Innovation, technology and talent at the service of the automotive sector. The new edition of the Business Factory Auto (BFAuto), the accelerator aimed at continuing to accompany the first steps of innovative projects that arise in this field in Galicia, is now open.

This is an initiative promoted by the Xunta de Galicia through the Galician Innovation Agency, Igape and XesGalicia; the Vigo Free Trade Zone Consortium and Vigo Activo, the Galician Automotive and Mobility Cluster (CTAG) and Stellantis. Its main objective is the acceleration and consolidation of specialised mobility and automotive projects and their transformation into innovative, profitable and scalable companies that attract and retain talent in Galicia, thus contributing to strengthening the positioning of the sector and increasing its international projection.

The programme has two phases, depending on the project's level of development. The acceleration phase lasts 9 months and is aimed at projects that are in their initial phase and need to develop and test their product or service. Participants will be able to set up in the programme's coworking area, where they will share training, tech-meetings and experiences with other entrepreneurs who are working on projects in the same sector and with a similar level of development.

On the other hand, the consolidation programme includes a 12-month personalised itinerary so that, through training and mentoring, the participating companies can establish themselves on the market and generate recurring sales/revenue. They will have access to a wide network of industry contacts, financial support and a workspace in the incubator area of the BFAuto facilities.

The deadline for project applications is open until Wednesday 28 June. Initiatives promoted by entrepreneurs (individuals) can be submitted, as well as innovative ideas from companies, and proposals from knowledge centres to accelerate their transfer by creating spin-offs.

Economic impact

BFAuto was born in 2016. Over the six editions held so far, 64 new companies were created, 24% of which already export their products or services, and more than 550 jobs were generated in Galicia as well as a turnover of 90 million euros. Thanks to the positive results obtained, the BFAuto served as an example for other sectors that have already replicated the initiative.

The companies in the sector tutor and provide advice on the projects to promote their development and increase their competitiveness. In addition, they offer their facilities to run pilots and test their innovative solutions. This is how the new companies born under the umbrella of the accelerator become suppliers of the companies in the automotive sector. This cooperative ecosystem facilitates the generation of R&D projects between startups, SMEs and large companies.

Thanks to public-private cooperation, three new calls for proposals are already guaranteed until 2026 to promote 60 more projects.