Late-stage startups developing AI and AI-native technologies can now submit their application to the first call of the BSC AI Factory Accelerator Programme. The call will remain open until 9 November and aims to select up to 100 high-potential startups through four launchpads in Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid and Málaga.
This is the first of four calls planned over the next two years, with the programme aiming to support 400 Spanish startups in total. It follows a successful pilot initiative limited to startups in Barcelona.
The accelerator programme was created to support founding teams who need more than capital: direct access to world-class computing infrastructure, technical and business mentoring, and an ecosystem of corporates and international investors. Over 14 weeks, selected startups will work closely with the BSC AI Factory team and with the programme’s technology partners, Nvidia and AWS, to accelerate their development and prepare for their next steps in the market and fundraising.
The programme is open to startups developing AI-based products, services or technologies across industries, with a particular focus on strategic sectors such as health, finance & legal, media, sustainability and climate. A finished product isn’t required, but a solid team and a testable business hypothesis are.
What the programme offers
- 1:1 business mentoring on value proposition, go-to-market strategy, pricing and fundraising for the Spanish and European market.
- Hands-on technical mentoring from BSC AIF AI experts and the programme’s technology partners, Nvidia and AWS.
- Access to MareNostrum 5, one of Europe’s most powerful supercomputers, for large-scale model training and optimisation.
- Access to the full range of BSC AI Factory services: technical tools, AI resources, expert advice and collaboration opportunities.
- Opportunities to connect with corporates and international investors.
How and when to apply
The application form is available on the programme website and can be submitted until 23:59 CET on 9 November. Applicants will be notified individually of the selection results.
Selected startups will begin the programme on 2 December. It follows a hybrid format, combining online sessions with selected in-person activities. Over 14 weeks, participants will work on both the business and technical sides of their ventures. Two selection stages during the programme will identify the strongest startups, which will pitch at final events in March 2027 in front of selected corporates and investors.