The winter edition of the Desafía San Francisco W20 Immersion Program has started, a public initiative sponsored by ICEX and Red.es that facilitates the successful development and establishment of Spanish technology startup companies in Silicon Valley and the USA. The registration period for this event will be open until February 9th, 2020.
Over the years, startups have been creating more jobs than larger corporations or enterprises. Startups have played an important role in the development of latest technologies, as they have introduced groundbreaking advances such as Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and many more. It can be said that nowadays many of the technological traditional established corporations are outsourcing part of their jobs to innovative startups companies.
Startups have become a crucial element in our society as they help develop our nations. This is why it is imprescriptible to build an entrepreneurship culture in order for more startups to flourish and to keep contributing to innovation and progress.
This is how the Immersion Program W20 Desafía San Francisco is born, to aid Spanish technological companies to enter the US market. After a competitive selection process, where less than 10% of applicants are accepted, the chosen startups can participate in the program, completing the activities in Silicon Valley. Most of the activities include: Dynamic Workshops, Tips and Resources, Mentoring, Feedback and advice from Experts, Pitch training and most importantly Networking and Meetings. Participants will also learn about the environment, interact with agents and actors in the innovation ecosystem, and assess a plan for entry and expansion into the global technology center.
As a result of participating in the Immersion Program, an average 75% of the companies have US clients and users. Additionally, around 40% have managed to have corporate presence in the US or even opened an office here.
Candidates who wish to participate must have a product or service of high technological value and an effective business model, as well as be registered in Spain. Initially, the Program is free. Participants are only required to cover travel, accommodation and living expenses while in Madrid and San Francisco. Applications are open until February 9, 2020. The Madrid training will begin on March 3,2020 and move to the Silicon Valley Program starts on March 23 to April 3,2020. Startups interested in participating can find more information and register through the website https://www.sanfrancisco.desafia.gob.es/programs
