Business networking for digital transformation

The "Networking Empresarial Aldealab" event was organised to facilitate connections between the entities within the Aldealab community, a space in Cáceres (Extremadura, Spain) dedicated to innovation and entrepreneurship, offering resources and support for SMEs and entrepreneurs in their early stages. The aim was to foster collaboration, joint growth, and the creation of new business opportunities among entities that, despite being housed in the same building, had not had the opportunity to interact. This event also served as a platform to present the services that Fundecyt-PCTEX offers through the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH). Additionally, it showcased the support provided by its specialised technical team to companies and presented the types of funding available. The event also detailed the main working verticals of the EDIH, focusing on improving the digital maturity of SMEs by addressing specific technological challenges.

The main challenge addressed by the networking event was how to effectively connect companies within the Aldealab community to foster collaboration, promote the adoption of advanced technologies such as AI, and secure the necessary funding to support their digital transformation.
 

The main objective of the event was to connect the companies housed in Aldealab. The event was organised by EXTREMADURA EDIH T4E: Tech for Efficiency and took place in one of the multiple meeting rooms available at the Aldealab space. This event followed a structured agenda. It began with an introduction in which the EDIH coordinator described the role of Fundecyt-PCTEX as a regional agent whose mission is to connect companies with technological centres and university research groups. It was noted that these groups often require support in business aspects, a gap that Fundecyt-PCTEX helps to fill. Additionally, two other EDIH technicians were present to answer questions and facilitate the event. Alongside various business support instruments, the mission as an EDIH was presented. The available types of funding were explained, with special emphasis on the FEDER funds, which are channelled through the Government of Extremadura via open funding calls, known as PADIH (Support Programme for Digital Innovation Hubs). The PADIH Programme allows SMEs to reduce financial risks by funding the necessary expenses for research, development, and preliminary testing of new technological innovations. Thanks to the use of public resources, SMEs have the opportunity to implement technologies that optimise operational efficiency, reduce costs, and open up new market opportunities. After the EDIH presentation, the event moved on to the participation round for attendees. The event continued with the identification of technological needs, matchmaking for business solutions, and discussions on funding opportunities. 

The event brought together a total of 16 participants, including 13 company representatives and 3 technicians from Fundecyt-PCTEX.

The presentation by Fundecyt-PCTEX, as the EDIH coordinator, provided an overview of the role of FUNDECYT-PCTEX and the Digital Innovation Hub (DIH), highlighting the support available for digital transformation and innovation.

The remaining 13 representatives from the various entities based in Aldealab shared their specific technological challenges and needs, allowing the organisers to identify areas where support was required.

This session facilitated direct interactions between companies, fostering collaboration and identifying potential partnerships to address the previously identified technological challenges.

Participants were introduced to the various funding opportunities available through programmes like PADIH, helping them understand how to secure financial support for their digital transformation projects.

The event successfully identified key technological needs, particularly in AI-driven content creation, process automation improvements, and the implementation of digital solutions in rural areas.