Last September I had the opportunity to participate in an international mission organized by UGR Emprendedora that took us to Cologne and Düsseldorf from 9 to 12 September. I especially want to thank UGR Emprendedora for the invitation to participate in this experience that, as CEO of Montevive AI, allowed me to see first hand one of the most solid entrepreneurial ecosystems in Europe.
The mission, framed in the European project ACCENT that connects Granada, Cologne and Padua, brought together 9 Spanish startups with the aim of strengthening ties with the German entrepreneurial ecosystem. But what we did not expect was that this experience would also serve for the Granada startups themselves to get to know each other better and strengthen ties between us. Undoubtedly, these local connections will generate opportunities sooner rather than later.
Wednesday: The Power of Köln Business
Our first stop was Köln BusinessCologne’s economic development agency, where Gil Baxpehler welcomed us with a presentation that changed my perspective on institutional support for startups.
More than 80 professionals work exclusively to ensure the well-being of companies in Cologne. It’s not just bureaucracy: it’s an ecosystem designed for startups to thrive. Gil explained the tangible benefits of establishing headquarters in the city: from tax incentives to privileged access to a network of mentors and investors.
What struck me most was the service mentality. While in Spain we often fight against the administration, here the administration fights for the companies. It is a paradigm shift that explains why Germany leads in deeptech and manufacturing.
Gateway: Networking that works
In the afternoon we visited the offices of Gateway Exzellenz Start-up Centerthe center of excellence for startups at the University of Cologne. Here we were able to meet the hosted startups and share a meal that turned out to be the best networking session of the trip.
Gateway is not just a coworking space: it is an innovation ecosystem that connects university research with commercial application. The startups we met were at an impressive technical level, but what struck me most was their focus on scalability from day one.
The German model prioritizes long-term sustainability over explosive growth. It is a philosophy that fits perfectly with sectors such as ours, where security and trust are fundamental.
Future Tech Fest: The deeptech epicenter
On Thursday, we moved to Düsseldorf for the Future Tech Festand this is where I really understood the dimension of the German ecosystem. The concentration of deeptech startups was impressive: from biotech to quantum computing to our specialty, artificial intelligence applied to security.
What surprised me the most was to find so many AI companies focused on security, exactly as we do from Montevive. According to recent data, the European cybersecurity market grew by 13% in H1 2025, driven by the current geopolitical environment. Germany is leading this trend.
The networking was exceptional. We established connections with startups that could become strategic partners to expand Montevive in the German market. The collaborative, rather than competitive, mentality opens doors that in other ecosystems remain closed.
Unexpected value: Grenadian networking
One of the most valuable aspects of this mission was getting to know the other 8 Grenadian startups that participated. During the transfers, meals and networking moments, we had the opportunity to understand in depth what each one does, identify synergies and establish bases for future collaborations.
This local networking is pure gold. Many times we are so focused on looking outward that we don’t see the opportunities we have next door. The Grenadian startups that participate have complementary profiles, and I am convinced that these connections will generate opportunities for collaboration sooner rather than later.
Lessons learned for the Spanish ecosystem
This experience has left me with several important reflections:
1. The difference between the “what” and the “why”: As the Datharsis colleagues point out in their analysis, the German ecosystem is not satisfied with measuring, but seeks to understand the root causes. This mindset of rigorous analysis is what makes it possible to create truly disruptive solutions.
2. The value of institutional support: The 80+ professionals of Köln Business are not an expense, they are an investment. The ROI of well-structured public support is evident in the quality and sustainability of German startups.
Strategic Networking: It’s not about trading cards, it’s about creating real synergies. The Future Tech Fest proved that when you put the right people together in the right environment, magic happens.
4. European complementarity: The ACCENT project demonstrates that collaboration between ecosystems multiplies opportunities. Granada brings talent and creativity, Cologne offers structure and market, Padua connects with Italian innovation.
The future is collaborative
This mission has reinforced my conviction that the future of European entrepreneurship is collaborative. The startups that will succeed will be those that know how to navigate between ecosystems, leveraging the strengths of each.
For Montevive AI, Cologne has opened a strategic door to the German market. But beyond the commercial opportunities, we have gained a broader perspective on how to build sustainable and scalable businesses.
Thanks again to UGR Emprendedora for making this experience possible and for their tireless work in strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Granada. Initiatives like this demonstrate that well-executed institutional collaboration multiplies opportunities for all.
My recommendation to other entrepreneurs: Don’t underestimate the value of international assignments. A week in Cologne is worth more than months of online research. The entrepreneurial ecosystem is lived, breathed and experienced.
Are you ready to explore new horizons? The world is smaller than you think, and opportunities are waiting just across the border.
