Valencia: Spain's Sustainability Hub
Over the past decade, Valencia has emerged as one of Spain's leading hubs for sustainability innovation. The city's thriving startup scene, research institutions, and government initiatives are driving progress in developing clean technologies and environmentally-friendly solutions.
Academic Excellence Cultivates Innovation
Valencia is home to prestigious universities at the forefront of sustainability research. The Universitat Politècnica de València and Universitat de València are public institutions with expertise in fields like renewable energy, green materials, and environmental management. Their research catalyzes entrepreneurship and spin-off creation.
For example, Lanzadera - an accelerator founded by Juan Roig - partners with UPV to help students and alumni build startups. Graduates have launched successful companies like Jeff, which produces eco-friendly cleaning products.
Public & Private Sectors Cultivate Local Innovation
Valencia's government also plays an active role in sustainability initiatives. València Activa promotes innovation and provides resources to entrepreneurs through spaces like Las Naves. Visit Valencia partners with organizations to promote green tourism.
The private sector is collaborating too. For example, Mercadona - Spain's largest supermarket chain - has its headquarters and an innovation center in Valencia focused on sustainability. Zubi Labs, a Venture Builder, also develops circular economy and cleantech companies in the city.
Thriving Startup Ecosystem
Valencia now boasts one of Spain's most vibrant ecosystems for green startups: Promising companies have access to a strong network of incubators, accelerators, co-working spaces, and investors to help them scale.
Looking to the Future
As sustainability becomes an urgent global priority, Valencia has established itself as a hub for developing innovative solutions. Its research institutions, government support, corporate initiatives, and thriving startups demonstrate the city's commitment to a cleaner, greener future.
- CoCircular and Smart City Valencia are working together on a project to reduce food waste in Valencia.
- EDEM Escuela de Empresarios and Valencia City Council are collaborating on a program to help startups grow in Valencia.
- GeeksHub and GoHub Ventures are both part of the Valencian startup ecosystem and they often work together to support startups.
- Imagine Montessori School and Social Nest Foundation are both committed to education and they have worked together on a number of projects, such as the Smart Green Points program.
- Jeff and Wayra are both accelerators that help startups grow. They have partnered on a number of projects, such as the Jeff Wayra Challenge.
- KM ZERO Food Innovation Hub and Lanzadera are both part of the Valencian startup ecosystem and they often work together to support startups in the foodtech sector.
- Smart City Valencia and Valencia City Council are working together to make Valencia a more sustainable and livable city.
- Smart Green Points and Social Nest Foundation are both working to promote sustainability in Valencia. They have partnered on a number of projects, such as the Smart Green Points program.
- Startup Valencia and TNW are both working to promote the Valencian startup ecosystem. They have partnered on a number of projects, such as the TNW Startup Weekend Valencia.
- Sustainn and EIT Climate-KIC are both working to promote climate action. They have partnered on a number of projects, such as the Sustainn Challenge.
- TNW and TRL+ are both working to support startups. They have partnered on a number of projects, such as the TNW TRL+ Accelerator.
- Universidad de Valencia and Universitat Politècnica de València are both leading universities in Valencia. They have collaborated on a number of research projects, such as the Smart City Valencia project.
- UPV and TRL+ are both working to support startups. They have partnered on a number of projects, such as the UPV TRL+ Accelerator.
- València Activa and Valencia City Council are both working to promote economic development in Valencia. They have partnered on a number of projects, such as the València Activa Startup Program.
Let’s grow THE GARDENS
If you're an investor looking to put your capital to work driving meaningful progress, we invite you to meet with THE GARDENS and learn more about partnering with us.
Our innovative model offers the chance to both foster sustainability solutions through an inspiring community platform and see solid returns by backing the infrastructure for impact.
We have bold plans to scale our ecosystem across Europe in the coming years.
However, we can't do it alone. We seek mission-aligned investment to bring our vision to life.
If you're excited by the opportunity to plant the seeds for a greener, brighter future along with us, please schedule a meeting so we can explore this investment further.
We look forward to connecting.
