The Open Innovation Programme carried out in Alcobendas had as its main objective the creation of synergies between large companies and local startups.
Innovation is increasingly seen as an essential activity for the development and sustainability of companies, regardless of their size.
Moreover, within the field of innovation, collaboration and mutual support between different companies – even competitors – open up opportunities that would be impossible to achieve alone.
The client therefore aimed to create a suitable and effective connection between the different stakeholders in the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
In this context, the core challenge of the project was to achieve the right fit for the launch of pilot projects, while at the same time establishing spaces for understanding between large companies and startups or newly created businesses.
Coordinating agendas, establishing an agile and effective communication channel and pursuing common objectives were some of the most relevant goals that Cink Venturing had to address.
To respond to this need, the programme was designed and delivered in several phases:
The first actions focused on identifying corporates and large companies located in Alcobendas – or with strong links to the municipality – and collecting their main current challenges (particularly technological ones) related to efficiency and sustainability.
In response, the project took on the challenge of identifying startups across Spain that could provide solutions to these corporate needs.
The result was the creation of an open innovation ecosystem based on solving the challenges posed by major companies in the municipality of Alcobendas.
Through workshops, training sessions and various masterclasses, Cink Venturing provided comprehensive support both to corporates – in the implementation of their challenges and needs – and to the startups participating in the initiative.
This made it possible to create a new collaborative environment between corporates and startups, fostering an ecosystem of shared understanding of open innovation and bringing both sides – and the wider environment – closer together.
Immersing ourselves in the ecosystem and conducting a prior study through joint research and interviews proved to be the most effective vehicle for addressing challenges and tackling problems collectively.
