BDIH KONEXIO Program “Connect with the best network of infrastructures for testing digital and sustainable technologies”

The Basque Digital Innovation Hub (BDIH) is a network providing Basque industrial companies, particularly SMEs, with access to advanced technologies such as Additive Manufacturing, Robotics, Cybersecurity, Smart Machines, Advanced Materials, Data Solutions, Digital Grids, and Digital Health. This network supports sustainable digital transformation, aligned with the Basque smart specialization strategy RIS3, promoting innovations in industry, energy, and health sectors.

However, rapid technological advancements require constant adaptation and updates to infrastructure and services. Integrating new technologies and providing specialized training for SMEs demand significant resources and time. Moreover, international competition and the need to maintain a leadership position in the European digital innovation ecosystem drive the BDIH to engage in ongoing innovation and collaboration.

A major challenge is the limited awareness and accessibility of BDIH's services among SMEs. Many companies are not fully aware of the advanced technological resources available, which limits their utilization. Additionally, financial limitations often delay SMEs from investing in new technologies, even when they have the technical capacity and expertise.

On the other side, there is lack of encouragement for SMEs to familiarize themselves with BDIH and decide to use its services. Without proper engagement, many SMEs miss opportunities to leverage the advanced technologies and support that BDIH offers, limiting their potential for innovation and growth.

The BDIH Konexio program addresses these challenges by providing targeted financial support to Basque SMEs. Offering non-refundable grants, the program enables companies to access technological resources and expertise without bearing the full financial burden. BDIH Konexio also enhances the visibility and accessibility of BDIH's services, fosters collaboration, and ensures SMEs are aware of and can leverage available resources effectively.

To address the challenges faced by the Basque Digital Innovation Hub (BDIH) in the rapidly evolving digital and sustainable technology landscape, the BDIH KONEXIO program offers robust support. This initiative supports Basque industrial companies, particularly SMEs, in their digital transformation by providing financial aid for technical support, action plan development, and proof of concept implementation.

BDIH KONEXIO targets the BDIH's eight key nodes: Additive Manufacturing, Flexible and Collaborative Robotics, Cybersecurity, Smart and Connected Machines, Advanced Materials, Data Driven Solutions, Digital Electricity Grids, and Medical Devices and Digital Health. Each node, equipped with over 270 technological assets (https://bdih.spri.eus/en/assets/ for the catalogue search tool) contributed by R&D Centres, Training Centres, and Universities within the BDIH network, provides the necessary infrastructure and expertise for companies to experiment and validate their projects.

The program offers non-refundable grants covering up to 80% of expenses, with limits of 12,000 euros for projects with a single BDIH agent, 20,000 euros for projects involving multiple BDIH agents, and 15,000 euros for projects in collaboration with a European DIH. This funding ensures that companies can access advanced technologies and expert guidance without the full financial burden. BDIH KONEXIO enables companies to:

• Develop action plans to enhance their capacity to absorb digital technologies.

• Conduct proofs of concept to demonstrate the viability and benefits of these technologies.

In essence, BDIH KONEXIO acts as a catalyst for digital transformation. By subcontracting a BDIH Agent, companies leverage specialized knowledge and state-of-the-art facilities within the BDIH network. This collaboration helps overcome technological and resource-related challenges and fosters innovation and competitiveness in the Basque industrial sector.

In the 2023 edition, BDIH KONEXIO received a total of 125 project proposals led by companies in close collaboration with BDIH members. Out of these proposals, 86 projects were approved. This demonstrates that the BDIH KONEXIO program is now fully consolidated, with submissions increasing from 52 projects in 2020 to 125 in the most recent edition.

In the 2023 nearly one million euros were allocated to finance 86 projects, with an average funding of 11,539 euros per project.

For the third consecutive year, in the 2023 call, the Advanced Materials node concentrated the most projects, reaching 29. Projects related to Smart and Connected Machines have nearly tripled in two years, reaching 21 projects in the last edition. 

These data clearly show that the Basque industry has made a strong commitment to digitalization in industrial processes.

The experiences of the more than 300 companies that have received funding through BDIH KONEXIO have been diverse, but nearly all share a common element: the financing provided has been crucial for initiating their technology-based processes, and the comprehensive support from the BDIH has been involved in achieving their outcomes. Personalized consulting, the ability to use various assets' infrastructures for testing, and the validation of technologies have empowered companies to take firm steps in addressing the challenges of Smart Industry.

One key lesson learned is that there is significant innovation capacity in the Basque Country. However, for SMEs and startups, it is often financially challenging to undertake innovation projects and invest in new technologies, despite having the technical skills and expertise. This underscores the critical importance of programs like BDIH KONEXIO, which provide essential financial support and resources.

Another insight is the growing demand for funding, reflecting the increasing number of companies seeking to innovate. The rise in applications, demonstrates the program's success and the strong desire for digital transformation within the Basque industrial sector.

Additionally, the consistent increase in projects related to Advanced Materials and Smart Connected Machines highlights the increasing interest and need for advancements in these areas. These nodes have seen substantial growth in funded projects, indicating a trend towards prioritizing these technologies.

Finally, the collaborative nature of the BDIH KONEXIO program has proven to be a vital component in the success of these projects. The ability to work closely with BDIH Agents and access their specialized knowledge and state-of-the-art facilities has been a significant advantage for companies. This collaboration not only mitigates the risk and cost associated with innovation but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement and competitiveness in the Basque industry.