The Centre for the Development of Technology and Innovation (CDTI Innovación) and the INCYDE Foundation of the Spanish Chambers of Commerce have recently signed a significant cooperation agreement. This partnership aims to develop training and mentoring initiatives that focus on technology entrepreneurship, business innovation, and the creation of new knowledge-based ventures. Officially published in Spain’s Official State Gazette (BOE) on May 16, this agreement marks a strategic commitment to nurturing an innovation culture from the earliest stages of the technological and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
With an initial duration of four years and a budget allocation of €6 million from INCYDE and €4 million from CDTI Innovación, this agreement seeks to strengthen the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem. The initiatives will target entrepreneurs, startups, and high-growth SMEs, combining the strengths of both organizations to deliver joint training and support activities across the national landscape. The ultimate goal is to foster new business projects rooted in research and development (R&D) and innovation.
The alliance between CDTI Innovación and INCYDE leverages the extensive territorial reach of the Spanish Chambers of Commerce network, which is present throughout the country. This is complemented by the PIDI Network (Network of Information Points on public R&D&I support), coordinated by CDTI, of which INCYDE is a member. Additionally, INCYDE brings to the table one of the largest business incubation infrastructure networks in Europe, developed with support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). This network includes over 200 entrepreneurship support spaces, such as high-tech incubators and digital coworking spaces, creating a multiplier effect that enhances the program’s reach to entrepreneurs in both urban and rural areas.
The agreement also aligns with CDTI Innovación’s social impact commitments, particularly regarding the creation of quality employment linked to innovation. It promotes equal opportunities in accessing technology entrepreneurship and supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda—especially SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), SDG 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure), and SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals).
An impact evaluation study will be conducted as part of the agreement to measure the creation or consolidation of technology-based companies linked to the training activities. This study will assess participation in international technological cooperation programs, outcomes in international technology transfer, and the practical application of acquired knowledge in innovative projects.
Priority Objectives
The planned actions are aligned with seven priority objectives: promoting self-employment with economic sustainability criteria; developing professional and social skills that enhance employability and entrepreneurial success; building networking and collaboration between businesses; increasing the survival rate of new ventures through specialized advisory services; promoting business success by identifying growth opportunities; specifically supporting the creation and consolidation of technology-based companies; and facilitating Spanish participation in international technological cooperation programs and the international transfer of business technology.
The overarching aim is to foster innovative business projects that are viable, possess growth potential, and can adapt to new technological and economic challenges. Additionally, the agreement promotes business autonomy, digitalization, and internationalization.
CDTI–INCYDE Programme Framework
The agreement encompasses two distinct yet complementary types of actions. Firstly, it includes a program of training initiatives for self-employment and business consolidation, co-financed by the European Social Fund Plus under the State Programme for Employment, Education, Training, and Social Economy (EFESO). This program will address key areas of business management, such as identifying market opportunities based on technological innovation, accessing public R&D&I support instruments, knowledge transfer, and international technological cooperation.
Secondly, the agreement features complementary value-added activities designed to enhance the technological and innovation components of participating projects. Entrepreneurs and companies will benefit from monitoring and personalized mentoring systems, participation in forums, round tables, and working groups that encourage innovation, business development, and internationalization. Events organized by INCYDE will also facilitate business networking, access to potential clients, and the strengthening of commercial relationships.
About CDTI
The Centre for the Development of Technology and Innovation (CDTI E.P.E.) serves as the innovation agency of the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities. Its primary objective is to promote technological innovation within the business sector. CDTI’s mission is to ensure that Spain’s business fabric generates and transforms scientific and technical knowledge into globally competitive, sustainable, and inclusive growth. In 2025, under the 2024–2027 Strategic Plan, CDTI provided €2.423 billion in support to Spanish companies and startups.
About INCYDE
The INCYDE Foundation (Cameral Institute for the Creation and Development of Business) was established in 1999 at the initiative of the Spanish Chambers of Commerce to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and business consolidation across the country. Since 2000, the Foundation has invested nearly €500 million—with the support of the European Social Fund (ESF) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)—in programs supporting entrepreneurship, training, and SME digitalization. Thanks to the ESF, over 200,000 individuals have benefited from training programs that have contributed to the creation and consolidation of 80,000 companies and more than 150,000 jobs.
With ERDF support, INCYDE has developed one of the largest business incubation infrastructure networks in Europe, comprising over 200 entrepreneurship support spaces, including high-tech incubators in strategic sectors, business incubators, and digital coworking spaces. This network has supported and digitalized more than 45,000 entrepreneurs and SMEs across Spain. Furthermore, INCYDE has an international presence in over 40 countries, where it develops programs in training, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and sustainability aimed at fostering business growth.
More Info:
Web: www.cdti.es
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cdti/
X: https://x.com/CDTI_innovacion
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CDTIoficial
Web: www.innvierte.es
INCYDE
Web: https://incyde.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fundacion-incyde/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IncydeFundacion
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fundacionincyde/
