis Espacials de Catalunya, a key organization in the promotion of space research, talent and innovation.
  • i2CAT – A research and innovation center working on advanced digital connectivity, including space-related communications.

Participants will:

  • Exploration walk at innovation spaces connected to the New Space ecosystem
  • Meet startups and innovators working on the future of space-enabled services
  • join an innovation workshop with other explorers: discuss emerging trends in satellite connectivity, Earth observation and data-driven services
  • explore how space technologies can generate new business opportunities in sectors such as mobility, logistics, agriculture and telecommunications

This immersive approach helps participants better understand how Space ecosystems operate in practice.

What explorers will gain

Explorers will learn and design by:

  • discovering emerging trends in New Space innovation
  • understanding how space startups develop and scale new solutions
  • connecting with entrepreneurs and innovation organizations
  • generating ideas and inspiration for new services and business models

Who Should Join

  • corporate innovation leaders
  • entrepreneurs and startup founders
  • telecommunications and technology professionals
  • researchers and academics
  • public sector innovation managers

Participants from different sectors are encouraged to join and share perspectives.

Join this Open Safari

Limited group to ensure a high-quality exploration experience.

Barcelona SportTech

Barcelona SportTech Open Innovation Safari

Explore one of Europe’s most innovative SportTech ecosystems

Location: Barcelona – Themes: SportTech / Performance / Health / Fan Experience – Duration: One Day

The Barcelona SportTech Open Innovation Safari is a one-day immersive experience designed for professionals who want to explore how innovation and technology are transforming the future of sport.

Led by Certified Innovation Safari Sherpa Oriol Ribera, this Safari introduces explorers to the Barcelona SportTech ecosystem, where clubs, startups, research centers and industry organizations are developing new solutions related to sports performance, health, data analytics and fan engagement.

During the experience, explorers will discover how professionals, researchers and innovators are working together to create new technologies, services and business models that are reshaping the sports industry.

Explorers will explore topics such as:

  • SportTech innovation
  • Performance analytics
  • Wearables and biomechanics
  • Digital fan engagement

The experience

The Safari combines curated exploration with interactive activities designed to encourage learning, discussion and inspiration.

Explorers will explore key innovation hotspots in Barcelona’s SportTech ecosystem:

  • Barça Innovation Hub – A global reference connecting sport, performance, health and knowledge transfer.
  • CAR Sant Cugat – One of Europe’s leading high-performance sports centers, integrating elite training, science and technology.
  • INDESCAT – The Catalan sports industry cluster, connecting companies, startups and institutions driving sports innovation.

Participants will:

  • Exploration walk to innovation spaces and real SportTech environments
  • meet professionals and innovators working on the future of sport
  • join an innovation workshop with other explorers focused on trends in performance, health and digital sports experiences
  • Mapping opportunities: discuss how sport-related technologies can inspire new products, services and partnerships in other sectors

This immersive approach helps participants better understand how SportTech ecosystems operate in practice.

What explorers will gain

Explorers will learn and design by:

  • discovering emerging trends in SportTech innovation
  • understanding how sports organizations and startups develop new solutions
  • connecting with innovators, experts and ecosystem organizations
  • generating ideas and inspiration for new services, experiences and business models

Who Should Join

  • corporate innovation leaders
  • sports industry professionals
  • entrepreneurs and startup founders
  • health and performance specialists
  • public sector and cluster managers
  • professionals from any sector interested in applied innovation through sport

Participants from different sectors are encouraged to join and share perspectives.

Limited group to ensure a high-quality exploration experience.

I want a Custom Innovation Safari

I2CAT

i2CAT

The i2CAT Foundation is a non-profit research and innovation centre based in Barcelona that promotes R&D activities in the field of advanced Internet architectures, applications, and services. It acts as a strategic partner for the public sector and businesses, driving global connectivity and technology transfer in areas such as 6G, Artificial Intelligence, and the New Space Economy.

Its main mission is to bridge the gap between academic research and the business sector through digital innovation.

Leads numerous European projects and initiatives aimed at improving social and territorial digital transformation.

ca l'alier

Barcelona Urban Lab

Barcelona Urban Lab uses the city as a live testing ground for innovative urban projects. It provides companies with real-world public spaces to pilot new technologies—such as smart sensors for parking or advanced mobility solutions—before they are commercialized. Backed by the Barcelona City Council, this initiative aims to promote economic growth, improve public services, and transform the city into a hub for smart technology and sustainability. 

Ca l’Alier is a leading urban innovation center located in Barcelona’s Poblenou district. Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century textile factory, it serves as a collaborative hub where technology companies, startups, and the city council work together to develop smart city solutions. It is a symbol of the city’s commitment to sustainability and digital transformation.

Key Aspects:

  • Location: Primarily focused in areas like the 22@ innovation district.
  • Objective: To overcome regulatory barriers for startups and companies testing innovative products in natural environments.
EURECAT HOTSPOT

Eurecat

Eurecat is the leading technology center in Catalonia and the second-largest private research organization in Southern Europe. It serves as a bridge between scientific knowledge and industrial application to boost business competitiveness.

A provider of applied R&D, technological services, and specialized training for companies.

Main Services

Training: Highly specialized professional courses via Eurecat AcademyOver 650-700 professionals, an annual income of approximately €50–52M, and a portfolio of over 150 patents.

Applied R&D: Custom innovation projects for SMEs and large corporations.

Infrastructure: Access to more than 20 specialized laboratories and pilot plants for testing and prototyping.

Barcelona Startup Ecosystem Open Innovation Safari

Barcelona Startup Ecosystem Open Innovation Safari

Explore one of Europe’s most vibrant startup ecosystems

Location: Barcelona – Themes: Startups / Venture Capital / Entrepreneurship – Duration: One Day

The Barcelona Startup Ecosystem Open Innovation Safari is a one-day immersive experience designed for professionals who want to understand how successful startup ecosystems are built and how they generate innovation and economic growth.

Led by Certified Innovation Safari Sherpa Francesc Saldaña, this Safari introduces participants to the Barcelona entrepreneurial ecosystem, one of the most dynamic startup hubs in Southern Europe.

During the experience, explorers will discover how startups, investors, accelerators and innovation hubs collaborate to create a thriving environment that supports entrepreneurship, technology development and venture creation.

Explorers will explore topics such as:

  • Startup ecosystems
  • Entrepreneurship and venture creation
  • Venture capital and startup funding
  • Startup acceleration and scaling

Innovation Safaris allow professionals to experience innovation where it actually happens.

The experience

Explorers will explore a key innovation hotspot in Barcelona’s startup ecosystem:

  • Barcelona Tech City – one of the most important startup hubs in Southern Europe, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, corporates and innovation organizations.

Participants will:

  • Exploration walk at the innovation hub and startup community spaces
  • Meet startups & entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders
  • Innovation workshop with other explorers: Discuss emerging trends in startups
  • Learn how startup communities attract talent and investment
  • Discuss how startup ecosystems generate innovation and new business opportunities

This immersive approach helps participants better understand how entrepreneurial ecosystems operate in practice.

What explorers will gain

Explorers will learn and design by:

  • understanding how successful startup ecosystems are built
  • discovering how startups attract investment and scale internationally
  • connecting with entrepreneurs and innovation organizations
  • generating ideas and inspiration for future ventures and collaborations

Who Should Join

  • corporate innovation leaders
  • entrepreneurs and startup founders
  • investors and venture capital professionals
  • public sector innovation managersresearchers and academics

Participants from different sectors are encouraged to join and share perspectives.

Join this Open Safari

Limited group to ensure a high-quality exploration experience.

Barcelona AI & Deep Tech Corporate Open Innovation Safari

Barcelona AI & Deep Tech Corporate Open Innovation Safari

A strategic immersion into Artificial Intelligence and Deep Tech innovation

Location: Barcelona – Themes: Artificial Intelligence / Deep Tech / Data Innovation – Duration: Two Days

The Barcelona AI & Deep Tech Corporate Open Innovation Safari is a two-day strategic immersion designed for organizations that want to explore how artificial intelligence and deep technologies can accelerate innovation and transformation.

Led by Certified Innovation Safari Sherpas Francesc Saldaña & Oriol Ribera, this Safari combines ecosystem exploration with collaborative workshops to help organizations understand emerging technologies and identify opportunities for innovation.

Participants will explore how Barcelona’s innovation ecosystem is driving breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, supercomputing and deep technology. The Innovation Safari combines visits to leading research institutions with expert discussions and structured reflection activities designed to translate insights into strategic opportunities for participating organizations.

Participants will explore topics such as:

  • Artificial Intelligence ecosystems
  • Deep Tech innovation models
  • Advanced computing infrastructure
  • AI-driven transformation strategies

Innovation Safaris allow professionals to experience innovation where it actually happens.

The experience

Participants will explore two leading AI research institutions in Barcelona:

  • Barcelona Supercomputing Center – home of one of Europe’s most powerful supercomputers and a leading research institution in artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and data science.
  • EURECAT – A leading European technology center focused on applied research and technology transfer.

Explorers will:

  • Exploration walk at the supercomputing facilities and innovation spaces
  • Meet startups and innovators working on new AI technologies
  • Innovation workshop with other explorers
  • Technology demonstration session
  • Roundtable discussion with ecosystem experts
  • Expert Keynote: Participants will meet an invited expert from Barcelona’s AI ecosystem such as: AI researcher, Deep Tech entrepreneur, Venture capital investor focused on AI, Corporate innovation leader
  • Mapping opportunities for AI adoption
  • Identifying collaboration opportunities with the ecosystem
  • Defining potential pilot projects or partnerships
  • Participate in discussions about emerging trends in AI & DeepTech

The experience also includes a facilitated reflection session to translate insights into practical opportunities for the participating organization.

What explorers will gain

Explorers will learn, design & engage by:

  • discovering emerging trends in artificial intelligence and deep technologies
  • understanding how AI research ecosystems operate
  • connecting with researchers and innovation organizations
  • generating ideas and inspiration for future innovation projects
  • AI applications for industry and business
  • Advanced data analytics and intelligent systems
  • Collaboration models between research centers and companies

Who Should Join

This Innovation Safari is designed for professionals interested in emerging technologies and innovation, including:

  • corporate innovation teams
  • digital transformation leaders
  • R&D departments
  • technology strategy teams
  • public sector innovation units

Participants from different sectors are encouraged to join and share perspectives.

Join this Open Safari

Limited group to ensure a high-quality exploration experience.

Barcelona AI & Deep Tech Executive Open Innovation Safari

Barcelona AI & Deep Tech Executive Open Innovation Safari

Explore one of Europe’s most dynamic Artificial Intelligence ecosystems

Location: Barcelona – Themes: Artificial Intelligence / Deep Tech / Data Innovation – Duration: Half Day

The Barcelona AI & Deep Tech Executive Open Innovation Safari is a focused half-day experience designed for senior leaders who want to quickly understand how artificial intelligence and deep technologies are shaping the future of business.

Led by Certified Innovation Safari Sherpa Oriol Ribera, this Safari provides a high-level immersion into Barcelona’s AI ecosystem, combining expert insights with direct exposure to cutting-edge research environments.

Participants will explore key developments in artificial intelligence, data science and advanced computing while discussing how these technologies can create new opportunities for organizations.

Participants will explore topics such as:

  • Artificial Intelligence strategy
  • Deep Tech innovation
  • Advanced computing
  • Data-driven decision making

Innovation Safaris allow professionals to experience innovation where it actually happens.

The experience

Participants will explore a key AI research hotspot in Barcelona: Barcelona Supercomputing Center

Participants will:

  • Exploration walk at supercomputing facilities
  • Meet researchers and innovation experts
  • Innovation workshop with other explorers
  • Discuss strategic implications of AI for organizations

What explorers will gain

Explorers will learn and design by:

  • understanding the role of supercomputing in artificial intelligence
  • identifying strategic opportunities related to AI adoption
  • connecting with Barcelona’s AI innovation ecosystem
  • gaining inspiration for future technology initiatives

Who Should Join

  • C-level executives
  • innovation directors
  • technology leaders
  • strategy teams
  • public sector leaders

Participants from different sectors are encouraged to join and share perspectives.

Join this Open Safari

Limited group to ensure a high-quality exploration experience.