– The main events of this edition will take place on May 12, with the presentation of the competition’s finalists, and on June 5, with the celebration of Ekin Day.

– The central theme this year is the importance of networking and synergies to drive entrepreneurial projects forward.

– The competition’s activities, which run throughout the year, began on January 30 with the School Business Fair, showcasing 47 business ideas from vocational students in Álava.

The Álava Emprende initiative has presented its 2025 activity program. This edition marks 22 years of promoting and supporting entrepreneurship in the region, solidifying Álava Emprende as a key reference point and unifying space for agents and initiatives related to entrepreneurship in Álava. The Provincial Council of Álava, the City Council of Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Basque Government (through the SPRI Group and BIC Araba), and the Vital Foundation presented the details of this year’s competition, which will be held under the theme “Networked Talent.”

With this theme, Álava Emprende aims to recognize the reality of our region: a collaborative context with a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, which fosters entrepreneurial vocations and the emergence of new projects.

This edition focuses on local business talent and on the companies and projects that arise thanks to those individuals. Talent alone is not enough to bring an idea to fruition. Collaboration, networking, synergies, and the strength of Álava’s entrepreneurial ecosystem play a crucial role, offering endless opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Saray Zarate, Deputy for Economic Development and Sustainability of the Álava Provincial Council, María Nanclares, City Councillor for Economic Promotion, Commerce, Employment, and Tourism of Vitoria-Gasteiz, Ane Miren de Ariño, Director of Entrepreneurship and Internationalization for the Basque Government, and Arantxa Ibañez de Opacua, Director of the Vital Foundation, outlined the details of this edition, which began on January 28 with the School Business Fair and has now announced its main events to be held between May and June.

Ideas Competition with a New Award for AI and Big Data Applications

One of the main actions of this event is the “Your Idea Counts” competition, now in its 21st edition. Today’s presentation launched the 2025 edition of this competition, which awards the best entrepreneurial ideas and projects in the region. There will be a total of 11 awards amounting to over €10,000, made possible through the collaboration of various sponsoring organizations: Vital Foundation, Aclima (Basque Environment Cluster), Gasteiz ON, Eroski, Michelin Foundation, i+Med, RPK, University of Deusto, Mobility Lab Vitoria-Gasteiz, and Data Value Management.

This year, the competition introduces a special award that aligns with current trends and business needs. Vitoria-based startup Data Value Management will sponsor this new prize, recognizing the project that best applies artificial intelligence and data analysis techniques.

The main categories for the 2025 edition are:

• Vital Foundation Award for the best idea.
• Aclima Award for the most sustainable idea.
• Gasteiz ON Award for commerce and tourism.
• Eroski Award for the best agro-food initiative.
• Michelin Foundation Award for the best industrial initiative.
• i+Med Award for the best initiative in the health sector.

In addition to these main categories, each awarded €1,000, there are several special and cumulative prizes that projects can win alongside the primary awards:

• RPK Special Award for business social transformation.
• Vitoria-Gasteiz Mobility Lab Special Award for promoting sustainable mobility and logistics.
• University of Deusto Special Award, through its Innovation and Entrepreneurship unit, for the best project presentation.
• Data Value Management Special Award for the project that best incorporates artificial intelligence.

Each special award is also valued at €1,000. There is an additional Audience Special Award, chosen by attendees during the finalists’ presentation event, worth €300.

Applications are now open and will remain so until March 26 at 2:00 p.m. The competition rules can be found at alavaemprende.com. The jury, composed of various entrepreneurial stakeholders, will select the finalists in early April. The process includes a public defense event and specific training for the finalists to help them present their ideas effectively and confidently.

On May 12, the Europa Palace will host the presentation of the finalists in the 21st edition of the “Your Idea Counts” competition. Entrepreneurs will have five minutes to pitch their ideas to the public and the jury, demonstrating why their projects deserve recognition. This event is open to the public with prior registration at alavaemprende.com.

Throughout its history, this competition has featured nearly 900 entrepreneurial initiatives, showcasing the creative potential and innovative capacity of Álava’s residents, of all ages and from various sectors.

Ekin Day: Entrepreneurial Guidance and Inspiration

As every year, Ekin Day, scheduled for June 5, will be the central day of Álava Emprende. It will serve as a networking and inspiration hub for entrepreneurship. Following last year’s format, the event will be divided into two parts:

1. Guidance: Entrepreneurs can connect with individuals and organizations that can help address their doubts and challenges.
2. Inspiration: A keynote speaker with an outstanding entrepreneurial trajectory will share their experiences, offering valuable insights and learning opportunities.

The event will also feature award presentations, including the “Your Idea Counts” competition awards and the 2025 Álava Emprende Awards, which recognize both a young entrepreneurial initiative and a lifetime achievement in entrepreneurship.

Attendance at both parts of the event is free with prior registration on the Álava Emprende website. The full program will be announced in the coming weeks.

Ekin Breakfast: Thematic Networking Meetings on Entrepreneurship

Álava Emprende will also continue its Ekin Breakfast program this year. These are small, free thematic meetings focused on various sectors and aspects of entrepreneurship in the region. Last year, seven in-person meetings were held, representing over 20 entrepreneurial initiatives and attracting around 270 attendees. Topics included commerce, circular economy, artificial intelligence, and robotics.

This year’s Ekin Breakfast program begins on Tuesday, February 4, focusing on entrepreneurship grants available in the region. The event will be held at Vital Foundation Kulturunea (La Paz 5, 1st floor of Dendaraba) starting at 9:30 a.m. Representatives from the Provincial Council of Álava, the City Council of Vitoria-Gasteiz, BIC Araba, and Mendinet will provide details on local, regional, national, and rural grants available to entrepreneurs.

For more information and registration, visit: https://www.alavaemprende.com/xxi-concurso-tu-idea-cuenta-2025