Connections with impact: the ecosystem comes alive at ConexiONEs Pamplona

Last Thursday, May 28, Pamplona hosted a new edition of ConexiONEs, the in-person event series promoted by Plataforma ONE to connect talent, projects and opportunities across different regions of Spain.

The event took place at LaBajera, a benchmark space for entrepreneurship and innovation in Navarra, bringing together entrepreneurs, institutional representatives, investor profiles and ecosystem stakeholders for a day defined by open dialogue, the exchange of experiences and the creation of real connections. 

ConexiONEs Pamplona maintained its focus as a space for honest conversation and strategic reflection, placing the spotlight on two major themes: the creation of spinoffs as a way to transform knowledge into sustainable business projects, and decision-making in a context shaped by the noise of trends. 

During the event, the idea was reinforced that the growth of the ecosystem does not depend solely on the opportunities available, but also on people’s ability to analyse them, prioritise them and act with sound judgement in uncertain environments.

The value of Plataforma ONE for Navarra’s ecosystem

The day began with a welcome and presentation of Plataforma ONE, where its main functionalities were shared as a tool for connecting the various stakeholders in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
During this introduction, participants discussed how the platform facilitates access to resources, visibility and opportunities, highlighting its role as a connection point between startups, public entities, investors and support agents.
In this context, the importance of having tools that help better structure the ecosystem and support decision-making was emphasised, underscoring that “having resources, information and a network in one single space helps people move forward with greater clarity and make better use of the opportunities available”.

Technology spinoffs: from knowledge to business

The first discussion of the day, “Technology spinoffs: how to turn research into viable companies”, was moderated by Pilar Tellechea, head of the business area at CEIN, and brought together Sara Mateo (Head of the Entrepreneurship Knowledge Area at Zabala Innovation), Leyre Ruete (Founding Partner of Eversens), and Ana Martínez Tanco (CEO & Co-founder at Yenxa by Almotech), all with experience in innovation, knowledge transfer and technology entrepreneurship.

Throughout the conversation, the potential of spinoffs as a driver for transforming research into economic and social impact was explored, as well as the challenges associated with their development. In this regard, the speakers agreed that “bringing research to market is not an immediate process, but a journey that requires a combination of technical knowledge, business vision and adaptability”.

During the discussion, special attention was paid to the importance of building teams that integrate scientific and business profiles, as well as to the need to validate the business model from the earliest stages. As highlighted, “technology alone is not enough; the real challenge lies in turning it into a solution that the market understands and values”.

The role of institutions in supporting this type of project was also discussed, noting that “having support in the early stages helps transform complex projects into viable and sustainable business initiatives”.

The FOMO of entrepreneurship: making sound decisions in times of hype

The second discussion, “The FOMO of entrepreneurship: how to make sound decisions in times of hype”, was moderated by Jon Echaide (communicator and podcaster) and featured Ana Martínez Acedo (co-founder of Bluelook), Enrique Iriso Pascual (co-founder of Filo Arquitectos), and Xabier Colmenero (founder of Fitfox and CEO of Grupo Innoflow), who contributed complementary perspectives from entrepreneurship, strategy and communication.

The conversation focused on how to make decisions in an environment marked by constant trends, external pressure and a sense of urgency. In this regard, it was pointed out that “not every opportunity that appears in the ecosystem is relevant to every project, and knowing how to choose is a fundamental part of the entrepreneurial process”.

The discussion also addressed the impact uncertainty has on those who undertake entrepreneurial ventures, highlighting that “to embark on entrepreneurship, mental preparation is essential”, since many of the difficulties entrepreneurs face are not learned through academic training, but through the daily experience of building a project.

Another message shared was the need to rely on market knowledge and one’s own judgement in order to evolve. As was stated during the conversation, “you have to listen to the market and constantly transform yourself”, avoiding impulsive decisions driven solely by fleeting fashions or trends.

The speakers also agreed that sustainable growth depends on combining ambition with coherence. In the words of Ana Martínez, “the first thing a company needs in order to grow or do well is for the entrepreneur to be well”, highlighting the importance of personal wellbeing, emotional management and balance between professional and personal life.

The discussion concluded with a shared reflection on the true meaning of entrepreneurship. Beyond the pursuit of financial results, the speakers argued that “if you become an entrepreneur just to make money, you are making a mistake”, championing passion, purpose and the drive to create as some of the main engines of entrepreneurship.

Networking to generate real connections

The day ended with a networking activity designed to foster connections among diverse profiles within the ecosystem. Through a participatory activity based on the exchange of coloured cards between speakers and attendees, everyone present had the opportunity to interact, share experiences and identify potential synergies.

This space made it possible to put into practice one of the main goals of ConexiONEs events: to create real encounters between people who do not usually cross paths, thereby encouraging the emergence of new opportunities for the innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem.

ConexiONEs Pamplona brought together a highly diverse range of profiles, from startup founders to representatives of public entities, reinforcing the idea that ecosystem development is built through collaboration, diversity and closeness.

With this fifth edition, after stops in the Canary Islands, Cuenca, Santander and Ceuta, ConexiONEs continues to establish itself as a meeting point for innovative entrepreneurship, bringing Plataforma ONE closer to different regions and placing at the centre the people who make the ecosystem possible.

If you would like to take part in upcoming ConexiONEs events, check the Plataforma ONE agenda to stay up to date with all the details.