The StartBEC program , promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) in collaboration with the technology center AINIA, aims to promote technological development and boost the emerging ecosystem in the field of bioeconomy.
Through this technological support program for emerging technology-based companies, the aim is to promote innovative value chains linked to the agri-food sector, support entrepreneurship and invest in talent.
The program is aimed at startups and innovative projects working in the field of bioeconomy, including solutions related to:
- New sources of biomass and their use as raw material or ingredient.
- Sustainable use of agri-food by-products (upcycling)
- Solutions to reduce food loss and waste .
- Bioproducts , such as biofertilizers, biopesticides, biomaterials, bio-based chemicals.
- Bioenergy: biogas, biomethane and other biofuels.
- Bioprocesses for the extraction and purification of high value-added compounds from by-products, the development of biorefinery models, or the capture and transformation of CO₂ into bioproducts.
- Digital transformation solutions applied to the bioeconomy.
The selected startups will have access to trials or pilot studies, proof of concept, innovation dynamics, personalized technological monitoring and expert support from AINIA, in addition to having an individualized support plan aimed at maturing their technology, connecting with the industry and moving towards the market.
StartBEC has opened registration for its 4th edition , aimed at emerging companies and startups linked to the bioeconomy sector. Registration for this new edition will remain open until November 15, 2026 .
The terms and conditions of the call for proposals and the submission of proposals can be found at the following link: StartBEC