The second edition of the Galicia Avanza program allowed the participation of up to 30 small and medium-sized innovative and/or technology-based companies. This new call, whose deadline for receiving applications closed last week, gives continuity to this internationalization accelerator, promoted by the First Vice-Presidency and Regional Ministry of Economy, Industry and Innovation through the Galician Innovation Agency (Gain) and the Galician Institute of Economic Promotion (Igape.

The program, managed and coordinated by Tecnópole, was conceived to promote the internationalization of innovative SMEs, in any field or sector, with the aim of gaining access to foreign markets or strengthening their international consolidation through R&D&I and sustainability. It is one of the instruments contemplated in the Internationalization Strategy of Galicia 2021 - 2025 and is also part of the Program to promote innovation in SMEs.

Among the selection criteria, were considered the internationalization potential and the degree of innovation of its products or services, the knowledge of the international target market, the growth potential in the foreign market, the financial capacity of the company and its previous experience in the foreign market.

In 2022, 30 entities participated, from very diverse sectors such as tourism, food, biotechnology, health, energy, ICT, automotive and aerospace. Among them were Bodegas Corisca, Jamones González, Irisana and Errecé Láser.  During the presentation of the results of the program, held on February 15 in San Cibrao das Viñas, the first vice-president and regional minister of Economy, Industry and Innovation, Francisco Conde, emphasized that "the Xunta sees in the talent that participates in Galicia Avanza the opportunity to continue consolidating the best export cycle". He also emphasized that the work developed by these companies is proof of how Galicia is responding to the challenges of the 21st century: digitalization, the green economy and health care and welfare.

Personalized itineraries, mentoring and training

Galicia Avanza offers a comprehensive internationalization support program for acceleration between April 2023 and January 2024.

During the first two months, professional experts in business development and internationalization of products and services prepare customized itineraries with each of the companies, according to their specific needs, in areas such as market research, marketing strategy, adaptation of products and services, design and registration of brands and certifications or market access strategy.

During the following months, the program hires professional service providers to cover the needs detected in the itineraries, the company carries out the activities defined in its action plan and follows up on them.

At the same time, the beneficiary SMEs have access to mentoring, advice and training, and commercial and technical training throughout the program.