The Minister of Economy, Finance and European Funds and President of Andalucía TRADE, Carolina España, and the President of the Ricardo Valle Institute of Innovation Foundation (INNOVA IRV), Ezequiel Navarro, have signed a collaboration agreement in Málaga aimed at promoting the growth of the technological business ecosystem in Andalusia, particularly in the microelectronics sector, through initiatives designed to strengthen the internationalization of companies working in artificial intelligence (AI), microelectronics, cybersecurity, and advanced communications, among other fields.
España highlighted the importance of collaborating with Innova IRV, “a key institution for the microelectronics sector in Andalusia that has always been one step ahead, as demonstrated by its role in attracting imec to Málaga, an initiative shared with the Andalusian Government, which from the outset recognized the importance of bringing a pioneering project to Andalusia. This initiative not only drives technological innovation but also positions the region and Spain as global leaders in advanced materials research for chips, contributing to regional economic development and the country’s technological competitiveness in strategic future sectors.”
“The goal of this agreement,” stated the Minister, “is to support companies in the sector through Innova IRV with the help of Andalucía TRADE, which offers services and incentives for R&D projects, currently being prepared for competitive calls, and for internationalization initiatives, for which a new call for applications will be launched soon following the recent publication of the regulatory guidelines.”
The agreement outlines information exchange between Andalucía TRADE and Innova IRV for the design of internationalization strategies (both branded and sectoral) in commercial and R&D contexts. It also includes collaboration in organizing technical seminars, workshops, and outreach activities to advance their shared objectives, as well as efforts to develop sector-specific studies with a special focus on the 75 markets where the Andalusian agency is present through its offices and antennas. Additionally, the agreement encompasses the organization of international visits for Andalusian companies in the sector.
Innova IRV will also serve as a conduit for initiatives launched by Andalucía TRADE related to the sector, supporting and promoting them through its network of partner companies. The foundation will also act as a focal point to provide detailed information to its member companies about trade missions and related activities.
In this regard, Ezequiel Navarro emphasized, “This agreement is a decisive step toward strengthening the international projection of Andalusia’s tech ecosystem—particularly in such a strategic field as microelectronics. At INNOVA IRV, we are committed to fostering public-private collaboration and helping our companies access new markets, creating real impact on their internationalization. Our alliance with Andalucía TRADE will activate key synergies to promote innovation, technology transfer, and the attraction of talent and investment at a critical moment for Europe’s digital transformation.”
The agreement also states that this leading technology institute will assist in identifying which of the agency’s initiatives could offer the most added value to the sectors it represents, based on feedback from its member companies. This information will help inform the agency’s annual programming related to those sectors.
Finally, both parties agree to jointly participate in technical workshops, forums, and outreach events organized by either institution aimed at companies in the microelectronics sector.
Andalucía TRADE: The Strategic Partner for Businesses in Andalusia
Andalucía TRADE is the Andalusian Government’s one-stop shop for business support. Currently one of the most comprehensive public business agencies in Spain, Andalucía TRADE offers a wide range of services, from business financing to R&D support, company internationalization, and the attraction of foreign investment to Andalusia.
The agency currently manages €244 million, co-financed by the Andalucía FEDER 2021–2027 Program, to support the launch of new businesses, SME growth and consolidation, industrial research, and the experimental development of R&D projects. Soon, new grants will be added to promote foreign trade and the internationalization of Andalusian SMEs. This new line of incentives will provide more than €11.5 million, also co-financed with FEDER, for external promotion activities through the end of the current EU financial framework.
In addition to financing, Andalucía TRADE supports the internationalization of the Andalusian economy. Its objective is to increase the number of exporting companies, improve the global positioning of existing exporters, and boost Andalusian investment abroad, all through a clear and focused strategy that aligns resources and goals.