Olga Martín Pascual, Managing Director of the Tenerife Science and Technology Park (PCTT)

What is the importance of investing in local ecosystems like Tenerife for the economic development and innovation of the region?

Investing in local ecosystems like Tenerife is crucial for diversifying an economy that is highly dependent on tourism. By promoting innovation through collaboration between businesses, universities, and research centers, quality employment is generated in emerging sectors such as technology, renewable energy, and biotechnology. All of this contributes to strengthening the productive fabric, attracting and retaining talent, and improving the economic and social well-being of the region. Diversification is essential to face adverse economic conditions and compete in an increasingly globalized world.

Within the Canary archipelago, what specific role does Tenerife play as an innovation hub and what characteristics distinguish it in this area?

Tenerife plays a strategic role as an innovation hub, thanks to its leadership in technological infrastructure, research capacity, and international connections. It is distinguished by having leading institutions such as the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC), both public and private universities that are committed to R&D and emerging sectors. It also has reference centers like ITER (Instituto Tecnológico y de Energías Renovables) and the Tenerife Science and Technology Park (PCTT), which fosters synergies between companies prominent in the scientific and technological fields. Additionally, its geographical position allows it to act as a bridge between Europe, Africa, and America, attracting talent and international projects. The Cabildo of Tenerife has an innovation master plan that constitutes a long-term commitment to diversifying the productive fabric, with the aim of achieving a more sustainable and intelligent economy within the Canary Islands.

When analyzing the landscape of science and technology parks, what differential value does the PCTT bring to the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the island?

The Tenerife Science and Technology Park (PCTT) brings key differential value to the island's entrepreneurial ecosystem by offering a highly specialized environment that combines cutting-edge infrastructure, support services for innovation and businesses, and direct connection to knowledge. Its focus on strategic sectors such as technology, aerospace, creative industries, sustainability, blue economy, and biotechnology positions it as a catalyst for technology-based entrepreneurship. Additionally, the PCTT acts as a bridge between research and the market, facilitating knowledge transfer, access to funding, and the internationalization of startups. This integrated ecosystem fosters the creation of innovative companies and the attraction of talent, making it a key driver for Tenerife's economic transformation.

How do the PCTT and the ONE Platform work together to boost and strengthen the local entrepreneurial ecosystem? What specific initiatives are they developing?

The Tenerife Science and Technology Park (PCTT) and the ONE Platform collaborate closely to boost and strengthen the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, acting as complementary agents that connect talent, innovation, and business opportunities. PCTT provides infrastructure, access to R&D networks, and specialized technical support, while the ONE Platform functions as a meeting point and comprehensive support for entrepreneurs, centralizing resources, advice, and training.

This collaboration favors the creation of a cohesive ecosystem that not only drives the generation of innovative companies but also strengthens the local economic fabric and positions Tenerife as a national reference for entrepreneurship.

Based on your experience, what fundamental advice would you give to someone who is starting their entrepreneurial journey at this time?

It is necessary to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the public sector, using aids, networking events, platforms like ONE, and infrastructures like the Tenerife Science and Technology Park. Additionally, I believe it is important to be persistent with the business idea and objectives, but also to have some capacity to adapt to market demands.

Having participated in the first ConexiONEs event organized by the platform, what value do you think this type of initiative brings to the ecosystem?

Participation in the first ConexiONEs event, organized by the ONE Platform, demonstrates the great value that this type of initiative brings to the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Firstly, they generate meeting and connection spaces, which are fundamental for entrepreneurs, investors, institutions, and knowledge agents to exchange ideas, create synergies, and collaborate on common projects. Additionally, they promote the visibility of local initiatives. For the PCTT, it has allowed us to highlight the multitude of services offered to both entrepreneurs and companies from outside the island, as well as infrastructures, advice, connections with the innovation ecosystem, networking, and funding opportunities.

As a leading woman within Tenerife's innovation ecosystem, what specific recommendations would you offer to a female entrepreneur facing current market challenges?

I would give the same recommendations as to any entrepreneur; I believe that women who start a business idea have the same chances of achieving their goals and developing their ideas. It is true that in the process of developing a business, reconciliation problems can pose an obstacle, but we must address this issue as a society.

If you could send a message to the Olga of 20 years ago, what fundamental advice would you give based on everything you have learned throughout your professional career?

To the Olga of 20 years ago, I would say not to be afraid of change, as it is something that always ends up enriching you professionally, and this is a reflection I would extend to people who are starting or thinking of starting a business. Along the way, they will develop adaptability and resilience, which are very useful for achieving professional goals and objectives.