April has been a particularly strong month for Valencia’s innovation and technology ecosystem. The picture is clear: more momentum in SpaceTech, more investment to scale AI-based platforms, a higher concentration of cybersecurity startups, and a public innovation and tech community agenda that continues to make Valencia a real-world environment for testing, accelerating, and connecting.
Below are the month’s most notable milestones, grouped by topic.
Deep Tech and SpaceTech: European Funding and Strategic Programs
This month’s big breakthrough comes once again from the space sector. The EIB is providing 30 million euros in financing for PLD Space’s Miura 5 launch vehicle, a move that bolsters the rocket’s development and accelerates the company’s upcoming technological milestones.
At the same time, Valencia’s SpaceTech ecosystem continues to gain a foothold in European programs.Arkadia Space has joined Dassault Aviation’s Vortex program, supplying its propulsion system for the reusable spaceplane demonstrator.
And at the university, technical talent continues to push the boundaries: Faraday Rocketry is taking another step toward making the UPV the first European university to reach space.
Investment and Scaling: Capital for AI-Powered Platforms
April also saw significant deals for Valencian companies looking to expand.
In e-commerce, BigBuy raises 4 million to scale its AI-powered platform, with a focus on strengthening its technology, expanding its product catalog, and accelerating international expansion between Europe and China.
In the areas of product and AI-driven automation, GuruSup has closed a $1.3 million seed round led by 4Founders Capital, with Addendum Capital participating as a co-investor.
Cybersecurity: More Startups, More Acceleration, and Market Insights
Cybersecurity was another major focus this month. Startup Valencia and INCIBE are supporting 26 new startups and accelerating 40 projects, consolidating the growth of this sector and the catalytic effect of specialized programs.
At the same time, the conversation turned to investment and operations. “Driving Change” was launched—an event focused on M&A and investment activity in cybersecurity in Spain—designed to provide insights into market signals, investor appetite, and the dynamics of operations.
Public Innovation and Real-World Validation: The Sandbox as a Tool for Cities
Abril reinforced a key message for the ecosystem: innovation isn’t validated in theory—it’s validated in the real world. In this context, Valencia Innovation Capital and Startup Valencia launched Sandbox + Startup Valencia: Explore the Sandbox, a hands-on opportunity for startups in AI, IoT, climate tech, energy, mobility, healthcare, or govtech looking to test their products in an urban environment.
In addition, the UPV Urban Sandbox Day was held in Valencia, strengthening the university-city partnership to launch pilot projects and promote applied learning.
Agenda and Community: Computer Science Week as a Meeting Place for the ICT Sector
April also reinforced the role of industry events as community infrastructure. Semana Informática 2026 once again established itself as an open and participatory space for sharing knowledge, analyzing trends, and discussing the purposeful use of technology.
CEEI Valencia added the event to its calendar, helping to spread the word among its network of stakeholders: IT Week 2026 at EmprenemJunts.
Key Stakeholder Activities: Calls for Proposals, Talent, and Collaboration Agenda
Valencia Innovation Capital launched an initiative of particular importance to the ecosystem in the area of applied innovation: the Valencia Innovation Capital 2026 Innovation Grants.
CEEI Valencia reinforced this same approach through its ecosystem of resources, also publicizing the call for proposals: Grants for Innovation in the City of Valencia 2026.
The LAB Mediterráneo Foundation continued to foster connections between businesses, technology, and innovation through events such as the board of trustees meeting at Dacsa Group and the gathering of CIOs and CTOs focused on innovation and technological collaboration.
And in terms of talent, CDTM Valencia launched a call for applications linked to the program, according to UV Emprende.
Finally, registration is now open for the Emprende program, organized by the Faculty of Economics and Lanzadera.
Read of the Month: Greater Scale in Sectors Where Europe Competes
The summary for April is clear: more funding and visibility for SpaceTech, more funding rounds to scale AI platforms, a higher concentration of cybersecurity startups, and more public tools to validate innovation in the city. Valencia moves forward when it combines two things at once: projects that grow and structures that help them grow faster. April was one of those months.