During the international Transfiere event, Málaga hosted an intensive international bootcamp designed to help deep-tech entrepreneurs take a crucial step forward in their business journey: securing their first customers. The event, held within the framework of the Transfiere Forum—Spain’s leading forum on science, technology, and innovation—was organized under the European atTRACTION project, co-funded by the Horizon Europe program.
Developed in collaboration with Startup Migrants, Málaga TechPark, TechPark Kaunas, and Poznan Science and Technology Park, the bootcamp brought together seven innovative startups for a two-day experience focused on customer development, market validation, and strategic communication.
A Two-Day Format Based on Practical Learning
The first day began with welcoming remarks from Sonia Palomo, Director of Technology Transfer and International Relations at Málaga TechPark, and Enrique Nava, Vice-Rector for Mobility and International Projects at the University of Málaga.
After the introduction, participants were briefed on the program’s objectives and dynamics before attending a session where international experts shared best practices and real-world advice on early sales strategies. Joaquim Nascimento, founder of Vanguard Strategy (Portugal), and Emmanuel Mutsiya, from the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, provided concrete recommendations on how to approach potential customers and close initial deals.
The day continued with a highly engaging networking activity where mentors and entrepreneurs met in a fast-paced, structured format. Each mentor briefly presented their background and areas of expertise, followed by face-to-face exchanges. This interaction allowed startups to identify relevant contacts and begin receiving targeted feedback from the outset.
The second day of the bootcamp focused on communication and presentation skills. Startups rotated through different mentors, delivering their pitch and receiving personalized feedback. The mentoring team included professionals with experience in technology transfer, business development, and innovation ecosystems, representing institutions such as the University of Algarve, HST, and Algarve Evolution (Portugal), State University of Moldova, and the University of Málaga. Their guidance was instrumental in helping participants sharpen their value propositions and refine their customer engagement strategies.
After a joint session to integrate feedback and improve their pitch content and delivery, participants had the opportunity to professionally record their final presentations, providing each startup with a high-quality asset for future interactions with investors or clients.
Seven Startups, One Shared Goal: First Customers
The selected startups represented a wide range of technologies and sectors: · borg.ai (Spain) · EXPERTTS (Spain) · MiCo Scientific (Poland) · Murciélagos Málaga (Spain) · PERIOZIP (Lithuania) · Pinmy (Spain) · TechNovator (Poland)
Each team left the bootcamp with a clearer understanding of their market positioning, improved pitching skills, and access to an international network of mentors and peers.
What’s Next?
The next edition of the First Customer & Bootcamp program will take place in Kaunas, Lithuania, in May 2025. Startups interested in taking part in this transformative experience can now apply, which includes five online preparatory sessions and an in-person bootcamp with full support for travel and participation costs.
Don’t miss the opportunity to gain first customers, grow your network, and accelerate your business. Apply now and join the atTRACTION journey.