Who better than talented young people for your organisation to be able to make a match with gen Z? At the age of 22 and recently graduated in Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation from the University of Mondragón, Nàhia Gironès Blanco (Barcelona, 2001) has set out, together with her partner Adriana Bisbe, to connect companies and institutions with young talent through the startup YOUZ Talent. So far, she has already managed to attract the attention of institutions such as the Generalitat de Catalunya, Barcelona City Council and the Telefónica Foundation.

“Talking to many people, meeting companies from different sectors and carrying out many projects, always dealing with a key theme: young talent. That’s what YOUZ Talent allows us to do on a daily basis.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

NG: Our goal is to build an outstanding ecosystem for young talent, providing resources and opportunities to bridge the generation gap between young people and companies.

TB: What is the current state of the project and where do you see it in two years’ time?

NG: The company has been officially incorporated since March 2023. Since then, we have been making a name for ourselves by working on projects such as VIBEZ, a digital culture festival created with the aim of facilitating the connection between young talent and the technology sector in Catalonia. In two years, YOUZ Talent will be consolidated in the sector, with its own ecosystem that will allow systematic feedback from all its elements.

TB: A good idea you have had.

NG: At the beginning we were not sure how to describe ourselves. We didn’t consider ourselves a generational consultancy, as we didn’t advise, we created. Until, playing with concepts, we came up with the idea of calling ourselves “GENerator”, as we generate spaces to interconnect generations. Playing with the terms ‘generate’ and ‘generation’, dealing with the subject we deal with, seemed to me a good idea, and allows us to better explain what we do.

TB: What is the biggest challenge you have faced?

NG: Overcoming the limits that I impose on myself. Insecurities often arise, and day by day I have to put them aside so that they don’t stop me from doing anything I set out to do.

TB:The best advice you’ve ever been given.

NG: When you feel comfortable in a situation, it’s time to change. Your work should always challenge you in order to learn, evolve and grow. Getting out of your comfort zone helps you to get to know yourself better.

TB: A professional reference that inspires you.

NG: Being faithful to my generation, known as ‘Z’, I would like to highlight Dulceida, the first Spanish ‘influencer’. A woman who has not only managed to position and reinvent herself over the years as the main fashion influencer in Spain, but who, with effort, perseverance and passion, has managed to create a personal brand so strong that it has led to four different companies: an influencer agency, a festival, an awards gala and a clothing brand.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

NG: Without a doubt, Artificial Intelligence. Although we only know a small part of its potential, it is already revolutionising the world as we know it.

TB: In-person or remote?

NG: Hybrid: neither too much nor too little. I think it is interesting to have both options on the table. I usually tend to be a face-to-face team because it allows me to work more fluidly with my partner. However, remote allows a lot more freedom, so I am in favour of both options coexisting.

TB: A startup or company.

NG: In terms of organisational culture, it might sound typical, but I would say Google. I am impressed by how such a large company has managed to maintain such a ‘start-up’ working environment.

TB: What do you do to disconnect?

NG: On a day-to-day basis, what allows me to disconnect the most is to meet my friends and go for a drink. Also, obviously, I have time to go to the gym, read or watch a quiet series. But the best way for me to disconnect is to go to the village in summer, leave my mobile phone and computer to one side and not use them unless absolutely necessary.

TB: A book to recommend.

NG: I loved “Donde aprenden a volar las gaviotas”, by Ana Alcolea. It is a book more for enjoyment than anything else, but if you want to disconnect and be entertained, the story is beautiful.

TB: A series, film or song that defines your moment in life.

NG: I don’t know if it reflects my moment in life, but “Madame C.J. Walker” inspired me a lot. This series is about the first black woman to start her own business and how she overcame obstacles with resilience.

TB: One recipe, one restaurant.

NG: I don’t like to cook because I’m very impatient and too lazy. So my speciality is leek vichyssoise, with the help of my great ally, the Thermomix. As for the restaurant, honouring the square where I’ve spent the most hours playing, I choose “El Sortidor” in the Poble Sec neighbourhood.

TB: A place in the world.

NG: Menorca. It seems to me a paradise where I would go every summer.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

NG: At the moment, I would invest them in the festival we are creating. I want to have more resources to make it even bigger and have as much impact as possible.

TB: If you weren’t an entrepreneur…

NG: Well, I have no idea where I would be. Probably in a department of a company that would allow me to work on a project basis and give me freedom of movement. Marketing and innovation sector.

TB: What is Tech Barcelona for you?

NG: It is a network that brings together corporations, startups and entrepreneurs in Catalonia. It is an ecosystem that makes it easy to meet interesting projects and people, always willing to talk and discover.

Just as dogs are a human being’s best friend, Keyper is the tireless technological ally of Irene Gómez (Barcelona, 1987), CEO and co-founder -together with robotics expert Hilario Tomé– of Keybotic, a deeptech startup dedicated to the creation of autonomous robot dogs designed to perform industrial inspections.

Prior to her entrepreneurial venture in 2020, Irene Gómez, with a background in economics and law, held the position of COO at ALLOut Security, a US-based software company leader in security and audits in several Oracle ERPs.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

IG: Our main objective is to automate the detection and warning of anomalies in hazardous industrial plants by means of an autonomous robot dog with sensor technology and artificial intelligence. [If you didn’t get the chance to see Keyper walking around this year’s Mobile World Congress, here’s a video of him in his natural habitat.]

TB: What is the current state of the project and where do you see it in two years’ time?

IG: This year we have started deploying the robot dogs in chemical plants, where we detect gas leaks, vapour leaks or hot spots. Just like the robot hoovers in our homes, in two years’ time industries will integrate, as part of their equipment, technology to automate these inspection rounds. And we will drive this transformation.

TB: A good idea you have had.

IG: To create Keybotic: I saw the potential in industrial robotics, but also the difficulties of creating such a cutting-edge technology. In this sense, the strategy of applying first to the DAPRA Robotics Challenge and winning in order to set up the company had a lot of risk, but it ended up being key. The first prize in the competition, worth one million euros, allowed us to create something brutal with the team and in the city we wanted.

TB: What is the biggest challenge you have faced?

IG: I went to live in Ireland when I was 15 years old and didn’t speak English. This has allowed me to travel more easily and has opened doors for me.

TB: The best advice you’ve ever been given.

IG: Difficult decisions must rest.

TB: A professional reference that inspires you.

IG: Luke Phillips, the CEO and founder of ALLOut Security. He managed to build an international organisation with a team in five countries, entirely remotely, and become a leader in the industry.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

IG: Robotics. Not only will it be part of the future, but we are working to make it a fundamental part of the present.

TB: In-person or remote?

IG: Hybrid.

TB: A startup or company.

IG: Gecko Robotics, a US scaleup of robotics to check tanks.

TB: What do you do to disconnect?

IG: Time with family, friends and sport. And if it can be at the same time, even better.

TB: A book to recommend.

IG: “Boulder” by Eva Baltasar.

TB: A series, film or song that defines your moment in life.

IG: The film “Air”, directed by Ben Affleck.

TB: One recipe, one restaurant.

IG: Pesolda del Maresme as a recipe. And as for a restaurant, I really enjoy the experience at l’Actiu de Barcelona Activa, where we usually eat on Fridays with the whole team.

TB: A place in the world.

IG: I would recommend everyone to go to Japan. The culture shock is amazing.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

IG: In Keybotic – I’ve actually already invested them!

TB: If you weren’t an entrepreneur…

IG: I would love to run another technology company.

TB: What is Tech Barcelona for you?

IG: The community of entrepreneurs where you can share experiences in Barcelona.

Sara Prickett (United Kingdom, 1977) is a prominent figure in the biotech industry, showcasing a distinguished professional career that has spanned the UK, Australia, and, for the past three years, Barcelona.

Her journey began with a BSc in Biomedical Science from Sheffield University, followed by a PhD in parasitology and immunology from Imperial College London. In 2005, she moved to Australia, engaging in immunology research, focusing on parasitology (malaria) and allergies, before co-founding biotech company Aravax, a spin-off from Monash University and Alfred Health in Melbourne.

“In 2020, my family and I moved to Barcelona to live closer to our relatives, both here and in the UK”. From this new operations hub, Sara Prickett balances her roles at Aravax with her position as the founder of Auspen Consulting S.L. and as a board director at Global Kinetics EU. She represents a prime illustration of international talent flourishing within Barcelona’s dynamic biotech scene.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

SP: At Aravax, we are developing next-gen immunotherapies, which aim to revolutionise the treatment of food allergies. Existing approaches treat people with the product to which they are allergic. However, we aim to develop precise, safe, and convenient products that can reset the immune system to see the allergen as safe, without exposing patients to the risk of allergic reactions during treatment.

TB: What is the current state of the project and where do you see it in two years’ time?

SP: We recently raised Series B funding to commence a Phase 2 trial in children with our lead product for peanut allergy treatment. This stage is currently underway, and we hope to report positive results within the next two years and be ready to progress to Phase 3. We also plan to have one or more pipeline products for other food allergies in pre-clinical development.

TB: A good idea you have had.

SP: It is more of a ‘moto’ than an idea! Always trying to find a way to commute to work by bike or foot (at least some days) to get to know the area you live in and to fit in exercise without having to find extra time!

TB: What is the biggest challenge you have faced?

SP: One of my biggest physical and logistical challenges was participating in a 10-day adventure race in Australia. As a team of four, we navigated over 900km of sea, river and mountains by foot, bike and kayak in 6.5 days with only 18 hours of sleep! It was amazing to discover what you can be capable of when you try and commit to as part of a team that you do not want to let down. Although it took me about nine months for my body to recover.

TB: The best advice you’ve ever been given.

SP: Be yourself. Pursue a job/career that taps into your passions and your strengths at least 80% of the time. That gives you the best chance to excel, and the energy to manage the smaller parts that you may not be good at or may not like.

TB: A professional reference that inspires you.

SP: I can’t single out one person right now. But qualities I have always admired in role models throughout my career (and am fortunate to have among my team members now) are valuing the importance of a good work/life balance, motivating others, and giving credit to others who have contributed to a project, activity or task.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

SP: A clean, efficient, and renewable energy source and a way to store the energy.

TB: In-person or remote?

SP: If I had to choose, it would definitely be in person. But a mix of both is perfect.

TB: A company.

SP: TerraCycle is a great initiative to promote recycling within communities, schools and companies worldwide.

TB: What do you do to disconnect?

SP: Outdoor sports and exploring. Running, walking, riding, swimming, surfing… Especially with like-minded friends. Playing or listening to music, reading and dancing are also good.

TB: A book to recommend.

SP: “Atomic habits” by James Clear.

TB: One recipe, one restaurant.

SP: Jamie Oliver’s Mulled Wine recipe.

TB: A place in the world.

SP: The Australian outback.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

SP: Anything that can reduce rubbish and waste and use it to produce clean energy.

TB: If you were not an entrepreneur…

SP: I’d be looking for a good entrepreneur to follow or help.

TB: What is Tech Barcelona for you?

SP: Bringing people together to make a difference. I believe society will always learn more and advance further and faster if we share ideas, contacts, support networks, and work together.

Since he was a child, David Riudor (Barcelona, 1995) has been -and continues to be– a tireless creator. He began as a magician in modest events, rising in a short time to the creation of large magic campaigns for companies and working as a creative consultant for renowned magicians. Later, this telecommunications engineer from the UPC, with studies in human behaviour and hypnosis, moved into the world of business and technology, creating multiple startups in the form of mobile apps that came to the attention, for example, of personalities such as David Copperfield.

Until he reached the point where he is today. David Riudor is the CEO and co-founder of Goin, the leading financial management and savings fintech in Spain. A position that has earned him the Forbes 30U30 recognition.

His mantra is clear: “Adrenaline, challenges and new learnings”.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

DR: Goin wants to help as many people as possible to achieve their financial goals so that money is not an obstacle for them. The app allows you to round off your expenses to save small amounts with each purchase, to withhold a percentage of your income or separate your money by goals. In addition, we now have GAIA, a financial assistant created with artificial intelligence.

TB: What is the current state of the project and where do you see it in two years’ time?

DR: We are currently in Series A, leaders in Spain and have a presence in 13 countries. In two years, we see ourselves expanding our Spanish leadership globally.

TB: A good idea you have had.

DR: To use my influence to help others fulfill their dreams, or at least give them a boost.

TB: What is the biggest challenge you have faced?

DR: Running Goin during these five years since its creation. By far the most complicated thing I have done so far.

TB: The best advice you’ve ever been given.

DR: To make me understand that justice in business does not exist and that luck, although it may be sad, plays a very important role in creating any kind of startup.

TB: A professional reference that inspires you.

DR: Mat Travizano, an investor and friend, with whom I am constantly learning, has helped me to understand that it is possible to go very far starting from a modest base.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

DR: The concept of “hyper-personalization” or autopilot in finance and healthcare, which obviously rely heavily on a strong artificial intelligence base.

TB: On-site or remote?

DR: On-site.

TB: A startup.

DR: Klarna.

TB: What do you do to disconnect?

DR: I play sports or anything related to magic.

TB: A book to recommend.

DR: “The Selfish Gene” by Richard Dawkins.

TB: A series, movie or song that defines your moment in life.

DR: “Gravity”.

TB: One recipe, one restaurant.

DR: The Casa Jondal beach bar in Ibiza. And the pineapple.

TB: A place in the world.

DR: Ha Long Bay in Vietnam.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

DR: I would invest them in BTC. Or in some mental health project, very scalable, led by a top entrepreneur.

TB: If you were not an entrepreneur…

DR: It would be creative within the world of magic.

TB: What is Tech Barcelona for you?

DR: A community of people who share values and interests.

Former professional basketball player Ferran Martínez Garriga (Barcelona, 1986), who represented his country in 156 international matches and competed in the Olympics, describes himself as “an entrepreneur passionate about technology, sports, finance, and disruptive sciences.” After his stints with FC Barcelona, Joventut de Badalona, and Panathinaikos, he successfully transitioned to a new life beyond the basketball court, building an entrepreneurial and investment portfolio that matches his sports career.

Upon retiring, he established representation agencies and led private banking departments related to sports at UBS, Banco Sabadell, Mirabaud, and Andbank. He co-founded startups like DeWocracy and Mov’n and invested in around twenty companies. As if that weren’t enough, he is also the author of five books, a speaker, and a coach. Ferran Martínez continues to hunger for new projects.

TB: What is the purpose of your projects?

FM: I strive to innovate and make an impact in all the verticals I’m passionate about: sportech, blockchain, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence.

TB: Where are you right now, and where do you see yourself in two years?

FM: I’m in a continuous learning phase, open to new challenges. I’m also divesting from some startups. In two years, I see myself enjoying new projects, as I have done until now.

TB: A good idea you’ve had.

FM: While I was still competing as a professional player, I programmed a financial plan – including income, expenses, variables, investments, and so on – in ‘Basic’ and ‘Lotus 1-2-3’ language, later evolving it to help elite athletes control their finances when they retire.

TB: What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced?

FM: Although I’ve faced many challenges, the biggest one will always be the transition and transformation from elite athlete, retiring at the age of 34, to an executive, entrepreneur, and businessman.

TB: The best advice you’ve received.

FM: Be yourself.

TB: A professional role model who inspires you.

FM: Years ago, I had the chance to meet the legendary NBA player and Lakers star, Magic Johnson. He is a role model both on and off the court, for his contributions to research and social work, and for being a very friendly and accessible person.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

FM: Quantum technologies in the fields of computing, biomedical research, and communications.

TB: In-person or remote?

FM: Hybrid.

TB: A startup or company.

FM: eHang, a Chinese company specializing in autonomous aerial vehicles.

TB: What do you do to unwind?

FM: Spending time with my family on the Costa Brava. Reading and traveling.

TB: A book to recommend.

FM: Right now, I’m reading “Heisenberg, el principio de incertidumbre,” a biography written by Dr. Jesús Navarro Faus.

TB: A series, movie, or song that defines your current life stage.

FM: Black Mirror and the song “APTC” by Colet.

TB: A recipe, a restaurant.

FM: Black rice at El Fiego restaurant in Calella de Palafrugell.

TB: A place in the world.

FM: Baix Empordà (Girona).

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

FM: I would invest in any project with a strong team, powerful executive profile, and a competitive advantage in a clear market. Above all, it should have a positive purpose for society.

TB: If you weren’t an entrepreneur…

FM: Since one cannot be a professional athlete forever, I would probably have liked to be a researcher in aerospace or quantum physics.

TB: What does Tech Barcelona mean to you?

FM: It’s a meeting point where a lot of talent comes together, an ecosystem of entrepreneurs with a special magic, a great atmosphere, and a strong desire to share and learn.

Claudia Pierre (Barcelona, 1986) spent more than 14 years working as a lawyer in various law firms, until she decided to embark on an “exciting adventure”, following the successful entrepreneurial path of her brother and cousin. In 2021 she co-founded Meeting Lawyers, a legaltech startup that she leads as CEO and that unites two of her passions: the legal sector and new technologies.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

CP: Our goal is to democratise access to the legal profession, offering a quality service, immediate and available in just a few clicks. The world has evolved digitally, allowing us to order food at home, resolve medical queries or perform financial transactions remotely. But why couldn’t we resolve our legal doubts in the same way, from anywhere, also at the click of a button?

TB: A good idea you have had.

CP: The creation of Meeting Lawyers.

TB: A bad professional experience.

CP: On several occasions, I did not manage to close deals as quickly as I had hoped.

TB: The best advice you’ve ever been given.

CP: Taking care of my team and focusing on profitability.

TB: A professional reference that inspires you.

CP: My father. He is hard-working, with vision and a lot of common sense.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

CP: I am convinced that Artificial Intelligence, specifically ChatGPT, will have a big impact in the future.

TB: What are your concerns?

CP: As the CEO of a startup, everyday life is full of worries. However, none of them are so important that I can’t stay motivated and do my best. It is always important to put things in perspective and keep a positive attitude.

TB: A startup.

CP: I admire Meeting Doctors. They are doing very well and are a reference for us in many aspects. Effort, perseverance, good product, team and profitability.

TB: A book to recommend.

CP: I would like to recommend “Zero to One” by Peter Thiel and “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. I can’t say just one.

TB: A series, film or song that defines your moment in life.

CP: “The Playlist” series, in which perseverance plays an essential role.

TB: A recipe, a meal, a restaurant.

CP: I don’t cook much at the moment, but I enjoy making tomato and watermelon gazpacho. I love Japanese food and one of my favourite restaurants is Koy Shunka in Barcelona.

TB: A city, a journey.

CP: London is a city I love. I lived there for two years and I have very good memories. In fact, I met my husband there. In terms of travel, I’d go on safari in Africa.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

CP: At Meeting Lawyers, of course.

TB: And a million euros?

CP: Also at Meeting Lawyers – where else?

TB: If you weren’t an entrepreneur…

CP: Right now I can’t imagine or want anything else, but I suppose I would be working in a company that offers legal services, leading the digital transformation department.

TB: What is Tech Barcelona for you?

CP: Tech Barcelona is what brings all entrepreneurs together, helping us to create synergies and connections.

“Sport has always been linked to my professional career”. Judith Rubinat (Sabadell, 1975) has worked for some of the best brands and entities in the world of sport on a global level: Director of Communication at Nike Iberia for 13 years, Director of Sponsorship at the Spanish Olympic Committee, Director of Service and Partner Activation at FC Barcelona and, now, CEO of Mikakus Barcelona, the sneaker company founded by football world champion Andrés Iniesta.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

JR: Mikakus Barcelona, “the sneakers brand from Barcelona to the world”, was born in 2018 when Andrés Iniesta went to live in Japan and discovered the way the Japanese understand fashion and style. From our physical shop in Barcelona and our ecommerce, we offer a proposal of design and quality sneakers for those who do not want to dress in “uniform”, which is committed to supporting the energy of cities and projects that promote change.

TB: A good idea you have had.

JR: Becoming a mother.

TB: The best advice you’ve ever been given.

JR: Don’t run away. The importance of facing challenges and difficult situations rather than avoiding them.

TB: A professional reference that inspires you.

JR: My mother, an entrepreneurial, vital and loving woman.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

JR: There is no better technology than the human brain.

TB: What are you worried about?

JR: I am an optimist by nature.

TB: A startup.

JR: There are many startups running amazing projects. It is difficult to choose one, but in order not to stray from the world of sport, I choose Fittest Freakest, an example of a business specialising in crossfit where the community plays a very important role. It is a project that unites the online world (ecommerce), the offline (retail) and the strength of the community through events with a global impact.

TB: A book to recommend.

JR: “Permagel” by Eva Baltasar.

TB: A series, film or song that defines your moment in life.

JR: A classic series: “Friends”. There’s always an episode that brings a smile to your face, one you can relate to, one you’d like to be a part of, and one with the typical situation you’d never want to be in. Life itself.

TB: A recipe, a meal, a restaurant.

JR: Els Pescadors Restaurant, in Poblenou. A classic, which is still a classic, with a high quality product offer and the best terrace in Barcelona.

TB: A city, a journey.

JR: Kobe, Mikakus Barcelona’s second home.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

JR: At Capitten, Andrés Iniesta’s football brand, where I also work as CEO in Europe and global CMO. Capitten represents the values of football, values that are being lost and that are the basis that made it the king of sports. Capitten offers an honest proposition based on the founder’s understanding of football.

TB: And a million euros?

JR: In Capitten as well.

TB: If you weren’t an entrepreneur…

JR: Once you have started as an entrepreneur, I doubt there is any turning back.

TB: What is Tech Barcelona for you?

JR: For me, Tech Barcelona is synonymous with connection and an opportunity to add talent, enthusiasm and vision from the best city, Barcelona.

“We are committed to the impact of innovation on children’s health”. On 14 June, the audience at the i4Kids Summer Party, held at Tech Barcelona’s Pier07, saw Marc Ramis (Barcelona, 1977) announce the launch of Europe’s first paediatric fund. With a size of 30 million euros, and led by himself, Montana Impact Fund will promote between 16 and 18 early-stage paediatric innovation projects, with the support of Ship2B and the Hospital Sant Joan de Déu.

And Marc Ramis’ involvement with the health sector goes even further: this PhD in Biochemistry from Oxford University, with a Leadership Development programme from Harvard Business School, is also the co-founder and partner of the biomedical venture builder Chasing Science.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

MR: The purpose of Chasing Science is to bring science and high-value scientific projects to society by creating startups in the biomedical sector. We start from research projects developed in academic centres, initiate a technology transfer process and find the first investors. Our ultimate goal is to improve the health and well-being of society.

TB: A good idea you have had.

MR: Aligning the culture of Chasing Science with my lifestyle between Barcelona and abroad. To have “una pota aquí i una pota a fora”, as we say.

TB: A bad professional experience.

MR: The creation of a company where egos and negative emotions prevailed over purpose.

TB: The best advice you’ve ever been given.

MR: Try to be consistent with your intuition and respect the freedom of the people you work with.

TB: A professional reference that inspires you.

MR: My former boss at Oxford, Chris Scholfield, for his emotional intelligence and his ability to balance his personal life with his work.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

MR: Understanding the mechanisms of action of the biology of ageing. As we understand the biological processes surrounding ageing, a world of possibilities opens up for the development of treatments that can extend people’s healthy lives.

TB: What are you worried about?

MR: To be consistent with my children and with the education they receive in society. It is essential to instil in them a critical spirit and skills that will enable them to face the challenges of the future.

TB: A startup.

MR: I am always looking for the next startup with the potential to make a significant impact on society.

TB: A book to recommend.

MR: “Walden” by Hery David Thoreau.

TB: A series, film or song that defines your moment in life.

MR: “Just like honey” by The Jesus and Mary Chain. And “Tot torna a començar” by Mishima.

TB: A recipe, a meal, a restaurant.

MR: The Wells in Hampstead. It is a place not to be missed if you have the opportunity to visit London.

TB: A city, a journey.

MR: London, to get lost and feel free. And Boston, to feed the mind.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

MR: In paediatric innovation. Montana Impact Fund is a good start.

TB: And a million euros?

MR: Idem.

TB: If you were not an entrepreneur…

MR: I would like to have a job related to nature and forests.

TB: What is Tech Barcelona for you?

MR: It is an opportunity to grow and strengthen Barcelona’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Technological improvements in last-mile logistics contribute to the sustainability of the system, as they optimise delivery efficiency and reduce environmental impact. And Albert Bladas (Sant Cugat del Vallès, 1990) leads one of these solutions as co-founder and CEO of Columat, a startup that implements smart lockers with and without temperature control. With a degree in Physical Geography and Climate Change and a Master’s degree in Project Management, Albert Bladas has extensive experience as a consultant and entrepreneur in different sectors. Always, of course, linked to sustainability.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

AB: Columat was created to solve last mile logistics, thereby reducing environmental impact, making cities more sustainable and resilient and improving people’s quality of life.

TB: A good idea you have had.

AB: There are ideas every day! Some more disruptive than others, with more or less future. Even others that can be implemented the same day. Creating Columat was a great idea, for example. Yes, you can have ideas, but if you don’t believe in them and don’t pursue them, you may not impact society in the desired way.

TB: A bad professional experience.

AB: Bad experiences are the best way to learn quickly. In my case, when I was younger, I wanted to innovate and change internal processes in a company where I worked. And time and time again, the stoppers, or more conservative people, told me that these were absurd ideas. Of course, this frustrates you because it doesn’t let you move forward or improve.

TB: The best advice you’ve ever been given.

AB: Here are two constant and important pieces of advice that I have received since I was a child. My grandfather used to tell me: “with effort and perseverance you have no limits”. And my father: “always listen before you speak”. Obvious advice, but not easy to apply.

TB: A professional reference that inspires you.

AB: Elon Musk or any other successful entrepreneur who provides solutions to problems facing society or the environment.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

AB: Artificial intelligence will change the way we work and think. It will certainly help us a lot in our daily lives, but we should also be aware of its risks and therefore different aspects should be regulated. Alongside AI, aerospace technology will also help other ground-based technologies to grow.

TB: What are you worried about?

AB: I am concerned about the different frictions between public and private actors in combating climate change in an aligned way.

TB: A startup.

AB: One of the startups that I love is Newe – they’re a bunch of cracks! They’re empowering the circular economy for retailers and helping to mitigate waste in the consumer sector. We will hear a lot about them.

TB: A book to recommend.

AB: “Zero to One” by Peter Thiel. It is a must read for every entrepreneur.

TB: A series, film or song that defines your moment in life.

AB: “The Playlist”, a TV miniseries that tells the disruptive story of Spotify.

TB: A recipe, a meal, a restaurant.

AB: Vicio’s hamburgers.

TB: A city, a journey.

AB: Barcelona is a city full of opportunities and with a perfect entrepreneurial environment.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

AB: Certainly in Columat.

TB: And a million euros?

AB: Also at Columat. The more we can revolutionise logistics and the user experience, the more we stand to gain; both society and the environment.

TB: If you were not an entrepreneur…

AB: Difficult question… I would work in a company that solves societal problems, always with urban sustainability in mind.

TB: What is Tech Barcelona for you?

AB: Tech Barcelona is one of the first innovation centres in Barcelona that has managed to form a great ecosystem with Barcelona and international entrepreneurs. Thanks to the association, many projects have flourished in the city and great synergies of collaboration between people, startups and corporations have been obtained.

Evgeny Savin (1991), Ph.D. in Elementary Particle Physics and experienced Product Manager, has taken on the role of co-founder and director at AgTech startup Green Growth, a real-time yield mapping platform. Based in Latvia and now expanding in the Spanish market from the Pier01 coworking space, this software and hardware solution consists of a set of sensors and a web application that display essential data during the harvesting process.

“I have a strong passion for technology, particularly hardware, which has the power to revolutionize our lives.”

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

ES: Our project aims to remove technological barriers for farmers, enabling them to achieve greater sustainability and economic efficiency through data analytics.

TB: A good idea you have had.

ES: Let’s make sure we never do anything boring again.

TB: A bad professional experience.

ES: I believe that every up and down I have faced has ultimately contributed to my personal growth.

TB: The best advice you’ve ever been given.

ES: Do not wait for things to be handed to you. Go out there and grab what you want.

TB: A professional reference that inspires you.

ES: One professional reference that inspires me is theoretical physicist Richard Feynman. He once said: “The first principle is that you must not fool yourself, and you are the easiest person to fool”.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

ES: Augmented Reality combined with Artificial Intelligence in wearable devices.

TB: What are you worried about?

ES: When you truly focus on something, concerns are fuzzy.

TB: A startup.

ES: Humane – an AI-powered wearable assistant, also known as the “new iPhone”.

TB: A book to recommend.

ES: “Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!” (Richard Feynman’s biography)

TB: A series, film or song that defines your moment in life.

ES: Silicon Valley TV series. It’s a classic!

TB: A recipe, a meal, a restaurant.

ES: Nothing beats the simple pleasure of enjoying a delicious combination of coffee and waffles.

TB: A city, a journey.

ES: I love Barcelona, but I’m amazed by big cities. New York has always astonished me. I once traveled across Europe in a car within three weeks, which was an incredible journey.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

ES: I would invest in ten early-stage AI and VR startups.

TB: And a million euros?

ES: In a deep tech venture fund.

TB: If you weren’t an entrepreneur…

ES: Life would be boring.

TB: What is Tech Barcelona for you?

ES: The best way to be a part of the local tech and VC community.