Internationalization Program
Bilbao 2026
Turn your next stop into an international growth opportunity.
Bcombinator is launching a 6-week immersive program in Bilbao to help international startups enter the European market through first customers, corporate pilots and commercial partnerships.
Free participation. No equity required. Up to €3,000 to cover travel and accommodation expenses. Connect with corporates, customers and investors, validate business opportunities, and build your European expansion strategy.
An ecosystem built to accelerate, invest in and connect startups
What type of startups are we looking for?
We are looking for international startups with B2B digital solutions or industrial technologies that have already achieved commercial validation in their home market and are ready to expand into the European market.
B2B Digital Solutions
Startups developing B2B software, AI or digital technologies that solve real business challenges.
Industrial Technology
Technology with industrial applications such as IoT, Industry 4.0, robotics, automation or advanced manufacturing.
Validated Product
Your product has already been commercially validated in your home market with real customers.
Commercial Traction
Your startup has demonstrated market demand through paying customers, corporate pilots (POCs) or initial revenue.
Technology-Driven
We are looking for startups whose competitive advantage is built on innovative, scalable technology.
International Expansion
Teams looking to use Bizkaia as a gateway to grow and establish their business in the European market.
Your gateway to the European market
Bizkaia combines industry, innovation, investment and institutional support to help international startups establish and grow in Europe. Through this programme, you'll connect with the local ecosystem, validate business opportunities and accelerate your international expansion.
Access to Europe
Use Bizkaia as your launchpad to expand into the European market from one of Southern Europe's most dynamic innovation ecosystems.
Corporate Connections
Connect with leading industrial and technology companies to explore pilots, partnerships and new commercial opportunities.
Institutional Support
Benefit from local support, resources and guidance to facilitate your expansion and establish your business in Europe.
Investment Access
Meet investors, prepare for fundraising and participate in dedicated investment sessions throughout the programme.
STEM Talent
Access top universities, technology centres and highly skilled professionals to help scale your business.
Strategic Connections
Build relationships with startups, institutions, accelerators, technology centres and investors across the Basque innovation ecosystem.
What does the program include?
The program begins with a virtual onboarding and assessment phase, followed by six weeks of immersion at BAT Bilbao, one of Southern Europe's leading innovation hubs, where you'll accelerate your international expansion, validate business opportunities and build strategic relationships within the Basque business ecosystem.
Onboarding & Assessment
A 1–2 week virtual onboarding phase to assess your startup's needs, define objectives and prepare a tailored action plan before the immersion in BAT Bilbao.
Workshops
Hands-on sessions covering international expansion strategy, B2B sales, market entry and pipeline generation.
Corporate Matching
Meet leading corporations to explore pilot projects, commercial partnerships and first customers.
Mentoring
One-to-one guidance from experienced founders, industry experts and key players in the Basque innovation ecosystem.
Investor Readiness
Prepare for fundraising through investor feedback, pitch refinement and introductions to the regional investment ecosystem.
Soft Landing
Legal, tax and operational guidance to help establish your business in Bizkaia and expand into Europe, with BAT Bilbao as your base.
Take the next step into Europe
Selected startups will receive financial support of up to €3,000 to help cover travel and accommodation expenses, along with access to corporates, customers, investors and the Bizkaia innovation ecosystem.
