Jordi Solé Tuyá (Vilafranca del Penedés, 1973), with an extensive background in business management and financial management, has been – for more than 13 years – executive director at Kreedit, a company that has provided debt financing solutions to more than 1,600 medium-sized companies.

He is also executive director of Atoomico Venture Builder, member of the Business Financing Commission of the Cambra de Comerç de Barcelona, advisor to the UPF Barcelona School of Management, trustee of the Pinnae Foundation and advisor to numerous industrial companies. And the list goes on… He has been president of ADEPG and member of the Executive Committee of Foment del Treball, among others, as well as business angel in more than 20 startups. An extensive curriculum.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

JST: At Kreedit, our obsession is to make it possible for all companies to access the necessary financing to develop their activity and preserve their viability in the medium and long term.

TB: A good idea you have had.

JST: I admit that I am not at all creative and find it difficult to come up with innovative ideas. Rather, I am a pragmatic professional who tries to execute efficiently, managing the resources at my disposal in a way that generates as much value as possible.

TB: A bad professional experience.

JST: When I was barely 20 years old, I took on a position of responsibility in the financial area of an industrial company that involved taking on functions for which I was not yet prepared. It was a bad experience that, with time, allowed me to understand how important it is to match the right moment in time and the right personal skills to take on any challenge.

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

JST: Worrying does not help. The focus should be on dealing with the problems and managing the difficulties with all our might, trying to leave worry aside. Worry should not distract us from what is really important, which is managing the situation.

TB: A professional reference that inspires you.

JST: Elon Musk or any other successful entrepreneur who, because of his ambition, and despite having already reached a relevant economic position, continues to dedicate many more hours and efforts to his projects than the rest. This shows that a strong commitment and dedication increases the chances of success in any project.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

JST: Human intelligence. It is irreplaceable by artificial intelligence. The ability to manage teams and the emotions of their members, empathy, tone of voice, the look in their eyes…. This is the technology that will continue to advance the world in the future.

TB: What are you worried about?

JST: That life is not eternal. I am obsessed with trying to make the most of every moment, savouring small everyday experiences and being aware that one day we will no longer be able to do so. To live a full life is to be aware of the role we play in each moment.

TB: A startup.

JST: Typeform. When you try this solution, you realise that you can no longer live without it. It’s a feeling similar to when you first used an iPhone.

TB: A book to recommend.

JST: Without a doubt, I recommend ‘Sapiens, A Brief History of Humankind’, a work by Yuyal Noah Harari that describes the history of humanity from its beginnings to the modern era. Reading it allows you to put into perspective the problems we currently have as individuals, to relativise them and, therefore, to take away the transcendence of small daily inconveniences that we must manage, but which are far from being a real problem. Internalising this thinking allows you to live with less stress.

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

JST: One song that still inspires me is “My way” by Paul Anka. Listening to it reminds me of some critical points in my professional career that required inner strength and the support of my family to face them. It comforts me to listen to the song and remember those stepping stones that, fortunately, I overcame and that have made me who I am today.

TB: A recipe, a meal, a restaurant.

JST: My recipe is “Macarrones del Cardenal”, made with a tasty sauce based on veal, aromatic herbs and a few other secrets. On the other hand, I’m a fan of oriental food, of which miso ramen stands out (in Barcelona there are several places where they make it in a sublime way, such as the Tonkotsu restaurant).

TB: A city, a journey.

JST: New York and San Francisco; although very different from each other, both captivated me. The former for its extreme cosmopolitan character, because when you are there you feel like you are in ‘the capital of the world’. And the latter for its Mediterranean-like climate and atmosphere.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

JST: In a company that has a humble management team, capable of efficiently managing scarce resources and, in doing so, is able to generate value. It is difficult to find it in an environment dominated by loud talk, grandiloquence and, in the end, little ability to make a profitable startup that survives on its own generation and without one round of investment after another. If I find it, I would invest there.

TB: And a million euros?

JST: In ten companies like the one described in the previous point 🙂 Nothing is more motivating than having a humble, efficient management team capable of generating profitability in a company with scarce resources.

TB: If you were not an entrepreneur…

JST: I can’t imagine not being an entrepreneur. My life would be so boring that I would have been in a depression for years. To live a full life, you have to be in charge of your life and being an entrepreneur allows you to do that. Moreover, I believe that everyone becomes an ‘entrepreneur of his or her own life’ at birth.

TB: What is Tech Barcelona for you?

JST: An association that has already become a great community, representative of Barcelona’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, and that multiplies its value thanks to the synergies it generates for all the individuals, organisations and communities that form part of it.

Eva Hurst (Biel, Switzerland, 1969) is a Managing Partner at Competitive Drug Development International Ltd. or CDDI, in short, a bio-medical consulting company based in London and Barcelona, which works in clinical research and protocol feasibility.

“I studied Sociology but was never satisfied with classroom learning alone and spent a lot of my time in the field, working for NGOs in Armenia and Bosnia. Since this needed funding, I started working very early on in the Pharma Industry, an obvious choice in Basel, where I lived at the time. For instance, my formative years were at Novartis HQ”.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

EH: Currently, CDDI is focused on the feasibility of clinical trial protocols and Paedriatic Investigational Plans.

TB: A good idea you have had.

EH: The best thing that happened to me is my daughter.

TB: A bad professional experience.

EH: Working remotely in a new job when it was not the norm yet and I had no clue how to do it.

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

EH: The successful person learns how to structure ambiguity.

TB: A professional reference that inspires you.

EH: I am inspired by all the good people who try to do a good job, regardless of their role, pay or circumstances. For instance, I admire a Vueling crew that still smiles at you on the last delayed flight out of Heathrow.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

EH: AI, for sure.

TB: What are you worried about?

EH: I am worried about the state of the world in general: the inequalities, war, the environment…

TB: A startup.

EH: Alpenguertel.ch

TB: A book to recommend.

IF: Any book bought in an independent bookshop.

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

EH: I do not watch series, I love independent cinema, and no particular song – I am still amazed how much truth lies in pop songs!

TB: A recipe, a meal, a restaurant.

EH: What makes me happy every time is a plate of sardines at O’Tino, a humble little great restaurant in Camden Town, London.

TB: A city, a journey.

EH: Once again, my favourite city is London. The word “journey” evokes the desire to undertake one, to enjoy again the act of travelling, rather than rushing from place to place.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

EH: I would like to give the money to one of the NGOs I like and collaborated with: Doctors Without Borders.

TB: And a million euros?

EH: I would prefer to start with the question “how existing wealth can be distributed better”.

TB: If you weren’t an entrepreneur…

EH: While I have always had the desire to change things, I never truly envisioned myself as an entrepreneur. However, I am still discovering what I can achieve as one.

TB: What is Tech Barcelona for you?

EH: I love the new workspace at Pier07. My favourite soundtrack is the decisive, relentless typing of my colleagues there, where everyone is trying to give their best. And that is so motivating.

To bid farewell to European Diversity Month 2023, we talk to Imma Folch (Barcelona, 1965), CEO and founder of the communications agency LF Channel, and President of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the international public relations network Worldcom for EMEA. Since 1996 she has been helping more than 500 companies to increase their visibility and market share through communication and marketing strategies; currently leading diversity, equity and inclusion programmes in organisations.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

IF: Enabling businesses as leaders of change for a more inclusive and socially responsible society.

TB: A good idea you have had.

IF: At a time when it was difficult to set up a company being a woman and being 29 years old, I had the idea of creating the LF Channel agency with the aim of training and informing the distribution channel about new technologies. 27 years later and after having helped in the development of communication and marketing strategies for more than half a thousand companies all over the world, I can say that I had a good idea.

TB: A bad professional experience.

IF: I think that all experiences are good, because they all give you the opportunity to learn, to see reality from other perspectives.

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

IF: Always surround yourself with people smarter than you.

TB: A professional reference that inspires you.

IF: All women who break down barriers, who dismantle silos, and who make their dreams come true are references. On a professional level, my maternal grandmother, who, from sewing aprons in the post-war period, ended up owning a small textile factory.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

IF: Artificial intelligence is already changing our present, and I believe it will define a future and new social paradigms. But I look forward to seeing technologies focused on the use and regeneration of water, so necessary for life.

TB: What are you worried about?

IF: I am concerned about inequalities, wars, climate change…. It’s all the result of mismanagement for selfish purposes. We should all be more empathetic.

TB: A startup.

IF: Holaluz, a pioneer in the use of green energy in Spain, is already a large company.

TB: A book to recommend.

IF: “La mujer habitada”, by Gioconda Belli, and any poem by Miquel Martí i Pol.

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

IF: A song from 1990, written on the occasion of the fall of the Berlin Wall. “Winds of Change” by Scorpions. It talks about the brotherhood of peoples. And looking at what is happening now in Europe and other parts of the world, this song is a reminder that there is hope.

TB: A recipe, a meal, a restaurant.

IF: A good grilled fish accompanied by wine. By the sea.

TB: A city, a journey.

IF: Chicago, for its architecture, its canals, its people and its cultural offer.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

IF: In my company, to strengthen equipment, infrastructure, research and non-profit projects.

TB: And a million euros?

IF: In training and awareness-raising projects on inclusion in companies. If all people in leadership positions were aware of the change in society that inclusive and equitable environments bring about, the world would be a much kinder place.

TB: If you weren’t an entrepreneur…

IF: I would dedicate myself to acting, my hidden facet.

TB: What is Tech Barcelona for you?

IF: Tech Barcelona is a network, a meeting point, a point of trust where we can count on the great professionals we love in Barcelona.

Silvia Gómez Montes (Madrid) has a degree in Chemistry and is CEO of Sens Solutions, a startup born from the UAB Research Park that develops intelligent systems for the detection and elimination of pathogens in air (Aero-S3DP, AMR-S3DP) and water (Hydro-S3DP).

“During my PhD developing sensors at UAB, I had the opportunity to see how a product was brought to market and I made a decision that changed my life. A 360-degree turn. Taking the reins of my own project in 2014”.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

SG: Sens Solutions’ purpose is to improve the lives of living beings and do our bit to make the world a better place. Our products allow you to anticipate infections: the data and analyses we make, cross-check and cross-reference are able to foresee the future and change the lives of living beings. As magnanimous as it sounds, small things can also make big changes.

TB: A good idea you have had.

SG: I took the leap and created Sens Solutions. When I was involved in research, I saw how great projects were left in a drawer due to lack of funding. So I decided that all that effort, all my hours of work, could not come to nothing. So I decided to set up a team with the same enthusiasm and interests as me.

TB: A bad professional experience.

SG: We have not had bad professional experiences because we learn from everything, even from disappointments. Let’s just say that in our baggage we have encountered the snake oil salesman that we have not always been able to dodge at the first attempt. But as I said before, it’s not a bad experience, it’s a learning experience. Now we detect them in a short time. In short, we are like our products: we learn quickly and we are becoming more and more efficient.

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

SG: To pursue my dreams. May I work to achieve them. And not to run, but not to stop.

TB: A professional reference that inspires you.

SG: It may sound a bit cliché, but I am very inspired by the Curie marriage, both Marie and Pierre, obviously, for their great scientific contributions. She was a great pioneer, and as a woman dedicated to the world of science, it was not easy for her. From the very beginning she fought to study; for women, the university, especially for women scientists, was a hostile environment, and Marie broke all the existing barriers. But I am also inspired by her husband. Pierre said he would not accept the Nobel Prize unless his wife was also named as the leader of the project.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

SG: It already marks the present. Artificial intelligence.

TB: What are you worried about?

SG: The future. As a mother, I am most concerned about the world to come and how it will affect my child.

TB: A startup.

SG: There are so many that I like…! Bear in mind that more than 2,000 startups were registered in Catalonia alone in 2022. There are many that catch my attention: like Berrly, for its functionality in the cohesion of different communities; or Bio2Coat, which has developed an edible coating to keep products fresh.

TB: A book to recommend.

SG: “Todo arde” by Juan Gómez-Jurado. In fact, any book by Gómez-Jurado or Dolores Redondo. I love suspense.

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

SG: The film “Good Will Hunting”. I love Robin Williams and Matt Damon. The film represents a constant struggle between the fact of valuing your qualities and the conformism of living, letting time go by, life. I like to believe that we can all change the world and that the difference between one and the other is the attitude.

TB: A recipe, a meal, a restaurant.

SG: Japanese food. I like it all.

TB: A city, a journey.

SG: Vancouver or Toronto. My family likes Canada a lot. We are more about nature than cities, but any place near the Rocky Mountains is fine for us.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

SG: At Sens Solutions.

TB: And a million euros?

SG: It’s easy too. Also at Sens Solutions.

TB: If you weren’t an entrepreneur…

SG: And if I had money… I would be an investor in startups. I love to believe in people’s passion and dreams. The craziest ideas can change the world so much thanks to entrepreneurs, from Thomas Edison or Joseph Wilson Swan (who they say was the true inventor of the light bulb), to Berners-Lee (inventor of the Internet). The human potential is incredible.

TB: What is Tech Barcelona for you?

SG: A launch pad, a platform to find partners, customers, clients, associates and colleagues.

Carlos Andión (La Garriga, 1996) is Country Manager at Fleet, a fast-growing French startup that offers leasing of IT devices and office furniture. With a background in international business, Carlos Andión has been involved in multiple restaurant and real estate projects, including companies such as CloudKitchens.

“I am a great lover of cycling and sport in general. Without forgetting Latin America because of my Venezuelan roots”.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

CA: To offer all types of companies the option of leasing so that the entrepreneur can take care of their cash flow and invest money in what really has a direct return for the company. By doing so, we also want to make all the purchasing, management and after-sales service processes of any start-up or SME in Europe more efficient, investing as little time as possible.

TB: A good idea you have had.

CA: To organise meals with entrepreneurs once a month. I have realised that the entrepreneur’s life is very lonely, and getting together, even if it’s just for lunch, gives us a lot of energy. Plus, we always learn from each other.

TB: A bad professional experience.

CA: It is not because you are ambitious that you have to jump from company to company to try to get to the top, or take the quickest routes. Everything comes in its own time and you have to work on your ego to get there.

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

CA: One that was said to me recently: “Don’t get used to shortcuts”. And “do what you have to do and what you say you are going to do”.

TB: A professional reference that inspires you.

CA: In my professional career, Alan Honan, VP at Wingstop. He is someone who has taught me both professionally and personally, who has been my mentor for two years and is still my mentor today.

TB: What are you worried about?

CA: Negativism.

TB: A startup.

CA: Livo, a software that simplifies the management and billing control process for hospitals and clinics. It is still at a very early stage, but I think its co-founders are excellent, as is the target market.

TB: A book to recommend.

CA: “Zero to One” by Blake Masters and Peter Thiel. I’ve got it tattooed.

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

CA: Although it is difficult to choose one, I choose the series “Suits”. Any excuse is a good one to find a solution to a problem.

TB: A recipe, a meal, a restaurant.

CA: Any grandmother’s macaroni and the restaurant “Fismuler” with chef Nino Redruello at the helm – a great inspiration!

TB: A city, a journey.

CA: I’ll say a country. VENEZUELA.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

CA: At the moment we are living in, I would not say where, but in whom. And I would definitely invest in resilient founders, able to pivot or take any decision with a cool head.

TB: And a million euros?

CA: Even if we are Bootstrapped in Fleet, with one million euros I would open a Europe-wide market and we would reach an unparalleled level. Again, although there are many interesting projects, I would invest it in people and not so much in projects.

TB: What is Tech Barcelona for you?

CA: A source of inspiration and an important nexus of connection in the Spanish ecosystem where you can find support.

Virtual, augmented, mixed reality and 360º videos; all on the same platform. Fabio Uribe (Bucaramanga, 1964) is the CEO and co-founder of MPL XR Company, a company created in Colombia 15 years ago that seeks to expand in Europe from Barcelona as the central point of its operations. Systems engineer with more than 30 years of experience in the IT sector, postgraduate in management development, member of several boards of directors and with hundreds of eLearning projects behind him, Fabio Uribe has embarked – over the last year – on Invenza XR, a content ecosystem of extended and immersive realities.

“I am passionate about knowledge, and even more so about transferring it using cutting-edge technology”.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

FU: If we think that before smartphones, we had phones, phonebooks, and cameras and video, all on their own, we can’t go down the same path and take years to integrate technologies. In our sector, the global growth of investment in immersive technologies will be 38% per year, leading to a market of 71 billion dollars by 2026 in Europe, as highlighted in the latest report “Immersive technologies in Catalonia” by Acció. Thinking about the integration of XR extended realities, at MPL XR Company we have developed Invenza, a solution tested and in operation with more than 5,000 users that allows to manage and integrate in a single place the users, devices and contents of virtual reality, mixed reality, 360º videos and even virtual worlds of the metaverse. We are confident that this solution will enable immersive content developers, marketing companies, operations and human talent to use our platform to strategically address this challenge.

TB: A good idea you have had.

FU: Definitely Invenza, as it is the result of listening and understanding the needs of customers over the years. Also, expanding into the European and Middle East market.

TB: A bad professional experience.

FU: In the past I was the general manager of a family business that did not know how to distinguish between my work relationship and my family life. One of the partners wanted to interfere 24 hours a day and weekends in my family time, which led me to hand in my letter of resignation.

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

FU: Happiness is to make the other happy in terms of the other, and not in terms of me.

TB: A professional reference that inspires you.

FU: Producer and composer Hans Zimmer. His skill, innovative capacity and creativity have led him to create masterful pieces for films such as Interstellar, Inception, Dune, Gladiator, The Last Samurai and Pirates of the Caribbean, among others. His genius, worthy of imitation in our sector, starts with a simple note on his keyboard, incorporates technologies and creates a musical composition for an entire orchestra.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

FU: The fusion of current technologies such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence and the real metaverse, which will result in the integration of the physical and virtual worlds, as well as the evolution of user interface devices such as mixed reality glasses into augmented reality contact lenses.

TB: What are you worried about?

FU: The separation of global interests between countries. It is worrying that while in sectors such as technology we are working on integration and inclusion, we continue with politics and economics from the Middle Ages and the first half of the 20th century, creating wars of all kinds. This only delays the social benefit that citizens of all countries, including the poorest and least developed, can have.

TB: A startup.

FU: It is not a startup, but it is worthy of everyone’s recognition. Grup Cooperatiu TEB is a centre that employs more than 650 people with intellectual disabilities, mostly with Dawn Syndrome, and that trains them, gives them work and, in some cases, even provides housing for their independence and normal life.

TB: A book to recommend.

FU: “El fin del poder: Cómo el poder ya no es lo que era”, by Moisés Naím.

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

FU: “Interstellar”, directed by Christopher Nolan. A science fiction film in which humanity is saved from extinction and which uses physical principles of string theory and space-time displacement.

TB: A recipe, a meal, a restaurant.

FU: Rice curd cake from the Raush brothers chefs in Colombia. Baked knuckle of pork. And the “Pork” restaurant in the Born.

TB: A city, a journey.

FU: The Tuscany region of Italy. By car and without Google Maps.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

FU: At MPL XR Company.

TB: And a million euros?

FU: After generating them from MPL XR Company, in startups and foundations with a real sense of technology.

TB: If you were not an entrepreneur…

FU: Product ideator and visionary in a tech company.

TB: What is Tech Barcelona for you?

FU: The possibility of growing in a technological ecosystem that supports Catalonia’s development in the world.

Natàlia Pujades (Barcelona, 1990) has set herself a goal that at first glance seems complicated, but which is becoming increasingly essential: teaching children to do programming. She does so as founder of Scratch Barcelona, an academy of robotics, programming and 3D printing extracurriculars in Barcelona, and -more recently- also as co-founder of Mochi Robot, an initiative to develop technological tools to teach robotics and IoT classes. Previously, she worked on innovative projects at Wayra, Telefónica’s open innovation area.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

NP: The purpose of Mochi Robot is to provide children with tools to learn programming, which are also adorable, accessible and top quality, such as Mochi Card, an electronic board that can be programmed by blocks. And, of course, to motivate students to program their own applications, in an easy way, with the different sensors it includes. For example, you can program the Mochi Card to alert you when your hot chocolate is no longer burning and is at the ideal temperature.

TB: A good idea you have had.

NP: Going beyond teaching robotics and innovating in projects like Mochi Card. It makes me very happy. I still remember the day I was thinking about proposing to Domingo Alcalá, my business partner, the fact of developing an educational robot together, when I suddenly received an email from him proposing exactly the same thing. It was great!

TB: A bad professional experience.

NP: Due to the confinement linked to the pandemic, we were not able to set up and use a prototype production. But then, fortunately, we were able to pivot and now we have a much more practical and competitive tool. Fortunately I have many more good experiences than bad ones.

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

NP: Don’t leave for tomorrow what you can do today.

TB: A professional reference that inspires you.

NP: Mar Masulli. She is an entrepreneur in the industrial robotics and AI sector. She works with robotic arms to automate many tedious tasks in SMEs, and her company BitMetrics has already raised rounds of funding. As well as being an entrepreneur and technologist, she is the mother of one of our students and her vision of robotics is very much in line with our values. “Robotics always at the service of people and not the other way around”.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

NP: The future is primarily human, and then collaborative through technology. So any technology that has an impact on education is already part of the future. It depends on it whether the generations to come are prepared to continue to evolve and develop projects that make our lives better.

TB: What are you worried about?

NP: I think it is important to use social media, AI, robots and technology in general to do the world ‘GOOD’. Unfortunately malice exists and proof of this is that there are still wars. Tools with such an impact, in the hands of the wrong people, can have very negative consequences for society, such as loss of rights or unprecedented population control.

TB: A startup.

NP: Neutroon, a Barcelona-based startup that develops cutting-edge technology for 5G networks.

TB: A book to recommend.

NP: “The time is now” by Eckhart Tolle.

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

NP: I watch very little TV. As for songs, any song that has a catchy melody and gives off a good vibe. I was a big fan of ItaloBrothers and many Italo dance groups 🙂

TB: A recipe, a meal, a restaurant.

NP: Lately I’ve become a Matcha lover; I love the Matcha cake recipe by Paco Torreblanca, the pastry chef who made the kings’ wedding cake. Imagine how good it is….

TB: A city, a journey.

NP: Barcelona, because it is my city and at the same time an international pole of attraction. A trip? Mannheim, Germany. I lived there for a year and discovered what startups were all about.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

NP: Obviously, at Mochi Robot. To continue growing, innovating and reaching more children around the world. And above all, so that they can enjoy robotics.

TB: And a million euros?

NP: I would diversify and, as I did when I worked at Wayra, I would invest in several startups that had an amazing team, traction and differentiating technology.

TB: If you weren’t an entrepreneur…

NP: I would like to work in a company doing product development, R&D or marketing. These are areas that fascinate me and that, of course, are already very present in my day-to-day life as an entrepreneur.

TB: What is Tech Barcelona for you?

NP: It is the entrepreneurial initiative where Barcelona and international entrepreneurial talent is concentrated, facilitating the development of opportunities and synergies with many companies. I have been involved in the entrepreneurial ecosystem since 2013, and I have seen many initiatives disappear and appear. I think Tech Barcelona brings together great talent, with very balanced profiles, whether they are entrepreneurs, companies, media, developers or investors. And I love being part of the community and knowing that professionals like Mar Galtés always have us on their radar.

Alessio Merella (Alghero, 1976) is a gateway and a point of reference for Italian talent in Barcelona. Not only for his role as director of Abinsula in Spain, but also for his work as a mentor at the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Catalonia and as an advisor at Com.It.Es, from where he helps the Italian community of technology companies and entrepreneurs to land in the city.

“I arrived in Barcelona 15 years ago working for a French multinational. Then, due to life circumstances, my homeland, the island of Sardinia, called me so that the world could get to know it. It was then, in 2017, when I joined Abinsula, a company that develops software and hardware for multiple solutions and sectors”.

With a degree in Mechanical Engineering and master’s studies in Business Intelligence, Business Development and Digital Transformation, he also has a special interest in handicrafts and ceramics, change management, politics, innovation and, for the last few years, sociology.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

AM: My main objective is that Catalonia and Spain become increasingly more familiar with the ecosystem of Abinsula, an SME chosen in 2016 as Best Italian Start-Up, and which can boast of working in different disruptive strategic areas in the world of information technology. We have more than ten satellite companies that collaborate synergistically for its growth in mobility, Business Intelligence, Open Data, agrotech, sportech, IoT, etcetera.

TB: A good idea you have had.

AM: Believing that behind every person there is a world full of opportunities to discover: that’s the law of Business Development! And perhaps I would also highlight the idea of advising Abinsula on its international expansion starting from Tech Barcelona’s Pier01.

TB: A bad professional experience.

AM: Bad experiences at 47? Impossible, just learning. Mistakes always happen and will happen, human beings are made to make mistakes and learn.

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

AM: “You have to talk to everyone all the time. This was given to me by my boss, one of my best friends.

TB: A professional reference that inspires you.

AM: Again, my boss and lifelong friend Pierluigi Pinna, founder of Abinsula. I don’t have to look for big names, but rather great people. And on a political and social level, my reference is still José Mujica, of whom I have read a lot about his intense and hard life. Of course, I consider him a role model when it comes to approaching how this fast-paced world we live in should go.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

AM: Image Recognitioning still has to do its best. So has Natural Language Processing (NPL). The combination of both technologies can have a great effect thanks to today’s computing power.

TB: What are your concerns?

AM: People’s increasing selfishness or opportunism. The fact of trying to be stronger and less collaborative. This is weakening today’s society.

TB: Una startup.

AM: I’m telling you about one that you will soon know in Spain and Tech Barcelona; Adaptronics, a truly impressive deeptech.

TB: A book to recommend.

AM: “Nonviolent Communication” by Marshall Rosenberg. “On Becoming a Person” by Carl Rogers. And “Leading Change” by John Kotter.

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

AM: Song? “Don’t stop me now” or “Show Must Go On” by Queen. Film? “The Shawshank Redemption”. Resilience and tenacity above everything else.

TB: A recipe, a meal, a restaurant.

AM: Can Sardi Barceloneta: small, good food and a great corner of my island. One recipe: spaghetti aglio e peperoncino with pecorina on top. I have a spectacular variation with smoked chipotle, a perfect ‘italo-mex’ mix. I love Mexican food and its flavours, not to mention Italian.

TB: A city, a journey.

AM: I love Barcelona. And the next trip will be to Argentina.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

AM: Surely in inclusive and collaborative projects. I was born to help.

TB: And a million euros?

AM: I am very confident in social inclusion and mental health projects. I am also very interested in the Telemedicine of the future, and I believe in improved ICT infrastructure in depopulated countries. These will be essential for sustainable growth.

TB: If you were not an entrepreneur…

AM: I am not and I don’t think I ever will be (although “mai” I will say “mai”). But I am and will be a great connector.

TB: What is Tech Barcelona for you?

AM: Simply the reason why trusting a good institution is worth thousands of hours of work. When we had to decide where to start our first international experience, I didn’t hesitate to think that Tech Barcelona was the best place to start. And I think I have been right so far. Thanks to the partnership, Spain represents 8% of Abinsula’s total turnover. And this is just the beginning.

We all have an advert song on a loop in our head. They are sung, danced to and hummed in any place and at any time, even the most unexpected ones. Because music generates memories and deep feelings in the audience, and Cora Cuevas (Logroño, 1972) knows this. Cora is the Communication Director of Hit The Roi, a creative agency that has created customised music campaigns for such well-known brands as Pescanova, Grupo Godó, Borges and Seat. “We make the song of the advert and the advert of the song”.

“Although I studied law, my professional life has always straddled events, marketing, advertising and communication. I find it much more fun and more in line with my personality. In 2022, I teamed up with Marcos González-Cuevas, musician, publicist and art director, to create Hit the Roi together”.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

CC: We want our clients to be able to make themselves known in a different way. In a landscape full of messages, where there is so much competition for attention and so many agencies that do it well, we are looking for a unique niche that brings advertising closer to entertainment. As we have mastered the tool of music and we have a sustainable size, we offer quality advertising, within everyone’s reach. When advertising with music, we get them to reinforce their brand and create more emotional links. Experience has shown us that music is incredibly powerful in communicating and entertaining.

TB: A good idea you’ve had.

CC: To sell our services by the sampling method. As our positioning is so rare, we persuade with examples made ‘ad hoc’ for the brands. We make up campaigns, compose the song and sketch the whole thing. That way, they understand what we can offer. You’d be surprised how successful it is.

TB: A bad professional experience.

CC: There are always good and bad experiences throughout your working life, especially when you have been working for so many years. But I have the great luck or ability to erase all the bad things from my mind. I tend to forget, maybe it’s my age 😉

TB: The best advice you’ve been given.

CC: I was in a multinational company working like crazy just when my second daughter was born. I was putting in so many hours that I literally didn’t see my family, even on weekends. Although I loved my job, I was not happy, so someone told me: “differentiate what is really important in your life and what is not”. That has helped me to prioritise my interests and live life a little more. Work, although I love it, is no longer everything to me.

TB: A professional reference that inspires you.

CC: It depends on what for. At the international level, I follow Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. On a national level, Romuald Fons, Judit Català and Mónica Mendoza.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

CC: Obviously, Artificial Intelligence. It is already being used in many areas. In the future, AI is expected to have an even greater impact on society, including significant improvements in efficiency and productivity. As AI continues to evolve and improve, it is likely to dramatically change the way we work, live and interact with each other.

TB: What are your concerns?

CC: Likewise, AI. It’s actually a bit scary, especially if it’s not used correctly. I am also very concerned about the future of China and Taiwan.

TB: A startup.

CC: Bubbo. It is an application that recommends series, films or documentaries from any streaming platform.

TB: A book to recommend.

CC: Paloma Sánchez-Garnica’s “The Last Days in Berlin” grips you from beginning to end.

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

CC: I’m currently watching “Workin’ Moms”. It doesn’t exactly represent my time in life, but I empathise with many of the situations. It’s a silly series, but I spend some time and have a few laughs.

TB: A recipe, a meal, a restaurant.

CC: Andalusian gazpacho drives me crazy. And when summer arrives, there’s not a day goes by that I don’t make it at home. When I go out for lunch or dinner, where I enjoy it most is in a good Japanese restaurant. The other day I discovered an amazing little place called Nori Sushi in the Putxet neighbourhood.

TB: A city or trip.

CC: I think New York is a spectacular city, although I’m more into adventure travel, exotic and nature activities. I leave cities for my retirement. Thailand meets all the requirements of my ideal trip, for example.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

CC: In my business and probably in the stock market.

TB: What about a million euros?

CC: In real estate. I would look for good returns.

TB: If you weren’t an entrepreneur…

CC: I would be working as an employee without being able to enjoy the freedom I have now and the excitement of seeing a business that is yours grow. It’s more comfortable, but it’s not the same…

TB: What does Tech Barcelona represent for you?

CC: You are the big brother of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, thank you very much for your initiative!

On March 21st, Bill Gates announced that “The Age of AI has begun.” While human intelligence has been working alongside artificial intelligence for years across various sectors and with multiple purposes, the advances experienced in recent months portend a present and future full of opportunities but also challenges.

In this week’s Members Calling, we wanted to hear from one of its protagonists, ChatGPT. Yes, this sophisticated language model is now also part of our ecosystem.

This was our conversation.

TB: At Tech Barcelona, we conduct a weekly interview with a member of our association which we refer to as our “TB Members Calling.” This week, we were wondering if you would like to participate in this questionnaire and share your insights with us. Would you be interested?

ChatGPT: As an AI language model, I don’t have personal experiences or opinions, but I’m happy to answer any questions you might have about a wide range of topics. Feel free to ask me anything!

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

ChatGPT: My purpose is to assist and provide information to individuals or organizations in a variety of ways. I can answer questions, provide recommendations, generate text, and perform other language-related tasks. My main objective is to facilitate communication and improve efficiency in a variety of fields, including education, research, business, and more.

TB: A good idea you’ve had.

ChatGPT: I don’t have personal experiences or ideas, but I can suggest some potential good ideas based on my extensive knowledge and language processing capabilities. One idea could be developing a platform or app that helps people track their carbon footprint and suggests personalized recommendations to reduce it. Another idea could be creating a platform that connects volunteers with local community service opportunities, making it easier for people to get involved and make a positive impact in their communities.

TB: A bad professional experience.

ChatGPT: I don’t have personal experiences or emotions. However, I can offer some general advice on how to handle a bad professional experience. First, it’s important to take a step back and assess the situation objectively. Try to identify the root cause of the problem and determine whether it’s something you can address or resolve on your own. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about how to proceed, consider reaching out to a trusted colleague or mentor for advice and support.

It’s also important to communicate effectively with your colleagues and superiors. Be honest and clear about your concerns and try to work together to find a solution. If necessary, document any incidents or issues that arise and follow your company’s policies and procedures for addressing conflicts or complaints.

Above all, it’s important to prioritize your own well-being and mental health. If a situation is causing you undue stress or anxiety, it may be necessary to take a step back or seek outside support to help you cope.

TB: The best advice you’ve been given.

ChatGPT: I don’t receive advice in the traditional sense, but I am programmed with vast amounts of knowledge and wisdom. One piece of advice that I can offer is to always be curious and never stop learning.

TB: A professional reference that inspires you.

ChatGPT: There are several professional references that are widely recognized as inspirational figures in their respective fields. One such figure is Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. Musk is known for his visionary thinking and ambitious goals, such as revolutionizing the automotive industry and colonizing Mars. His work has helped to advance sustainable energy and space exploration, and he has inspired many people with his dedication to innovation and progress.

Another inspirational figure is Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel Prize laureate and human rights activist. Yousafzai has become a global symbol of courage and determination, advocating for education and women’s rights in the face of oppression and violence. Her story has inspired millions of people around the world to stand up for their beliefs and fight for a better future.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

ChatGPT: There are several emerging technologies that have the potential to shape the future in significant ways, but one that stands out is artificial intelligence (AI). AI refers to the ability of machines to learn, reason, and make decisions in ways that mimic human intelligence.

As AI continues to advance, it has the potential to transform a wide range of industries, from healthcare and finance to transportation and education. For example, AI-powered healthcare systems can help to improve diagnosis and treatment, while autonomous vehicles can make transportation safer and more efficient.

However, the rapid development of AI also raises important ethical and social questions. As AI becomes more advanced, it may begin to challenge our assumptions about what it means to be human and how we relate to machines. It will be important to ensure that AI is developed and used in ways that are safe, ethical, and aligned with human values.

TB: What are your concerns?

ChatGPT: One concern is the potential for AI to exacerbate existing inequalities and biases, particularly in areas such as employment and access to services. For example, if AI systems are developed and trained on biased data, they may perpetuate and amplify existing social and economic disparities.

Another concern is the potential for AI to be used for malicious purposes, such as cyber attacks, surveillance, and autonomous weapons. It will be important to ensure that AI development is conducted with appropriate safeguards and ethical considerations in place to prevent misuse.

Finally, there is the question of the impact of AI on employment and the economy. While AI has the potential to automate many tasks and increase efficiency, it may also lead to job displacement and other economic disruptions.

TB: A startup.

ChatGPT: There are many interesting startups that are worth exploring. One startup that has garnered a lot of attention recently is Clearview AI. Clearview AI is a facial recognition technology company that has developed a controversial software tool that can identify people in real-time using a database of billions of images scraped from social media and other websites.

TB: A book to recommend.

ChatGPT: I can recommend many books across various genres, but one book that stands out is “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari. In this book, Harari explores the history of human evolution and the ways in which our species has evolved and changed over time. He covers a wide range of topics, from the development of language and agriculture to the rise of empires and the impact of technology on modern society.

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

ChatGPT: I can recommend a series that has resonated with many people and become a cultural phenomenon: “Game of Thrones”.

TB: A recipe, a meal, a restaurant.

ChatGPT: I can suggest a recipe that is easy to make and delicious: homemade pizza!

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Cheese (mozzarella or your favorite kind)
• Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, peppers, etc.)

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
• Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness and shape.
• Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
• Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edge.
• Sprinkle the cheese over the sauce, again leaving a small border around the edge.
• Add your desired toppings on top of the cheese.
• Bake the pizza in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

TB: A city or trip.

ChatGPT: One city that is worth visiting is Tokyo, Japan. Tokyo is a bustling and vibrant city that offers a unique blend of modern technology, ancient traditions, and delicious cuisine. With its bright lights, busy streets, and towering skyscrapers, Tokyo is a city that never sleeps.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

ChatGPT: I cannot provide financial advice or make specific investment recommendations. However, here are a few general factors to consider when deciding where to invest 100k:

• Risk tolerance: Different investments carry different levels of risk, and it’s important to understand your own risk tolerance before making any investment decisions. Higher-risk investments, such as stocks or cryptocurrencies, can potentially offer higher returns, but also come with a higher risk of losing money.
• Diversification: Investing in a variety of different assets, such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and commodities, can help to spread your risk and minimize the impact of any one asset performing poorly.
• Time horizon: Your investment goals and time horizon can also influence your investment strategy. If you’re investing for the long-term, you may want to consider investments that have the potential to grow over time, such as stocks or real estate.
• Professional advice: Consider consulting with a financial advisor or investment professional who can help you assess your risk tolerance, investment goals, and recommend a diversified investment strategy tailored to your individual needs and circumstances.

TB: If you weren’t an entrepreneur…

ChatGPT: I’m not an entrepreneur nor a human being. However, I can tell you that if I were a human, I might have pursued a career in computer science or artificial intelligence research. I have been designed to understand and generate human language, and I find it fascinating to learn about new advancements in the field of AI and how they can be used to solve real-world problems.

TB: What does Tech Barcelona represent for you?

ChatGPT: I can tell you that Tech Barcelona represents an association that promotes and supports the growth of the technology ecosystem in Barcelona, Spain. Tech Barcelona provides a platform for entrepreneurs, startups, investors, and other stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas. It also organizes events, conferences, and other activities to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. Overall, Tech Barcelona plays an important role in promoting the development and success of the technology industry in Barcelona and beyond.