Barcelona, 28 October 2025. – Xplore Studios, in close collaboration with Ingka Group, the largest retailer within the IKEA franchise system, has launched a pilot programme in Barcelona to explore, develop and test new solutions that will shape the future of retail. As part of this pilot, Xplore Studios has joined Tech Barcelona as a Global Partner, connecting with the city’s ecosystem of start-ups and creative talent.

Xplore Studio Barcelona will act as a space for co-creation and experimentation, connecting entrepreneurs, companies, universities and customers to design and test new solutions. The studio applies an open innovation model, exploring new formats and technologies to respond to consumer needs.

Through its collaboration with Tech Barcelona, Xplore Studio Barcelona will engage with the association’s community, made up of more than 1,500 members, 100 partners and their talent, to drive initiatives in artificial intelligence, automation, new experiences and circularity, developing and testing concepts to scale in global markets.

“We are delighted to launch Xplore Studio in Barcelona, where we will explore, learn and jointly create new solutions for retail together with Barcelona’s ecosystem of innovation and creativity. The collaboration with Tech Barcelona allows us to fully immerse ourselves and engage with the city’s talent in our mission to explore the retail of the future, with the ultimate goal of creating a better everyday life for many people,” says Susanna Kamph, Leader of Xplore Studio Barcelona.

According to Miguel Vicente, President of Tech Barcelona: ‘The agreement with Xplore Studios reinforces our goal of connecting global companies with Barcelona’s innovation ecosystem. It is a collaboration that empowers our own start-ups to develop solutions with global impact.’

Miquel Martí, CEO of Tech Barcelona, added: ‘Few cities combine creativity and innovation like Barcelona. The arrival of Xplore Studios demonstrates how global brands are now turning to our ecosystem for inspiration, collaboration and experimentation.’