Business Factory Aero (BFAero) took part in the 19th Iberian Meeting of Science and Technology Parks, held at Tecnópole (Ourense), which brought together representatives from the innovation ecosystems of Spain and Portugal to foster collaboration and explore new opportunities in strategic fields such as aerospace, artificial intelligence, security and defence, and cybersecurity.
The event focused on the role of innovation and cooperation between companies, technology centres, science parks and institutions in driving the development of strategic sectors. Among the activities at the event was a round-table discussion on the aerospace sector, moderated by Luis García Santalla, president of the CEL-Aceleradora BFAero Foundation.
The aerospace sector: at the forefront of cooperation
The round-table discussion provided an opportunity to exchange views on the challenges and opportunities facing the aerospace sector, as well as on the importance of bringing together companies, organisations that support entrepreneurship and innovation bodies to foster the development of new initiatives and create opportunities for collaboration.
The discussion was attended by Jan Mataró, CTO and co-founder of Kreios Space; Miguel Ladrón de Cegama, director of MLC Consulting and head of content at EDOS; Carmen Verdejo, director of the Department of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at ICECYL; and Jorge Pimenta, director of innovation at IPN Coimbra, AESA’s incubator. Their backgrounds, spanning the business, technology and institutional sectors, provided different perspectives on the aerospace ecosystem.
Galicia, a strategic hub for aerospace innovation
The hosting of the 19th Iberian Meeting in Galicia forms part of the region’s drive to promote strategic technologies, through the Strategic Initiative for Security, Defence and Aerospace 2025–2030, and its long-standing collaboration with Portugal on R&D&I projects.
Ourense and Tecnópole offer a particularly favourable environment for these links, thanks to their proximity to the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) in Braga; the plan for Tecnópole to host Galicia’s Centre of Excellence in Cybersecurity; and the expertise available at the Ourense campus of the University of Vigo in aerospace engineering, artificial intelligence and computer engineering.
This context offers new opportunities to foster partnerships between science and technology parks, businesses, institutions and talent from both countries, thereby promoting the development of joint projects in strategic sectors.
New partnerships for the innovation ecosystem
Organised by the Spanish Association of Science and Technology Parks (APTE) and TecParques, the Portuguese Association of Science and Technology Parks, the 19th Iberian Meeting also featured sessions on artificial intelligence, dual-use applications, STEAM talent and the future of science and technology parks, as well as networking opportunities to foster new business connections.
Taking part in initiatives of this kind enables BFAero to continue strengthening its links with the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Spain and Portugal, expanding opportunities for collaboration and contributing to the growth of start-ups and the development of the Galician aerospace sector.
The technology may work. But what is the business case? Taking this question as their starting point, participants at the 7th edition ofBusiness Factory Aero (BFAero) took part in a new training session held at the School of Aeronautical and Space Engineering at the University of Vigo, in Ourense.
The event brought together around 60 students and the Luxsit, ShareWing, Arzeos, DroneSilencer, Binarial and DroneCleanerprojects, in a session focusing on two key aspects for any start-up: understanding how to run a business and how to turn a solution into a viable business model.
Business management to drive a start-up forward
The first part of the day was devoted to the training session ‘Key aspects of business management for start-ups’, during which participants were able to explore in greater depth some of the essential elements involved in organising, planning and growing a business venture.
The session covered aspects relating to management and leadership, organisational structure, talent management and organisational communication, alongside key planning issues such as the business plan, the financial plan and the various sources of funding.
The session also covered tools and criteria for monitoring results and decision-making, process optimisation, team coordination and the key legal aspects that must be taken into account when developing a start-up.
A practical guide to the various areas of business management, which enabled the participating projects to focus not only on their technological solution, but also on the structures and decisions required to turn it into a sustainable business.
From technology to the business model
One of the highlights of the day was the session entitled “Business Model Generation for Engineers”, led by Daniel Franco, Business Innovation Manager at Airbus, as part of Airbus’s collaboration with BFAero.
The training session took a practical approach to how to turn a technological solution into a viable business model: understanding the customer, defining the value proposition and identifying who uses the solution, who makes the decision and who pays for it.
Using tools such as the Business Model Canvas, participants were able to work interactively on the various elements that make up a business model and reflect on how to align a technological proposal with the market’s actual needs.
The session sparked great interest amongst both the participating start-ups and the students, creating a space for learning and the exchange of experiences relating to innovation and entrepreneurship.
BFAero presents its 8th edition
The event also served to present the BFAero programme and officially announce the opening of applications for its 8th edition. Luis García Santalla, the programme manager, was responsible for announcing the new call for applications and highlighting the support that BFAero offers to projects linked to the aerospace sector.
With the launch of this new edition, BFAero continues to drive the development of innovative initiatives and to provide entrepreneurs with access to training, specialist knowledge and connections with companies and stakeholders within the ecosystem.
A space to learn, connect and create opportunities
The day concluded with a networking session between the participating projects and organisations, which provided an opportunity to share experiences, make new contacts and explore potential opportunities for collaboration.
These kinds of events form part of the support that BFAero offers its start-ups, combining business training, industry expertise and connections within the ecosystem to help projects move from technology towards business models with growth potential.
The 8th call for proposals for BFAero is now open, and if you’re considering submitting your project, we’d like to help you resolve any queries you may have during the process.
We will therefore be holding an online information webinar on 15 October, from 3.00 pm to 3.45 pm, during which we will go through the key aspects of the call for proposals and answer questions from interested projects and companies.
In addition, we will be joined by SLIMOP Space, a project that took part in the 6th edition of BFAero as part of the Acceleration track and in the 7th edition as part of the Consolidation track, and which will share its experience and explain how its time on the programme has helped it to develop and consolidate its project.
What will you find out in the webinar?
During the session, we will discuss what Business Factory Aero (BFAero) is and what it offers start-ups, how to take part in this new edition, and what factors are taken into account during the selection process.
We will also provide a practical guide to the assessment criteria and the application form to help you prepare your application, and we will set aside some time at the end to answer any queries or questions.
If you are thinking of applying for the 8th call for applications, this webinar will be a great opportunity to find out more about the programme, gain first-hand insight into a project that has been part of BFAero, and clarify any queries you may have before submitting your application.
Please note that the deadline for submitting nominations is 30 October 2026.
BFAero: an opportunity to give your project a boost
Through its various programmes, BFAero offers funding, specialist support, links to the industry and opportunities for growth for projects in the aerospace, aeronautics and unmanned vehicle sectors.
Since 2019, projects that have been supported by BFAero have generated more than €28 million in turnover and attracted €16 million in investment.
If you have an innovative project and want to take the next step, we look forward to seeing you on 15 October.
Sign up and get answers to your questions about the 8th BFAero call for applications!
Business Factory Aero (BFAero), the business incubator and accelerator promoted by the Galician Regional Government (Xunta de Galicia) through the Galician Institute for Economic Promotion (IGAPE) and XesGalicia, is launching its 8th edition with the aim of supporting projects that provide an innovative response to the current challenges facing this industry.
Its specialised focus on the aeronautical, aerospace and unmanned vehicle sectors, and its links with industry, set BFAero apart from other initiatives, providing a competitive environment for project development.
Since its launch in 2019, it has supported 49 new projects, more than 80 per cent of which remain active and are continuing to grow. These companies have created more than 320 skilled jobs and generated an annual turnover of more than 28 million euros.
In the last two rounds, BFAero companies have raised more than 14 million euros, with around 70 per cent coming from private equity, confirming the programme’s ability to transform strategic technologies into companies that are attractive to investors.
From technology to the market
The eighth edition of BFAero provides participating projects with expert mentors in areas such as aeronautics, UAV regulations, intellectual property, business management and marketing, with the aim of transforming start-ups into innovative, viable and scalable companies within the aeronautical and aerospace sector.
The accelerator connects projects with a unique ecosystem linked to leading companies such as Airbus, Telespazio and Avincis , and more than 55 organisations – including technology centres, universities and companies in the sector – with which it promotes proactive business networking. It also provides workspaces at the Pazo de Feiras in Lugo, near Rozas Aerodrome and the Rozas Aerial Research Centre (CIAR).
Up to €250,000 in funding
The programme offers three tracks, tailored to the maturity level of each project. Incubation, for the early stage, where the value proposition has not yet been validated, lasting up to 12 months. Acceleration, aimed at projects with a developed Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that are making their first sales, lasting 8 months. And Consolidation, a programme designed for companies with a defined product or service and actual sales, seeking to scale up their business, lasting up to 6 months.
During the Incubation phase, start-ups will have access to non-repayable funding of up to 40,000 euros through the Galician Institute for Economic Promotion (Igape). Projects in the Acceleration phase will receive non-repayable funding from Igape of up to 60,000 euros and the possibility of an equity stake through a participatory loan of up to 50,000 euros, with the option to capitalise this through Xesgalicia, the investment vehicle of the Xunta de Galicia.
Companies in the consolidation phase will be able to access up to 30,000 euros through Igape in the form of a non-repayable grant. Should the company so request, and as part of a funding round, a direct equity investment of up to 250,000 euros may be considered.
Arzeos Aircraft, part of the Business Factory Aero (BFAero) ecosystem, has begun flight testing of its Z01 two-seater ultralight aircraft, a key milestone in the development of an aeronautical project designed and manufactured in Galicia.
To this end, the start-up has access to a range of technological services enabling it to use the facilities at the Rozas Aerial Research Centre (CIAR), located at Rozas aerodrome in Castro de Rei (Lugo). This centre is a joint initiative of the National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA) and the Galician Regional Government.
Based in Silleda (Pontevedra), Arzeos designs, manufactures and markets piloted two-seater microlight aircraft, with a value proposition based on innovation, safety, performance and comfort, incorporating its own technological solutions into both the aircraft’s design and its systems.
A key milestone in the development of the Z01
The start of flight testing represents a significant step forward for Arzeos and brings the project closer to its next objectives. The company is currently working towards certification of the Z01, a necessary step to subsequently move towards its production and commercialisation.
This progress has been accompanied by a growing international presence. In April 2026, Arzeos unveiled the Z01 at AERO Friedrichshafen, one of the leading international general aviation trade fairs, showcasing the development of its aircraft to industry professionals and potential customers.
From incubation to consolidation at BFAero
Arzeos’s evolution is also reflected in its journey within Business Factory Aero. The company took part in the 5th edition as part of the Incubation programme, subsequently progressed to the Acceleration programme in the 6th edition, and completed the 7th edition as part of the Consolidation programme.
This journey reflects the gradual maturation of a project that has progressed from its early development stages to achieving technological milestones such as the start of flight testing of the Z01.
BFAero: driving aerospace talent and innovation
The case of Arzeos highlights the role of BFAero as a platform supporting the development and growth of innovative companies in the aerospace sector, accompanying them through the different stages of their evolution.
Since its launch in 2018, BFAero has supported 49 projects, created 15 new technology companies and facilitated the relocation of 21 companies to Galicia, contributing to the creation of more than 320 skilled jobs. The projects have also attracted more than 16 million euros in investment.
Arzeos is now entering a new phase focused on moving towards certification of its aircraft and continuing to prepare for its market launch.
A start-up may spend years developing a new aircraft, a smart system for drones, an autonomous navigation algorithm or space communications technology. However, if that innovation is not properly protected, the real value generated may end up in the hands of third parties.
With this in mind, the projects taking part in the 7th edition of Business Factory Aero (BFAero) attended a dedicated session on Industrial Property (IP) and its impact on business. Developing cutting-edge technology is only the first step; turning it into a competitive business also requires building a solid Industrial and Intellectual Property strategy.
BFAero projects receive specialist training and support to identify their technological assets, define the best protection strategy and prepare their technology to navigate investment processes, industrial collaboration and internationalisation with greater confidence.
Innovation alone is not enough. You have to know how to protect it.
In technology-intensive sectors such as aerospace, aviation and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), industrial and intellectual property (IP) is no longer merely a legal matter but has become a strategic business asset.
IP protects a company’s ability to grow, attract investment, negotiate with large corporations and maintain a sustainable competitive advantage. Numerous studies show that, in the aerospace sector, intellectual property accounts for up to 80 per cent of a company’s value and is one of the aspects most closely scrutinised by investment funds during due diligence.
Why is it so important for an aerospace start-up?
In a market as competitive as the aerospace sector, where development cycles are long and investment levels are high, protecting innovation effectively can make the difference between leading the market and losing it.
Industrial property refers to the set of rights that protect a company’s innovations, technological developments and distinctive signs. Its purpose is not merely to prevent others from copying a technology; it also enables:
Increase the company’s valuation
Creating barriers to entry against the competition
Facilitate investment rounds
Negotiating technology licences
Monetising the results of R&D
To strengthen the company’s position with customers and industry partners
What sort of industrial property does a company in the aerospace sector need?
The same technology may be protected simultaneously by several legal instruments, each designed to protect a different aspect of the project.
Patent. Protects a new, non-obvious technical solution with industrial application for up to 20 years, provided that the legal requirements are met. It is the best option in cases such as the development of a new propulsion system, the design of an innovative sensor or a new flight control system.
2. Copyright. This protects the original expression of a creation. It does not protect the idea itself, but rather its manifestation. Copyright arises automatically, although it is advisable to strengthen the evidence of authorship through registration or version control systems. It is particularly suitable for software, source code, interfaces, APIs, technical documentation, software architecture and graphic materials.
3. Databases. These protect the significant investments made in collecting, organising or verifying data. They are becoming increasingly important for companies developing artificial intelligence, autonomous navigation, predictive systems, fleet management platforms and Big Data-based solutions.
4. Trade secrets. These cover any information that derives its value precisely because it remains confidential. They are particularly recommended where technology is difficult to reverse-engineer or evolves very rapidly, such as predictive algorithms, AI models, training parameters, know-how, industrial processes, technical configurations or manufacturing strategies.
5. Brands. A means of safeguarding a company’s commercial identity. Essential for building a reputation and differentiating a company’s offering in international markets. A brand comprises the following elements: company name, logo, product name and slogan.
6. Industrial designs. These protect the external appearance of a product, its visual appearance. The shape of a drone, the exterior design of an aircraft, the casing of a sensor or the visual configuration of an autonomous robot.
Which is better: a patent or a trade secret?
The projects had the opportunity to address frequently asked questions, such as whether it is better to opt for a patent or a trade secret. Although in many cases the best strategy is to combine both approaches, there are differences between them.
A patent is more advantageous when the product can be easily copied, when it is necessary to showcase the technology to the market, when the aim is to attract investment, or when there is an interest in holding registered assets. Conversely, it is advisable to maintain secrecy when the technology cannot be easily discovered, when the know-how lies in internal processes, or when the innovation is constantly evolving.
Can industrial property generate income?
One of the most significant aspects of the session was the discussion of IP as a factor that generates economic value for the project. The main avenues for monetisation include:
Marketing of protected technology products
Technology licensing
Assignment or sale of rights
Creation of spin-offs
Technology transfer agreements
Utilización de la PI como activo en procesos de inversión o financiación
Además, disponer de una estrategia sólida de Propiedad Industrial mejora la posición negociadora frente a grandes empresas del sector aeroespacial y facilita la colaboración en proyectos internacionales de I+D+i.
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