VDS 2025 has reaffirmed its position as the global platform for addressing the technological challenges facing society today. The international tech ecosystem has gathered in Valencia for the eighth edition of this leading event to demonstrate how collaboration and innovation can provide tangible solutions to pressing global issues such as climate change, AI regulation and implementation, sustainability, cybersecurity, and defense.
As Juan Luis Hortelano, President of Startup Valencia, stated, VDS 2025 has truly embodied its motto, “Collaborate Today. Transform Tomorrow,” showcasing how cooperation and innovation can have a real impact on people’s lives and their environment. Hortelano cited as an example the initiatives launched by the tech ecosystem after the floods caused by Storm DANA in October 2024 in Valencia.
Artificial intelligence was one of the central themes of the second day. The day began with “AI as the New Infrastructure: Investing Beyond the Hype” by Christian Teichmann (Burda Principal Investments). Ana Peleteiro, Vice President of Data and Applied AI at Preply, explored how AI is transforming the way people learn, teach, and connect, enabling highly personalized, data-driven education on a global scale.
Later in the day, Iñaki Berenguer, serial entrepreneur, investor, and founder of multiple successful startups in the U.S. and Europe, shared his perspective on how AI is revolutionizing the healthcare industry. Drawing on his experience at the forefront of technological innovation, Berenguer discussed the future of AI-based health solutions, the emergence of new technology categories, and the strategic role that European entrepreneurs can play on the global stage.
Volodymyr Nosov (WhiteBIT) presented a talk on blockchain’s role as the foundation of the new digital economy. Former Premier League champion Sol Campbell joined a conversation on resilience and success, while Hugo Arévalo (ThePowerMBA) and Luis Garay (Samaipata) discussed investment strategies. World-renowned longevity researcher Aubrey de Grey delivered the keynote “Taking Rejuvenation Research to Escape Velocity.” Meanwhile, on the Santander Stage, Gwen Kolader (Hexaware Technologies) addressed inclusive leadership in international contexts.
Over the two days, the seven stages of VDS hosted the most influential voices in global innovation and culture, covering major technology trends including Smart Cities and Digital Infrastructure, Next-Generation Consumer Technologies, Talent and the Future of Work, HealthTech and Longevity, the Future of Energy and GreenTech, DeepTech and Scientific Innovation, Aerospace Industry, Cybersecurity, and Defense.
Valencia: The World Capital of Innovation
VDS 2025 has once again transformed Valencia into the global epicenter of technological innovation. The city’s international profile as a tech hub has been strengthened by the participation of more than 12.000 professionals from around the world.
During the event, Startup Valencia and the e-Residency of the Government of Estonia renewed their collaboration agreement, reinforcing ties between both ecosystems and promoting new synergies among startups, corporations, and institutions.
A delegation from the Government of the Netherlands also attended VDS 2025 to strengthen existing business relations between the two countries. In addition, the Valencia City Council confirmed its continued support for VDS for another two years, as announced by Mayor Mª José Catalá during the first day of the event.
Strength and Growth of the Startup Ecosystem
The day also featured “Scalability Day”, organized by Adigital and EsTech in collaboration with ICEX (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise of the Government of Spain). This event has become a key meeting point for founders, investors, and international experts, focusing on growth strategies and successful case studies.
Startup scalability was one of the major themes of VDS 2025. The event featured panels and networking sessions designed to provide startups with insights and tools for successful scaling. This eighth edition brought together the founders of eight global unicorns and 22 European scaleups growing at rates above 20% annually.
The LAB Foundation’s Box hosted the presentation of the Valencian Startup Observatory, promoted by Startup Valencia with the support of the Regional Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Trade, and Tourism of the Generalitat Valenciana. The report revealed that as of September 2025, the Valencian tech ecosystem comprises 1,689 startups, an 11.34% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Investment activity has also grown significantly. Valencian startups have raised over €160 million in 2025, with 71% of startups receiving funding—an increase of 66% over 2024. The ecosystem added 234 new entities, reaching a total of 2,014 organizations, a 13.15% increase from the previous year. The ecosystem now consists primarily of service providers (114), followed by associations and communities (70), investors (39), universities and R&D centers (34), coworking spaces (32), accelerators and incubators (29), corporate venturing programs (27), and public institutions (13).
Afternoon Agenda and Closing Ceremony
In an increasingly digital and interconnected world, cybersecurity has become a cornerstone of innovation and sustainable business growth. This afternoon, Laura Urquizu (Red Points) will discuss how companies are integrating advanced security strategies to protect data, operations, and customer trust while maintaining their capacity to innovate.
The closing ceremony of the eighth edition of VDS will be led by Diana Morant, Spain’s Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities; Pilar Bernabé, Government Delegate; Jerónimo Mora, Regional Secretary of Innovation; Felipe Carrasco, Regional Secretary of Industry, Trade and Consumer Affairs; and Paula Llobet, Valencia’s Councilor for Tourism, Innovation and Investment Attraction, together with Juan Luis Hortelano, President of Startup Valencia, and Nacho Mas, CEO.
During the ceremony, the event will recognize the key contributors behind the Startup Valencia DANA Help initiatives and present the awards for The Challenge Hackathon and the VDS International Startup Competition.
Support from Leading Corporations and Institutions
This year, VDS is supported by Banco Santander as main sponsor, Valencia Innovation Capital of the City of Valencia as host partner, and e-Residency of the Government of Estonia as partnering country. Numerous technology companies, startups, and organizations have joined as strategic partners, contributing to the success and global reach of the event: Wayra Telefónica, EY, Fundación LAB, CaixaBank DayOne, PowerCo, Volkswagen Group Services, IBM, OVHcloud, Mobile World Capital, Bit2Me, Adigital, EsTech, Opentop by Valenciaport, and MAPFRE. Key technology partners include Microsoft, Amazon, Google for Startups, and HubSpot for Startups.
VDS 2025 also enjoys the support of leading institutions that consolidate its status as an international benchmark in innovation and technology, including Spain’s Ministry of Industry and Tourism, the Generalitat Valenciana, the Valencian Institute of Finance (IVF), the City of Arts and Sciences, TechFabLab, the University of Valencia (UV), the Scientific Parks of UV, UMH, and UPV, ENISA, CDTI, ICEX, Renfe, and the Autonomous City of Melilla.
Together, these organizations reinforce Valencia’s position as a global innovation hub and a key meeting point for the exchange of ideas, talent, and technological solutions
