Startup Valencia has strengthened the connection between Valencia’s and Lisbon’s tech ecosystems through an intensive institutional program held from November 10 to 13 on the occasion of Web Summit 2025. At this international meeting point for startups, investors, and corporates, 17 Valencian startups are representing the city by showcasing their technological solutions.
The agenda featured the participation of the Mayor of Valencia, Mª José Catalá, as the leading ambassador of the city’s tech ecosystem, and included several strategic meetings and diplomatic activities aimed at exploring new avenues for collaboration in urban innovation, technology, and sustainability.
According to Mª José Catalá, “our presence at one of the most influential tech forums in the world, and the alliance we are building with Lisbon, strengthens the position of influence and leadership that Valencia is gaining in the European and Mediterranean context.”
As Nacho Mas, CEO & Executive VP of Startup Valencia, points out, the institutional presence in Lisbon “reinforces Valencia’s internationalization strategy and its projection as a globally connected, innovative, and technological ecosystem.” He adds, “At Startup Valencia, we will continue working as a platform that connects institutions, companies, talent, and investors, fostering public-private collaboration and strengthening ties with other European hubs of innovation.”
The first of these meetings took place on Monday, November 10, with a session between the Mayor of Lisbon, Carlos Moedas, and Mª José Catalá. During the meeting, both cities agreed to sign a memorandum of collaboration to strengthen economic relations and cooperation in innovation, security, resilience, logistics infrastructure, tourism, and culture—an initiative that will continue to develop in the coming months.
That same day, the mayor attended an institutional dinner organized by the Portuguese Ministry of Economy and Territorial Cohesion, held at the Palácio Nacional da Ajuda. As part of Web Summit, Catalá also took part in the panel “Building the Cities of Tomorrow” alongside Rafal Rosinski, Poland’s Deputy Minister of Digital Affairs.
In addition to the activities coordinated by Startup Valencia, the City Council of Valencia’s agenda in Lisbon included other institutional events, such as the official reception at the Spanish Embassy in Portugal, hosted by Ambassador Juan Fernández Trigo, marking Spain’s participation in Web Summit.
Today’s agenda also features the roundtable “Valencia, Building Innovation Together,” with the participation of Nacho Mas, CEO & Executive VP of Startup Valencia, and Marta Nogueras, Director of Lanzadera.
Valencia is also present at Web Summit 2025 with the Valencia Innovation Capital stand, where visitors can discover the talent and technological innovation emerging from the city, represented by key players of its thriving tech ecosystem.
