TheNTWK is a vibrant ecosystem of entrepreneurs, corporates, startups, researchers, and changemakers united by a shared commitment to learning, connecting, and driving meaningful change through collaboration From seasoned executives to emerging innovators, our community spans diverse sectors and backgrounds but we are all bound by a common goal: to explore and shape the future of digital business models.
What is TheNTWK Summit?
More Than a Conference. A Catalyst For Change.
TheNTWK Summit is Europe’s leading event for platform and ecosystem innovation a unique Think Tank where visionaries, strategists, and practitioners come together to explore digital innovation at the intersection of platform and ecosystem strategy, emerging technologies, and the circular economy In an era defined by rapid transformation, the Summit serves as a catalyst for bold ideas, meaningful connections, and collaborative solutions that enable long-term, profitable, and sustainable growth We foster a space where knowledge is shared, partnerships are born, and the future is co-created.
TESTIMONIALS
It was a pleasure to return one year after the spark of our initiative. The insights from peers in TheNTWK were invaluable and the unique support and interest we received truly set this community apart.
Joanna Lambert, GirbauLAB
I loved how TheNTWK organized talks and panels on such a broad range of relevant topics (AI, ecosystems, circular economy) while still diving really deep into specific areas of each topic. It made connections visible that I hadn’t realized before Plus, it was a great opportunity to exchange ideas with other participants and the organizers
Sönke Petersen, OpenEyz
A unique gathering and an honor to exchange ideas with so many brillian the platform ecosystem, circular economy, and funding space The con were both visionary and practical, with great speakers
Fleur Boos, The Value Department
TheNTWK Summit is the best event to attend every year It's where we go discover the best new cases of platform innovation in Europe and meet th making it happen It's also a lot like coming home This is where we can latest ideas in platform thinking with the most open and welcoming comm
Daniel Trabucchi & Tommaso Buganza, Politecnico di Milano
Participating at TheNTWK Summit allowed me to get in touch wit passionate about innovation outside the Port’s world A great oppo connect “outside the box”
Emma Cobos, Port of Barcelona
Being part of TheNTWK has allowed us at platformOS to connect with peers who face similar challenges and share a mindset around ecosystem building. It’s a space where open exchange leads to practical outcomes, new ideas, partnerships, and opportunities to learn from real-world experience With two summits attended now, our experience has been that TheNTWK makes collaboration actionable, not just aspirational ”
Colin Frost & Tamas Simon, platformOS
"There is lots of power in this community, and its dedication to platform and ecosystem innovation Very much energized after the two days in Barcelona, and leaving with new connections and ideas "
Eugenia Dunaeva, Ultralite Consulting
EUROPE FIRST: LET’S DO SOMETHING BIG
KEYNOTE
Natalia Olson-Urtecho
Natalia Olson-Urtecho took to TheNTWK Summit stage with energy that fills a room and shifts a mindset With experience that spans startups, smart cities, clean energy policy, and a seat at the White House advising President Obama on innovation, Natalia didn’t offer a cautious roadmap. She issued a challenge.
It’s time for Europe to step into its global power, not reactively, not someday, but now
“Let’s stop looking toward the U.S. or China. Let’s focus on Europe. Europe First should be our vision for the 21st century.”
Natalia framed Europe as a sleeping giant rich in history, education, infrastructure, and creativity, but too often entangled in self-imposed barriers: regulation, fragmentation, hesitation. Drawing from her work in both Silicon Valley and Europe, she urged leaders and policymakers to think beyond traditional frameworks and act with bold, unified ambition
Europe’s strength, she argued, lies in its diversity but it’s also what hinders its scale With dozens of countries operating under different languages, rules, and regulatory systems, scaling innovation across the continent remains a monumental challenge. But Natalia made it clear: the answer isn’t to simplify the continent it’s to organize it.
Lessons from the U.S. And What to Adapt
Drawing parallels between European efforts and U S innovation policy, Natalia walked the audience through the evolution of the SBIR and STTR programs American funding initiatives that helped launch what we now recognize as Silicon Valley. She emphasized that Europe’s adoption of similar frameworks, such as Horizon Europe, was a step in the right direction, but it came decades later.
She spoke candidly about how the U S government became a catalyst for the sharing economy and digital infrastructure, not by accident, but through smart advocacy and bold policy It took journalist pressure and grassroots lobbying to open up government datasets, which in turn laid the groundwork for companies like Uber, Airbnb, and Venmo.
are great, but now we need to scale up. We need to make it easier for innovation to grow across borders not just start, but actually grow.”
AI, Regulation, and the Balance of Power
Natalia didn’t shy away from one of the most contentious topics in Europe right now: regulation around artificial intelligence While she praised Europe’s focus on ethical frameworks and sovereignty, she warned against overregulating too early and stifling competitiveness before the ecosystem can grow.
She urged European entrepreneurs to organize, collaborate, and offer clear, actionable policy ideas that regulators can act on
“Most
policymakers have never started a company. If we don’t explain how regulation impacts our businesses —down to the last detail—they won’t know. We have to show them.”
She also highlighted the emerging dual-use potential of tech, particularly innovations that originate in defense and are repurposed for the public good, such as the internet and GPS For her, Europe must think not only in terms of safeguarding data, but also of building companies that earn trust and scale with confidence.
A Blueprint for a Competitive Europe
Natalia’s message wasn’t about copying Silicon Valley It was about embracing Europe’s own DNA its world-class universities, its mobility, its access to global markets, and its leadership in sustainability and converting that potential into real commercial outcomes
Her recommendations came fast and clear:
Replicate the Select USA model with a “SelectEurope” initiative to attract foreign investment
Tie big corporations to small business growth through smart procurement quotas.
Invest more in scaleups, not just startups, to push promising companies over the edge of global relevance
Double down on Europe’s strength in green economy, advanced manufacturing, and AI with frameworks that support, not suffocate, entrepreneurship
“You’ve already invested trillions into innovation. But where are the unicorns? Where is the scale? That’s what needs to change.”
The Vision: Europe as the Global Innovation Hub
Europe has the chance to lead, not just in GDP or sustainability, but in global influence, policy shaping, and values. Natalia spoke passionately about Europe’s unique ability to be the “adult in the room ” in a tense geopolitical moment
From climate goals to digital rights, from AI ethics to entrepreneurial opportunity, her vision for Europe was not timid
She called for European cities to stop being vacation stops for tech founders and instead become their next headquarters. For regulators to stop overcorrecting and start cocreating. For businesses and policymakers to share the same table and the same responsibility
“We look to Europe for leadership on data protection, on human rights, on regulation. Now we need Europe to also lead on growth— on creating the companies that define the next century.”
Natalia’s parting thought to the crowd wasn’t a policy prescription. It was a mindset reset
“Smart policies can pivot world history but only if we demand them. This is your money. Your future. And your Europe.”
LAUNCHING IKEA’S SECONDHAND MARKETPLACE
KEYNOTE
Mercedes Gutierrez Alvarez
In a bold step toward redefining retail sustainability, IKEA has launched a second hand digital marketplace that merges legacy infrastructure with modern environmental and economic imperatives.
Mercedes Gutierrez, who has spent 18 years at IKEA, spearheads this innovative transformation, turning IKEA’s vision of “ a better life for the many ” into a practical and scalable reality
IKEA, an iconic brand in home furnishing, is expanding its influence beyond new product sales to a more circular model with the launch of its secondhand marketplace, “IKEA PreOwned ” With Mercedes at the helm, the company is addressing global concerns around affordability, sustainability, and resource efficiency.
Mercedes opened her presentation at TheNTWK Summit with energy and conviction:
“Secondhand
is not just sustainable; it’s a
new way to make IKEA more
affordable.”
She emphasized that 10% of IKEA furniture is already being exchanged in secondhand markets outside their ecosystem. IKEA recognized this as not just a challenge but an opportunity:
“Today we can see that without IKEA, people are meeting outside our ecosystem with our products.”
Reimagining the IKEA Business Idea for the 21st Century
The move is more than reactive,it’s visionary Mercedes framed the secondhand platform as a modern vehicle to deliver the original IKEA promise: democratic design for all.
She stressed that secondhand furniture sales are not simply enabling to more sustainable behaviours, they are making even more affordable IKEA solutions for new generations and another way to fulfil shifting consumer values
Navigating the Hurdles of Legacy Infrastructure
Mercedes was candid about the operational challenges of integrating a marketplace model into a legacy retail system IKEA’s expertise lies in flat-packing and sell products to billions of people not offering customers to sell their furniture, assembling and relocating. This shift required rethinking everything from marketing, customer experience to logistics.
“Trust is inconsistent. Quality is hard to verify. Logistics? Beginners in marketplaces? Yes, but with 80 years of home furnishing experience and unique capabilities to contribute.”
These challenges were not deterrents but catalysts for radical change The team adopted agile testing methods while reworking internal systems to accommodate seller support, identity verification, and fulfillment.
Pilots in Spain, Norway, and Portugal: Learning by Doing
The platform went live in Madrid in June 2024, followed by launches in Norway and Portugal The project was developed in just four months an unprecedented pace for IKEA’s size.
“IKEA’s size gives us both the opportunity and the responsibility to think big. It’s not about adding a new business to compete; it’s about making IKEA more competitive.”
Unexpected momentum came when a journalist publicized the marketplace, generating over 10 million media impressions and interest from consumers in the U.S. and Canada. Sales surged In Portugal, it took only 7 days for the first transaction, and just 20 days for the first 1,000 listings
Reinventing IKEA’s Role: From Retailer to Matchmaker
The IKEA Pre-Owned model disrupted the company ’ s traditional buyer-only strategy Now, IKEA needed to design and adapt systems for both buyers and sellers.
Coworker engagement played a critical role. In Portugal, employees were given early access to test and populate the marketplace.
Data as a Strategic Asset
The marketplace is generating valuable product lifecycle data. It reveals how long products last, and what holds resale value insights that are shaping future designs and marketing
“This is the first time we can learn real durability from customer behavior.”
Top-selling items included the KLIPPAN sofa, the MALM dresser, and TOBIAS chairs, each with significant price differences between original and resale values. “Our KPI of the future: how many products are prolonged in life?” While IKEA is cautious about overstating carbon savings due to data complexity, the long-term goal is to quantify CO₂ reductions through extended product life
Affordability Meets Sustainability
A striking revelation: 25% of marketplace users are either new or dormant IKEA customers. The platform is particularly popular among younger, urban demographics those with tighter budgets and growing environmental awareness
“Affordability is the gateway. Sustainability is the benefit. We must make it easier for people to make smart choices.”
Mercedes shared how shifting the narrative from “ green ” to “smart” helped consumers embrace secondhand options
Institutional Resistance and Internal Transformation
Some internal stakeholders initially questioned the model’s alignment with IKEA’s core business Concerns about cannibalization were common Mercedes’s response: the secondhand market already exists Our customers are already there IKEA can choose to lead it or ignore it
“We
are still a mosquito in the big elephant... but it’s another way to contribute to achieve the objectives of the company”
Building an Always-On Future
The long-term goal is to fully integrate IKEA Preowned/secondhand into the broader customer experience, offering both new and secondhand options in a seamless shopping journey. Mercedes’ team is designing marketing strategies that promote continuous user acquisition and engagement.
“Let’s think about the glorious future where we connect millions to buy and sell secondhand IKEA.”
The “always-on” vision includes dynamic listings, localized promotions, and eventually, predictive services that recommend secondhand alternatives at checkout.
Toward a Circular Future
IKEA’s secondhand marketplace stands as a blueprint for how legacy companies can adapt to the demands of the 21st century. It is not merely an environmental gesture but a scalable business model that combines inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability.
Mercedes Gutierrez’s leadership shows that even the largest companies can act with startup speed when values and vision align The IKEA Pre-Owned journey continues, not just as a service,but as a signal of what’s possible when institutions dare to think big
TRACK 3: CIRCULAR TRANSITION
Click to see the recording
LAUNCHING IKEA’S SECONDHAND MARKETPLACE
FROM RETURNS TO REVENUE: CIRCULAR COMMERCE FOR FASHION
PRESENTATION
Ben Whitaker & Joanna Lambert
The collaboration between RMX Recommerce and Girbau Lab began serendipitously the previous year at TheNTWK Summit 2024 RMX Recommerce, under Ben Whitaker, specializes in resale systems and reverse logistics GirbauLAB, with Joanna Lambert representing their innovation division, focuses on future-forward, sustainable business models rooted in industrial laundry infrastructure.
“Resale is not new. The problem is brands don’t know how to capture its value in a structured way.”
— Ben Whitaker
Ben had been working with Decathlon on a full-circle buyback and trade-in system Meanwhile, Girbau was searching for a digital and logistics partner to bring their circular vision to life. Their aligned goals created a natural synergy that gave rise to Òpera Garment Solutions.
Joanna outlined three common but often ignored types of value loss in fashion: returned garments used once and returned, items soiled during in-store try-ons, and damages within the supply chain. These hidden issues lower resale potential and damage brand experience. “There are no real systems for garments that are slightly dirty. So they’re pushed down the line, devalued and discarded ” Òpera was created to combat this inefficiency The idea: clean returned or soiled garments professionally and return them to brands in resale-ready condition
Blended Revenue and Circular Metrics
Fashion brands are waking up to the concept of product lifetime value Previously focused on customer lifetime value, brands are now being forced to recognize the resale economy. “Apple didn’t care about secondhand iPhones until they realized billions were changing hands without them.” Òpera promotes a blended revenue model. Brands maintain control of their product lifecycle while leveraging circular metrics like number of users per product and frequency of resale
Enabling Brand-Led Resale
Òpera operates strictly B2B. It is not a consumerfacing resale platform. Instead, it enables brands to manage and remarket inventory through their own channels Key features include garment grading, traceability, and professional cleaning certification “We give brands the garment in the best condition possible They decide how and where to resell it ” This flexibility lets brands maintain customer trust and uphold brand standards two critical elements often lost in third-party resale environments.
The Cost of Linear Thinking
Ben illustrated the linear mindset in retail through a simple value chain: a product priced at €199 gets soiled A brand either discounts it or dumps it to jobbers for a fraction of its value
“That €199 item becomes a €20 write-off. That’s revenue, margin, and brand value lost.”
Òpera’s solution is simple yet transformative professional cleaning and fast turnaround through Girbau’s global network of localized facilities. This maintains value and brand integrity.
Localized Logistics, Faster Turnaround
Speed is essential in fashion Òpera leverages Girbau’s 170,000-strong global laundry infrastructure to reduce time and distance to resale This distributed model allows quick processing near stores or distribution centers
“For the brand, we are a single point of contact into a massive, distributed care
Making Circularity Practical
Whitaker addressed a critical barrier to circular adoption: operational willpower. Many fashion brands are willing in theory but unprepared in practice. Without unified departmental buyin, even great circular initiatives fail
“If you don’t align every department behind your circular goals, someone will find a reason not to do it.”
Òpera emphasizes actionable steps, not idealistic roadmaps. Brands can start small, refurbish returns, track inventory, and reintegrate quickly
More garments back in stock faster, ready to generate new revenue.
A Framework for Everyone, Not Just Giants
While IKEA’s resale model was highlighted as a gold standard earlier in the previous article, Ben reminded the audience that most brands don’t have IKEA’s scale Òpera is designed to bring practical circular solutions to small and mid-sized players “If you ’ re not IKEA, you still need a system We built one ” From multi-brand retailers to startups, Òpera offers modular, scalable access to circular systems without the need for massive investment.
Data, AI, and the Future of Value Recovery
In its next phase, RMX is integrating AI to map product value decay in real time, essential for optimal resale timing.
Clean garments, coupled with predictive resale pricing, empower brands to maximize value across multiple lifecycles.
This approach not only increases recovery but also opens insights for product design, sustainability reporting, and trend forecasting
“You need to know where a product sits on its value curve at any given time. AI makes that possible.”
Circular Fashion Starts with Clean, Data-Driven Recovery
Òpera Garment Solutions stands as a quiet revolution an enabling layer behind the scenes of fashion’s sustainability future. Their system demonstrates that circular fashion isn’t just a theory for the future, but a profitable and practical model for today
“We’re not trying to replace platforms. We’re trying to empower brands to own their circular journey.”
PLATFORM UNICORNS IN EUROPE: GROWTH WITH PURPOSE
FIRESIDE CHAT
Noemí Moya & Ignacio Merelo
There’s a quiet revolution happening in Europe’s platform economy and it’s not led by blitzscaling startups It’s driven by companies like FREENOW, who are proving that responsible growth, strong partnerships, and local-first thinking can scale just as powerfully as speed and disruption.
In this session, Noemí Moya, Director of Global Public Affairs and Corporate Communications at FREENOW, joined Ignacio Merelo of Endeavor to reflect on how European platforms are not just growing fast but growing with purpose
“We’re not just here to grow. It’s important to ask why we want to grow.”
FREENOW operates in over 150 cities across Europe But instead of a centralized approach, they give autonomy to local general managers. Why? Because cities vary and so should the way platforms serve them.
This model has allowed FREENOW to remain adaptable while growing its platform to include taxis, e-scooters, ebikes, car s transport all
“We don’t know the jobs of the future, but we can prepare people to be ready for them.”
Noemí’s career itself is proof of that principle. Trained in political science and public administration, she never expected to lead public affairs at a tech company. But adaptability and learning, she argued, are the real drivers of future-ready leadership
Regulation: Europe’s Challenge and Advantage
In a region where regulations are complex and city-specific, many platforms falter FREENOW has succeeded by doing the opposite of “ move fast and break things ” Instead, they collaborate with regulators, local governments, and transport authorities.
FREENOW employs a Europe-wide network of public affairs experts who act as liaisons fluent in both policy and product and help ensure that the company grows within each city’s framework
“Public and private sectors move at different speeds—and that gap is only growing with new technologies.”
Rather than seeing regulation as a burden, FREENOW treats it as a strategic collaboration opportunity one that makes the platform stronger, not slower
Partnership as a Superpower
FREENOW is not just a mobility provider it’s a platform ecosystem Today, it hosts over 20 partners: electric scooters, shared cars, public transit providers, even taxi fleets But the company doesn’t onboard just anyone Each partner must align with FREENOW’s values around sustainability, transparency, and public collaboration.
This has helped the company grow in a way that balances user convenience with public interest. They open new markets for smaller operators and integrate services in ways that make multimodal mobility seamless.
“Resilience, adaptability, learning—all of that is what you need today to work in companies we don’t even know yet.”
Start local.
Collaborate with regulators.
Align on values before growth.
Use data to support not replace public planning.
And most of all: build platforms that make life better for real people.
“If we want sustainable mobility, we need everyone at the table—cities, regulators, platforms, and partners.”
FREENOW is working on ways to share insights while respecting privacy so that cities can plan infrastructure, reduce emissions, and better serve their citizens
The result: 74% of FREENOW trips in 2024 were made in electric vehicles, and more than 60% of their micro-mobility fleet is hybrid or zero-emission. For a company that doesn’t own vehicles, that’s a major systems-level impact driven entirely by strategic ecosystem design.
A Culture That Sustains Growth
As companies scale, they often lose their identity For FREENOW, the opposite is true Noemí credits this to the company ’ s mission-driven culture and international team with over 60 nationalities represented across offices Their Barcelona tech hub alone includes team members from 26 countries
This diversity isn’t just cosmetic it’s strategic It allows FREENOW to build products that reflect the nuanced needs of different urban environments. It also attracts talent who want to build something meaningful, not just scale for the sake of it.
Platforms, AI, and the Road Ahead
FREENOW is already leveraging artificial intelligence to optimize mobility flows and improve efficiency But the real frontier, Noemí noted, is data sharing between platforms and cities Traditionally, governments held all mobility data But in today’s fragmented system, much of that data lives with private companies.
The company is also preparing for autonomous driving, even though regulations aren’t there yet It’s a reminder that innovation moves faster than law and platforms must help bridge that gap, not exploit it.
Rethinking Unicorns
In the closing moments, Ignacio offered a pointed reflection: the era of chasing unicorn valuations is over. What Europe needs now are real companies solving real problems not inflated paper valuations
Noemí agreed FREENOW’s goal isn’t to be flashy it’s to be foundational A platform that lasts One that cities want to work with, not fight against
“We’re not just here to grow because we need to grow. It’s important to focus on why we want to.”
Europe doesn’t need to choose between innovation and inclusion With companies like FREENOW, it’s proving that purpose-led platforms can do both.
Click to see the recording
PLATFORM UNICORNS
FIVE BUSINESS PROBLEMS PLATFORM THINKING CAN SOLVE
PRESENTATION
Daniel Trabucchi & Tommaso Buganza
The real power of platforms isn't limited to tech unicorns or digital-native startups It's a mindset shift a new way of thinking about how legacy firms can create, scale, and sustain value.
In this high-energy session, professors Daniel Trabucchi and Tommaso Buganza walked through what they’ve uncovered in a decade of research: legacy companies can solve complex business challenges better and faster when they adopt platform thinking
“Legacy companies already have the assets—brands, data, trust, infrastructure. They just need to use them in a different way.”
�� This session also marked the official preview of their new book, The Digital Phoenix Effect available on Amazon. ��
From Tax Software to Scalable Ecosystems: The Intuit Case
The journey began with a story from the early 2000s Intuit, the U S -based tax software company, realized their users especially gig workers like Uber drivers struggled with filing taxes on their own. The traditional approach would have been to create an inhouse team of consultants. But Intuit chose differently.
Instead of becoming a tax advisory firm, they built a platform: a marketplace where certified consultants could offer microsupport sessions directly through the app It was smart, scalable, and aligned with Intuit's software DNA
“They didn’t need to build the solution themselves. They just
needed
it.”
to orchestrate
This unlocked one of the biggest takeaways: companies don’t need to become something they’re not to solve problems Platform models let them expand value while staying true to their core identity.
A Shift in Mindset: What Platform Thinking Really Means
Daniel and Tommaso weren’t interested in the tech behind platforms. Their focus was on value creation. Over ten years, they studied over 700 companies, analyzing nearly 800 platform initiatives
Surprisingly, only 17% of these were real platforms using network effects and multi-sided logic The rest? Digital services with no real ecosystem dynamic.
The Five Business Challenges Platforms Can Solve
1. Inefficient or Missing Transactions: Like IKEA's second-hand furniture resale platform, many businesses can unlock value from underused assets they just need to connect supply and demand
2. Evolving Customer Needs: As seen with Intuit, new customer expectations can break traditional models. Platforms enable companies to respond without redefining their core business.
3 Innovation Bottlenecks: Legacy R&D is slow Platforms open the door to external contributors, unlocking faster, more diverse innovation
4. Underutilized Data: Many firms sit on valuable data but lack mechanisms to activate it Platforms turn passive data into insightful services
5 Lack of Real-Time Strategic Insights: Enter the Carnival Cruise Line case.
“Platform thinking isn’t about copying Uber or Airbnb. It’s about seeing value where others see friction.”
Carnival Cruise Line needed realtime data from its ships to improve operational decisions. The old method asking crews to manually log everything wasn’t working. So, they flipped the model.
They offered crews valuable services in exchange for data Think analytics, predictions, diagnostics The crews got better tools, and Carnival got better insights
This wasn’t something a startup could have done. Carnival already had the ships, the sensors, the connectivity. All they needed was the right model.
“Legacy firms don’t need to disrupt they need to activate the advantages they already have.”
Why Legacy Firms Often Win
the Platform Game
Many believe that platform markets are "winner-takes-all." So can legacy firms really compete with startups? The researchers say yes and faster than most think
Case in point: Telepass, payment giant They exp parking and urban services When they municipality of Rome, cold call. Compare that trying to sell to the s unknown, untrusted, unp
Making Platform Thinking Practical
Daniel and Tommaso didn’t just study platforms they built a toolkit They call it the Platform Thinking Journey, designed to help companies move through four key stages:
1 Framing: What problem are you solving, and why does platform logic fit?
2.Design: Who are your users? Who are your customers? How do they interact?
3.Ignition: How will you overcome the "chicken-andegg " challenge?
4 Growth: How can you scale across domains or industries?
The framework now includes a card deck (launching on Amazon), a digital methodology, and even a GPT-powered chatbot that guides managers step-by-step.
Final Thoughts: Europe’s Platform Moment
For the professors, this isn't just a business framework It’s a call to action Europe has legacy giants with brand equity, infrastructure, and trust It’s time to unlock those strengths with platform strategies
“Platforms aren’t just a tech model. They’re a way for Europe to reclaim industrial leadership.”
If you ' re a legacy firm with real assets, platform thinking isn't just an opportunity it's a competitive necessity
“Platform thinking is not easy but it’s learnable. You just need the right questions and the right tools.”
“They didn’t pitch like a startup. They said: We’re Telepass. We already serve 4 million customers.”
ADDRESSING GLOBAL CHALLENGES THROUGH CIRCULARITY: CELSA CIRCULAR STEEL
KEYNOTE
Maria Salamero Sansalvadó
From scrap yards to steel plants, Celsa Group is proving that circular business models are not only environmentally necessary but commercially viable
Maria Salamero Sansalvadó shared how the steel giant is driving decarbonization, innovation, and public-private collaboration to meet Europe’s green targets without compromising profitability.
Circular Economy as a Climate and Business Imperative
The need for a circular economy is urgent According to the 2025 Circularity Gap Report, our global resource consumption continues to rise, outpacing improvements in recycling Yet the potential impact of circular practices is staggering, capable of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% and biodiversity loss by 90%
Beyond environmental gains, the economic opportunity is immense. Circular models could unlock over €4 trillion globally, especially through designs that eliminate waste, prolong product life, and regenerate ecosystems.
From Reporting to Results: Circular Metrics That Matter
Traditional financial KPIs are no longer enough Today, circular transition demands new forms of measurement: Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), lifecycle assessments, and circularity KPIs like Scope 1–3 carbon emissions and resource recirculation rates
“Everyone
in companies now talks about Scope 1, 2, and 3 the same way we used to talk about revenue and profit.”
Europe’s Multi-Layered Push Toward Circular Industry
Europe is advancing circularity through several powerful mechanisms: the European Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan, the new European Industrial Clean Deal, and updated financial and regulatory frameworks like the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive).
Maria noted that while CO₂ reporting has matured, standardized circularity metrics are still developing Companies must integrate them to remain competitive and transparent
Maria emphasized the importance of these levers, from EU taxonomy to ESG-linked financial tools and eco-design regulations, in helping manufacturing sectors retool toward sustainability
Celsa’s Circular DNA: From Scrap to Steel to
Sustainability
Celsa Group, one of Europe’s largest producers of long steel products, was born circular It uses electric arc furnaces powered largely by recycled scrap, reducing energy use by 74% and slashing carbon emissions. “Steel can be recycled infinitely.
Our process uses 97% recycled materials our ambition is 100% by 2050.” Celsa’s production model cuts Scope 1 and 2 emissions by a factor of 9 compared to traditional blast furnaces It’s the circular economy at industrial scale
Turning Waste Into Value: The Celsa Model
Celsa’s supply chain starts in scrapyards, where metals, plastics, and other materials are separated and repurposed. Products like billets, rebar, and wire rod are created primarily from recycled input.
Even byproducts are monetized: black slag is used in highways, white slag in cement plants, zinc oxide in galvanization, and other outputs in various industries
Steel as a Service: Closing the Loop in Infrastructure
One standout pilot took place at Palma de Mallorca Airport After demolishing old steel structures, Celsa reprocessed the scrap and returned it as new steel “It’s not exactly the same atoms, but it’s the same value, repurposed That’s steel as a service ” These models demonstrate how circularity can be embedded in large-scale infrastructure, providing both traceability and material efficiency
“We used to pay to dispose of byproducts. Now we sell them. It's not just about sustainability,it’s a P&L opportunity.”
“Sometimes waste isn’t waste, it’s a co-product. But regulation hasn’t caught up yet.”
“Circularity is not a niche, it’s an evolution. And for companies like ours, it’s the only way forward.”
Regeneration Beyond Recycling
Celsa also ventures into experimental regeneration A recent R&D project used calcium-rich slag in artificial reef structures to promote marine biodiversity Though earlystage, it exemplifies circularity’s potential to extend from waste reduction to ecosystem restoration
Celsa actively engages in lobbying through national and European steel associations It also works with regional agencies and sectoral clusters to shape favorable policy, especially around waste classification and material reuse
Organizational Evolution Towards Circularity
Internally, Celsa appointed a Chief Circularity Officer, revised its corporate purpose, and invested heavily in innovation Circularity is not siloed, it’s embedded in operations, procurement, and culture “We changed from just being a steel company to being a solution for managing global scrap ” With 80% of its workforce in blue-collar roles, Celsa emphasizes training and communication to unify teams around sustainability goals.
Building bridges between public and private sectors is essential to enable large-scale change, especially in highly regulated industries like construction.
Circularity as Industrial Evolution
Celsa’s story reframes circularity not as a constraint, but as a catalyst It combines rigorous data, regulatory engagement, business model innovation, and cultural change to build an industrial future where value and sustainability go hand in hand
CIRCULAR STEEL
DIGITAL PRODUCT PASSPORTS AS A BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
KEYNOTE
Stephan Sattler
The European Union’s regulatory push toward greater supply chain transparency is creating one of the biggest shifts in how products are tracked, reported, and valued And at the center of this transformation? Digital Product Passports (DPPs)
In this session, Stephan Sattler of Siemens introduced Path.Era, an industry-driven ecosystem focused on turning DPPs from regulatory requirement to competitive advantage. The keynote focused on the battery passport, set to become mandatory in the EU starting 2027, and used it as a gateway to discuss broader implications for every industry
“Regulation can feel like a burden. But this one is a chance to differentiate if you act now.”
The battery passport is a great example of what’s coming Starting in 2027, every electric vehicle battery in the EU must have a scannable passport containing data on:
Carbon footprint
Material composition
Supply chain due diligence
Maintenance and lifecycle stats
But this is just the beginning DPPs are expected for other product categories including steel, aluminum, tires, textiles, and more nearly everything except pharma, food, and feed
The core idea: build circularity and compliance into the product itself But while conceptually powerful, it presents major challenges in practice.
Two Challenges: Data
“This isn’t something any one company can do alone. It requires an ecosystem.”
Path.Era Ecosystem Model
To address these challenges, Siemens helped create Path Era, a cross-industry alliance of market leaders across the battery value chain:
BASF – raw materials and chemicals
CATL – the world’s largest cell manufacturer
Henkel – adhesives for battery packs
BMW & Volkswagen – OEMs
Siemens & Data Space Solutions –software providers
Together, they built a system capable of delivering DPPs at industrial scale, d d i C X d
1. Data Collection Across Battery production spans cell manufacturing in Asia alone can’t gather and ver educated, and enabled to s
2 Scaling to Billions of Passports
Once adopted, DPPs will need to be created for billions of products
That demands robust IT infrastructure, governance, and a model that’s affordable, secure, and scalable
“When the people building the solution are also the ones using it, it fits the real-world complexity.”
Path.Era Digital Tools
Path Era offers two core digital tools:
Path.Era Battery Passport – for OEMs to create, manage, and publish battery and other product passports.
Path.Era Connect – for smaller suppliers to easily upload and format data, even without IT infrastructure
Combined, these tools let data flow securely and efficiently across the chain, supporting everything from emissions tracking to compliance filings
“We
want suppliers to focus on data quality not data complexity.”
Beyond Compliance: Value of DPPs
DPPs unlock two massive benefits:
Differentiation: Instead average emissions companies can showcas supplier-level data This tangible edge in sus conscious markets
Operational Efficiency: BASF employ thousands just to manage supplier in PDFs and spreadshe digitize this, making faster and less error-prone
Digital product passports are static documents like P structured, scalable data
“Soon, every complex product sold in Europe will come with a digital trail of its origins, use, and impact.”
Why Ecosystem Scale Matters
It’s not just about software it’s about reach and trust Partners like Volkswagen and CATL bring leverage over thousands of suppliers By embedding Path Era tools in existing relationships, adoption scales quickly and meaningfully.
To align incentives, the ecosystem uses shared commercial models: revenue sharing, co-branding, and sales partnerships ensure every player has skin in the game.
m supplier to
What About Blockchain?
Many DPP startups tout blockchain Path Era chose not to Why? Scalability – blockchain infrastructure is costly and hard to scale Complexity – small suppliers often lack the tools or expertise Redundancy – Catena-X already ensures decentralized, secure data exchange.
“You don’t need blockchain to build trust—just the right rules and architecture.”
Static vs. Dynamic Data: A Daily Passport
Products like EV batteries change over time Their health, usage, and emissions evolve Path Era supports daily updates to DPPs, ensuring that both regulators and users have access to the most current data.
“Passports aren’t just snapshots they’re living documents.”
What’s Next: From Batteries to Everything
Path Era’s blueprint for the battery passport is a template for broader digital product passports. As EU regulations expand, so will the need for standardized, trusted, scalable solutions. “Today it's batteries.
Tomorrow it’s everything else.” Whether you ' re a manufacturer, a supplier, or a technology provider, now is the time to understand how digital product passports will change how value is created, tracked, and shared
Final Thoughts: A Systemic Opportunity
Digital Product Passports are about more than compliance They’re about designing new value chains around transparency, efficiency, and trust. Path.Era proves that when the right players collaborate, complex regulation becomes a business advantage. massive business benefits:
“You don’t win by resisting regulation. You win by building the system that everyone else uses.”
If your organization touches complex products or their data it’s time to get ahead of the curve.
The infrastructure is here. The mandate is coming. The opportunity is now
TRACK 1: PLATFORM DISRUPTION
DIGITAL PRODUCT PASSPORTS AS A
IGNITING HEALTH INNOVATION THROUGH ECOSYSTEMS AND AI
KEYNOTE
Álex Turpin Avilés
What happens when a pharmaceutical giant decides that healthcare innovation can’t and shouldn’t be done alone? For Álex Turpin Avilés, Director, Commercial IT & Digital - AI Capability International at AstraZeneca, the answer lies in the power of ecosystems, collaboration, and the smart application of AI Taking the stage, Álex invited attendees into the paradigmshifting world AstraZeneca is building one where open innovation means much more than co-creation. It means coimpact.
He opened with a challenge to the traditional notion of open innovation.
“My experience with open innovation was often about corporations throwing money at a challenge, taking ownership of the solution, and deploying it themselves. But what we’re doing now is different. We’re talking about open innovation ecosystems —where every actor plays a role and gets rewarded.”
h h l h h k hape lyst ork nts, to ion ver not ot em on ries ote cale Álex ing ets, ght in on: ech GOs ngs ge, ach. on: ons em gh ern eca ocal was on heir pen s ble
AI Across the Patient Journey
While many are still fixated on AI’s headline-grabbing diagnostic tools, Álex clarified that AstraZeneca sees AI as a holistic enabler. From identifying rare diseases to enhancing digital pathology, AI is integrated at every stage of the patient journey. The company works with partners to deploy computer vision for chest Xrays, detect heart failure through ECGs, and even apply conversational AI to improve the doctor-patient relationship
“The exciting part is that AI is no longer limited to backend operations. It’s transforming how we diagnose, how we treat, and even how we speak to patients.”
And the results are staggering. AstraZeneca helped scale Indian startup Qure.AI lung cancer detection technology from a small pilot to over 5 million scans Another company, Tricog, developed an AI-based ECG screening system that has diagnosed heart attacks in over 133,000 patients
AI’s Reputation Shift—and What Comes Next
Interestingly, one of the tipping points in the adoption of AI among healthcare professionals came from an unlikely source: ChatGPT.
“Three
years ago,
many doctors were skeptical. Now? They’re coming to us.”
A Final Invitation
“ChatGPT made AI tangible for everyone. Suddenly, it wasn’t science fiction—it was a tool. And it sparked a mindset shift.”
That shift is fueling a new era where AI systems don’t replace doctors they amplify their capabilities. Clinicians become orchestrators themselves, navigating vast data sets, predictive models, and decisionsupport tools to deliver care with unprecedented precision
Álex closed with an invitation to the audience, many of whom were entrepreneurs, technologists, and ecosystem players themselves:
“If you have an idea, if you want to collaborate, we’re open. The only way forward is together.”
From building portable diagnostic cabins in Brazil’s favelas to scaling AI tools across continents, AstraZeneca's A Catalyst Network approach isn’t just about creating innovation it’s about igniting it, sustaining it, and sharing it
In an industry often criticized for being closed, slow, and profit-driven, Álex’s message at TheNTWK was clear:
“Health innovation is no longer a solo act. It’s an ensemble performance and the world is the stage.”
Click to see the recording
IGNITING
HEALTH INNOVATION THROUGH ECOSYSTEMS AND AI
INNOVATING WITH INDUSTRIAL AI
KEYNOTE
Bettina Rotermund
In this keynote, Bettina Rotermund brought a dose of real-world examples and an outlook on what is already possible with Industrial AI to the stage Representing Siemens, a global technology company, she outlined how Industrial AI is not just a buzzword but a critical response to demographic shifts, sustainability demands, and the skilled labor crisis threatening the future of manufacturing.
She opened with a challenge to the traditional notion of open innovation Her message?
We don’t just need better AI We need AI that speaks the language of engineers, runs on the rules of physics, and is built from the factory floor up
“If we want to solve the workforce gap and environmental pressure, we can’t afford hallucinations in AI—we need industrial AI that’s grounded in reality.”
Bettina opened by challenging the common perception of AI as productivity assistants or travel planners. While LLMs like ChatGPT may be handy for creating itineraries or content, she stressed that true impact comes when AI transforms entire systems.
In factories, the stakes are much higher than getting a restaurant recommendation wrong If a robot hallucinated an instruction on a production line, it could cause serious physical harm
That’s why Siemens is building an Industrial Foundation Model a domainspecific AI designed for manufacturing environments where accuracy, safety, and context are non-negotiable.
“There’s zero tolerance for hallucination in industrial environments. If a robot arm makes a mistake, someone could lose be harmed —or worse.”
Why Industrial AI Needs Its Own Data Language
The challenge? There’s no plug-and-play dataset for that So Siemens is training its models on the language of engineers: CAD/Cam data, kinetics, physical behavior. A challenge itself as those languages are much more complex than text, video and speech from our B2C world.
Addressing the Skilled Workforce Crisis
A pressing issue behind Siemens’ AI push is the looming shortage of engineers and technicians. Korn Ferry predicts over 7 million vacancies in manufacturing by 2030, a gap that reskilling alone can’t fill.
Siemens’ solution? Empower workers to do more with less experience on the job. By using natural language interfaces, even non-engineers can interact with copilots and AI agents or troubleshoot production issues no coding or advanced degrees required
Unlike consumer tech platforms that thrive on billions of open data points from users, used mostly without their permission, data in an industrial context is hard to obtain as it is very sensitive and you need to ask to get access to it. AI in this space must understand complex machine drawings, CAD/CAM files, sensor data, and even real-time performance analytics
She described how Siemens’ agent-based AI architecture enables factory operators to ask questions like “What’s wrong with my machine?” and get real-time diagnostics, solutions, and action plans
“Before touching a single gram
of
aluminum or steel, we simulate entire processes in the digital world. That’s where resource reduction truly starts.”
“We’re not Facebook. We don’t take your data and charge you for access. This has to be a mutual endeavor—or it won’t be good enough.”
The Power of Sharing: Federated Data and Ecosystems
Industrial AI can’t thrive in silos Bettina emphasized the importance of federated data models, like Siemens’ work with Catena-X, where multiple companies share insights without exposing proprietary secrets. The goal is to develop a Europeanbuilt industrial model open, collaborative, and sovereign.
“No
company can build this alone—not even Siemens.
We need each other’s data, expertise, and trust to
build
something that really scales.”
By pooling anonymized data across sectors like automotive, food & beverage, and vertical farming, Siemens and its partners are able to generate more accurate predictions and design AI systems that serve an entire ecosystem, not just one enterprise
Circular Economy, Sustainability, and SimulationFirst Manufacturing
Bettina also addressed AI’s role in sustainability For her, circularity begins before the recycling bin it starts with simulation and design If products are built better, using fewer resources from the outset, waste reduction is exponential
Siemens’ digital twin technology, layered with AI, enables companies to test products and predict wear, stress, and failure all in the virtual space. In one collaboration, scrap production was reduced by 75% by switching to fully simulated product design before physical prototyping.
A New Industrial Era—Driven by Europe
While the U S and China often dominate AI headlines, Bettina made it clear: Europe has the deepest manufacturing expertise and it’s time to own that leadership.
Siemens is already working with more than 80 companies to co-develop and test the Industrial Foundation Model The ask is simple: if you ’ re willing to share your data, you get access to the growing intelligence in return a true give-and-get ecosystem
Final Words: Open Innovation Starts Here
In closing, Bettina extended an open invitation to TheNTWK Community to help build the future of industrial AI, not as customers, but as co-creators.
“We regard this community as our external open innovation ecosystem. Let’s build the industrial foundation model together for Europe, and for the world.”
ADVANCES IN AI-ENABLED CIRCULAR BUSINESS
PANEL
Pierre Armengaud
Àlex Jiménez Higueras
Sönke Petersen
AI is accelerating the path to circularity, from data-rich product design to smarter business models and real-time lifecycle feedback.
In this collaborative session, circular designer Àlex Jimenez, AI strategist Sönke Petersen, and cradle-to-cradle expert
Pierre Armengaud demonstrate how AI can bridge critical gaps in sustainable product development and enable scalable innovation for businesses of all sizes
“Designers make decisions based on impact data but often don’t consider actual recycling realities. AI can close that loop.”
Furniture’s Circular Problem: Waste, Design, and Impact
Furniture is an often-overlooked sustainability challenge The sector generates 10 million tons of waste annually in Europe alone, driven by poor repairability, complex logistics, and minimal recycling infrastructure
Suru, a startup founded by Àlex, integrates circular economy principles into every product it creates However, merging rapid design cycles with life cycle assessment (LCA) data remains a significant hurdle.
“Furniture is heavy, toxic, poorly designed for repair, and travels far. Its circular potential is enormous but untapped.”
“As consultants, we’re often chasing data from thousands of products. It’s valuable—but slow and confidential.” -
The key challenge: unlocking and anonymizing massive environmental data sets for use in generative AI tools, without compromising intellectual property
How AI Accelerates Eco Design
Generative AI presents a game-changing opportunity to compress timelines in circular product development By feeding design drafts into an AI system trained on environmental data, designers can receive near-instant feedback on environmental impact
Cradle to Cradle Certification: A Data Dilemma
Collecting the data required for cradle-to-cradle certification or life cycle assessments often takes 6–24 months That timeline doesn’t align with the rapid pace of modern product development
This allows for real-time decision-making and iterative design, solving the classic mismatch between sustainability goals and design speed
“The system uses LCA and material databases to predict a product’s footprint as it’s being designed.”
AI for Circular Business Strategy
Beyond design, AI can also support startups in evaluating circular business models before they invest time and resources Tools like the Business Model Canvas can be augmented with AI to generate, test, and refine circular strategies quickly
“For
small businesses, AI can reveal risks and opportunities before launch saving time, money, and false starts.”
This is especially valuable in emerging trends like servitization (e.g., furniture-as-a-service), which demand a different strategic outlook than traditional product sales.
Where to Start? Design First, Strategy Always
For startups, the panel recommended starting with business model simulations before diving into AIassisted design Understanding market fit, servitization paths, and end-user needs lays the foundation for successful product innovation
“The legal conversation around data use is just beginning. But the value for collective knowledge is massive.”
AI After the Sale: End-of-Life Optimization
AI can also support the later stages of the product lifecycle by integrating recycling infrastructure and geographic data For example, it can help consumers understand how and where to repair or dispose of furniture locally This improves not only product circularity but also the customer’s sustainability experience
Execution Challenges: Data Access, Trust, and IP
The main barriers to this vision are data trust, legal permissions, and formatting consistency. AI is only as strong as the data behind it and most companies treat material composition and environmental performance as trade secrets
“Once you know your direction, AI helps design the right products to match your strategy.”
Start small, but smart: use AI to explore, refine, and implement circular strategies step-by-step
Humans in the Loop, AI as a Guide
While AI brings speed, scalability, and predictive insight to circular business, it doesn’t replace human judgment Designers, consultants, and sustainability experts must interpret the data, account for context, and align decisions with business goals
Human creativity and AI-enabled insight can radically accelerate the shift to sustainable business
WOMEN DRIVING INNOVATION AND PARTNERSHIPS GLOBALLY
PANEL
Tania Asa, Helena Torras, Ana Diez, Anna Hortet, Alicia Palanques
In a session rich with candor, clarity, and collective vision, five powerhouse women took to TheNTWK Summit stage to explore how innovation, inclusion, and global collaboration go hand-in-hand and why women are leading that charge.
The panel, hosted by Women in Tech and moderated by Tania Asa, highlighted the ways women in leadership are reshaping ecosystems not by force, but through empathy, listening, and bold, humancentered strategy
“Partnerships and innovation are no longer support functions. They are the growth engine.”
Kicking off the conversation, Ana Diez described how Zurich Insurance is tackling innovation head-on both internally and externally At their Barcelona tech hub, which boasts over 1,000 employees and 42 nationalities, breaking silos is essential to progress.
Zurich’s open innovation model includes a global challenge program that has sourced 33,000 startup applications across five editions, leading to partnerships in over 30 countries Internally, Ana emphasized cross-generational collaboration through dedicated “Next Gen” teams who directly shape company decisions
Meanwhile, investor and board director Helena Torras framed ecosystems as living networks not just between startups and corporates, but between public, private, academic, and grassroots sectors She urged organizations to stop isolating efforts and start questioning the boundaries of who gets to innovate
Influence Without Authority: Leading Through Trust
One of the most honest conversations on stage revolved around a leadership dynamic many women in business know all too well: influencing without direct authority
Alicia Palanques of MUT Agency put it simply: leadership isn’t about convincing it’s about co-creating. She emphasized the power of active listening and aligning on shared value before asking others to support a project
Anna Hortet echoed this from the perspective of operational execution Her experience showed that clarity, human contact, and consistency not hierarchy are what turn shared goals into mutual value. These insights were underscored by Helena, who reminded the audience that authority is earned, not given.
Innovation
Must Be Inclusive —Or It Will Fail
The panelists agreed:
There’s no real innovation without inclusion.
Ana Diez made it clear that Zurich’s customer base is global and diverse, so strategies must reflect that reality not just in product design, but in hiring, ideation, and risk forecasting Anna Hortet added that technology isn’t the point people are Technology is a tool; inclusion is the purpose
Alicia went further, outlining how her agency embeds inclusivity into every layer of its service from project leadership structures to measuring both social and environmental impact, not just commercial ROI.
“True leadership isn’t in the title. It’s in being followed because people feel heard, trusted, and part of the mission.”
Intergenerational Leadership and Cultural Change
In a lively Q&A session, an audience member posed a challenge:
How do we move beyond top-down decision-making and make sure young people are truly heard?
On AI, Empathy, and the Future of Diversity
Closing with reflections on AI and diversity, the panel touched on the tension between technology as an enabler and humanity as the driver. Helena held firm that tools like AI must serve human values not replace them. Anna Hortet added that AI, if trained well, could enhance diversity by bringing in broader perspectives
Still, the consensus was clear: while AI may assist with execution, the creative, ethical, and empathetic leadership must remain human
One Word: What’s Your Power?
In a spontaneous closing moment, each speaker was asked to share one word that helped them thrive:
Alicia Palanques: Empathy
Ana Diez shared how her team launched “Visioner,” a program where employees pitch ideas like flights They need “ passengers ” (supporters) and a “ crew ” (team members) before the idea takes off She makes funding available but the execution is owned by the employees themselves
Helena offered a startup lens: the real differentiator is a culture that tolerates failure. In environments where it’s safe to test, fail fast, and try again, age becomes irrelevant what matters is mindset.
Ana Diez: Ask
Anna Hortet: Commitment
Helena Torras: Resilience
“Innovation is not about technology it’s about people. And people thrive when they’re seen, heard, and trusted.”
In a session that could have easily focused on gender statistics or surfacelevel success stories, this panel chose instead to lead with clarity, authenticity, and the kind of values-first thinking that drives real, global change.
Click to see the recording
WOMEN DRIVING INNOVATION AND PARTNERSHIPS GLOBALLY
PORT OF BARCELONA AS A HUB OF INNOVATION
KEYNOTE
Emma Cobos
To close the first day of TheNTWK Summit, Emma Cobos from the Port of Barcelona took to the stage not with slides or buzzwords, but with a grounded, insightful call: Don’t overlook the ports. Behind the steel, containers, and global trade routes is an industry on the brink of profound digital and green transformation
Her presentation painted a picture not of what ports have been, but what they are becoming: innovation hubs, clean energy distributors, and testing grounds for deeptech startups
“Ports are slow, yes. But they’re solid. And they’re changing— quietly, steadily, but powerfully.”
90% of Goods, 3% of Emissions, and a Sea of Opportunity
Emma began by grounding the audience in scale. Nearly 90% of the goods we use arrive by ship, yet shipping contributes only 3% of global CO₂ emissions. While that might seem like a modest number, the environmental impact is still significant and rising The Port of Barcelona, she said, understands its dual responsibility: to sustain trade and cut emissions
The port directly and indirectly employs around 40,000 people, more than 500 companies and contributes to 2% of Catalonia’s GDP However, growth cannot come at the cost of air quality or citizen trust, especially with Barcelona’s dense urban environment surrounding it. That’s where innovation steps in.
Electrification: From Cargo Movers to Power Suppliers
One of the Port’s boldest initiatives is a €200 million electrification project When ships dock, they typically keep their engines running for onboard operations burning fuel and polluting the air Barcelona’s vision: plug them in instead
A Private Foundation for Public Innovation
Recognizing their limitations in agility and collaboration, the Port created a private innovation foundation. The model is refreshingly straightforward:
Gather over 30 companies
Ask for their operational challenges
Scout startups that can solve them
Fund pilots directly with those companies
This bypasses the bureaucracy that often slows public sector innovation and gives startups access to real industrial testing grounds Solutions like sensor networks and AI-equipped cameras are already being tested across the Port’s 18 km of infrastructure
“We’re slow, but we’ve learned something: most of the best solutions come from other industries. We just need to invite them in.”
The plan is to turn the port into a wholesale electricity provider a massive leap for an organization built on logistics, not energy management. Emma was clear: this isn’t just a tech upgrade. It’s a business model transformation with long-term return on investment and climate resilience at its heart.
“We’ve had to become an energy company—and we’re inventing the model as we go.”
Building the Future: A Hub for Blue Economy Innovation
Barcelona is already one of the topranked cities for startups in Europe, but few have eyes on maritime. That’s what Emma and her team are trying to change.
They’ve begun work on a €50 million Blue Economy Innovation Hub, set to open in 2028, just five minutes from the current port This facility will provide startups and scaleups with not only office space but access to water, infrastructure, and real clients, creating a unique testbed for sustainable marine innovation.
Some tenants are already being hosted temporarily in other spaces like Pier01 and World Trade Center Barcelona, but the new facility will be custom-built for blue economy startups, with permanent backing from institutional and private partners
Global Collaboration, Local Action
Barcelona isn’t building this vision alone The Port is part of PortChain, an invite-only network of the world’s most innovative ports from Hamburg and Rotterdam, Anvers, Gothenburg to Montreal, LA, and Busan Together, they share insights on strategy, pollution, cybersecurity, and operational AI.
“We
meet every year, twice, for weeks at a time CEOs, operators, innovators —because innovation in silos doesn’t work.”
Emma was candid about the limitations of working with some regions "China is innovative but very closed off Europe and North America need to lead on collaboration,” she said
Innovation Beyond Buzzwords
When asked about the 2025 blackout that affected Spain and Portugal, Emma’s answer showed the grit behind the Port’s transformation With parallel power systems and generators, they maintained operations without disruption an example of why infrastructure resilience is central to innovation.
“We’re critical infrastructure. Chaos isn’t an option.”
“Put ports on your radar. If you’re building smart, scalable solutions, this could be your next big opportunity.”
Final Word: Ports Are More Than Logistics
Emma’s closing message was clear and humble. While shipping may seem unsexy compared to AI or app development, it underpins global life and now, it’s becoming a driver of innovation, sustainability, and opportunity
Click to see the recording
SCALING SMART: BUILDING GROWTH ENGINES THROUGH ECOSYSTEMS
KEYNOTE
Eugenia Dunaeva
Startups rarely scale alone. From idea to investment to customer acquisition, every phase of growth is powered by ecosystems
In this keynote, Eugenia Dunaeva shared actionable frameworks and live insights on how startups can structure their journey, avoid common traps, and unlock funding and traction by strategically navigating the right networks at the right time
Eugenia’s talk underscored one critical theme: successful founders know how to work in sequences From defining the problem to building MVPs, fundraising, and scaling each stage demands full focus, clear priorities, and targeted ecosystems
“Structure your activities so they don’t overlap. You spread yourself too thin otherwise.”
She advised early-stage founders to treat problem definition, product building, and fundraising as discrete activities, each with its own network and demands. Perplexity AI a portfolio company of her fund raises every few months by aligning rapid product execution with an active funding ecosystem
From Problem to Product: Finding Signals in the Noise
Identifying the right problem is the foundation of any startup. For B2C, problems are often obvious; for B2B, they require deeper research. Eugenia shared a toolkit of overlooked resources:
Reddit threads and subreddits to surface pain points
Review sites like Capterra for user-voiced frustrations
Popular Slack integrations, Miro boards and templates, and Zapier automations
She urged founders to talk to others who have tried and failed in similar spaces. “Learn from them before you repeat their mistakes ”
“The best signals often hide in user reviews, app add-ons, and public complaints.”
The Power of Founders’ Networks
Throughout the startup journey, founders should consistently connect with other founders. But at each stage, the type of founder changes:
Early stage: talk to those who’ve failed before Fundraising stage: talk to those who’ve successfully raised
“Your best investor intros will come from other founders—not cold outreach.”
She emphasized that VCs take referrals from portfolio companies more seriously than any inbound pitch. Cultivating these networks increases both access and credibility.
Choosing the Right Investors and Saying No
While fundraising, not all money is good money. Founders must be selective about who joins their cap table Angel investors and early-stage VCs can amplify credibility but only if they align with the company ’ s vision
“Each investor should have a role. If they can’t add value, don’t add them.”
Don’t Overlook Non-Dilutive Funding
Partnerships and Channels Multiply Reach
In regions like Spain and across the EU, public and non-equity grants are often underutilized. Eugenia highlighted government programs such as Kit Digital and various EU innovation grants. “It’s free money. Don’t ignore it Just do your research ” She recommended the EU’s central portal for exploring startup eligibility across dozens of funding tracks
Perplexity’s own growth strategy leaned heavily on channel partnerships, universities, tech platforms, and premium product tieins. These programs drove high usage and converted institutional buyers.
“Startups
should seek partners who can scale distribution faster than direct sales teams can.”
Product-Market Fit Requires Customer Time
Once fundraising is complete, founders must spend 70–80% of their time talking to customers. This is how MVPs become minimum awesome products
“Sales advisors save time and money but never let them argue in one room. Use their insights asynchronously.”
Eugenia urged startups not to delay go-to-market efforts. Instead, tap GTM advisors and iterate quickly with real-world customer feedback
Smart Startup–Corporate Collaboration
Startups shouldn’t ignore corporate partnerships, but they must set clear expectations Corporate partners can act as clients, distribution allies, or strategic investors but only if the startup knows what it wants
“Start with one or two corporate relationships not six. Know your goal. Stackrank what you need from them.”
Use ecosystems for what they are: amplifiers. Choose the right ones, at the right time, and with the right people.
Grover and Samsung’s early partnership was highlighted as a model: the startup got reach and validation; Samsung got product exposure without financial risk.
Open at the Start, Disciplined in the Middle, Exploratory in the End
Eugenia closed with a product design analogy: founders should be open during the ideation stage, structured during fundraising and product build, and expansive again during scaling.
“Startup growth is like a double diamond. You expand to explore, narrow to execute, then expand again to scale.”
SCALING SMART: BUILDING GROWTH ENGINES THROUGH ECOSYSTEMS
SCALEUPS: TOMORROW’S GIANTS
PANEL
Natalia
Olson-Urtecho, Xavier
Palomer, Seena Amidi, Xavier Llairo
What does it take to scale a startup in fragmented, over-regulated, yet opportunity-rich Europe?
In this high-energy panel, leaders from space tech, digital health, and venture capital debate the challenges of growing European startups into global powerhouses, and offer pragmatic strategies to overcome structural barriers, access capital, and stay resilient
Seena Amidi shared Plug and Play’s origin story and international scaling strategy Initially built to help startups grow in Silicon Valley, Plug and Play now operates in 60+ locations, connecting founders to global funding and markets without requiring relocation.
He stressed that geographic flexibility has become essential, as launching in major hubs like the Valley is prohibitively expensive especially for startups outside AI
“With the world’s connectivity, you can start a company anywhere.”
Deep Tech and the Funding Gap
Xavier Llairo described how Pangea Aerospace’s space innovations demanded long R&D cycles and deep capital unlike fast-turn SaaS models In Europe, the biggest challenge isn’t talent or innovation it’s the Series A and B funding gap
He argued that fragmented innovation ecosystems and conservative venture tickets prevent high-potential deep tech from reaching critical growth stages.
Fragmentation and Scale: The European Puzzle
Xavier Palomer tackled Europe’s structural challenge: fragmentation. With dozens of languages, regulations, and funding frameworks, scaling across the continent remains complex even for experienced operators.
Instead of relying on traditional scaling playbooks, XR Health pursued both organic growth (via sales and marketing) and inorganic growth (through acquisitions) M&A became crucial to overcome market entry hurdles
“Europe doesn’t exist, at least not as one market. It’s 30 different countries with 30 different rules.”
“Europe has the ideas, but not enough billiondollar funds to get them to scale.”
Valuation, Culture, and Global Mindsets
Seena emphasized that European founders often undervalue themselves culturally Where U S startups assert bold valuations, European founders may be more reserved, hampering fundraising. To win globally, startups must adopt a global mindset one based not on local validation but on international ambition and alignment with cross-border capital flows
“Don’t be humble with your valuation. Know your global worth.”
Consolidation as a Strategy
Faced with structural barriers agreed that consolid acquisition or shared infras may be the most realistic pat Especially for B2B and companies, acquiring strug efficient local firms can distributed growth
Healthy Growth vs. Hype Growth
“We’re acquiring companies that file bankruptcy becau unit economics are still excellent.”
While national pride and ownership can make cross-border acquisitions complex, a shared cap table and decentralized autonomy can work
Championing Innovation, Strategically
Xavier Llairo pushed for a shift in mindset: instead of backing every national startup, Europe must strategically choose and invest in a few high-potential champions. Otherwise, public funds will continue to dilute across smaller initiatives.
“We need champions who can consolidate entire verticals not 27 small players defending their turf.”
The discussion sparked contrasting views some defending the vitality of small companies, others emphasizing the need for continental-scale players that can fund future innovation
Xavier Palomer offered a grounded view: while European startups may lack U.S.-style blitzscaling, they often have stronger fundamentals and healthier P&Ls. He shared that XR Health raised far less capital than U.S. peers but ran a far more profitable business.
“It’s
not all about unicorns. It’s about building strong, sustainable companies.”
For Europe, the growth narrative must balance ambition with realism favoring long-term resilience over short-term hype.
Final Advice: Go Global Early, Be Relentless
Each speaker closed with parting advice. All echoed a version of this: don’t wait for your local market to validate you Move early Talk to customers Push beyond borders
“I
had five customers in Catalonia, and five in San Francisco. That’s how we started.”
“Find your way. Call, walk, fly, adapt. Never stop.”
“Sales is what makes productmarket fit real. Know your market. Know your customer. Iterate fast.”
Click to see the recording
SCALEUPS: TOMORROW’S GIANTS
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the brands that have played a pivotal role in making this event a resounding success. Your unwavering support and commitment to innovation have truly set the stage for an extraordinary experience.
THANK YOU SPONSORS & PARTNERS!
JOIN OUR ECOSYSTEM TODAY!
“TheNTWK is the place to be for companies that want to scale, connect and build strong networks."
work) Ecosystem?
Ecosystem is a collaborative network of hought leaders focused on driving the future n. We empower organizations to leverage rategies, innovate with new technologies, odels, and future-proof their business for
ers to startup stars, from industry experts to VCs, we bring together individuals and organizations from diverse backgrounds and across industries. What unites us is our shared commitment to continuous learning, connecting with others, and unlocking new capabilities through the power of collaboration. Together, we form a vibrant, open ecosystem where we exchange powerful ideas, forge impactful partnerships, and build new opportunities to innovate together
TheNTWK Summit is Europe's premier gathering for platform and ecosystem innovation, a Think Tank where industry leaders, visionaries, and innovators converge to shape the future of digital platform and ecosystem strategy.
We’re excited to announce the official dates for TheNTWK Summit 2026 Please mark your calendar and plan to join us May 21-22 in Barcelona! ��
Join the waitlist now and be the first to receive all the latest updates, early access, and exclusive content about the next edition of Europe’s leading summit on platform and ecosystem innovation
Next year ’ s edition theme From Digital Innovation to Digital Sovereignty captures the essence of how digital innovation in Europe is shifting to better serve Europe's longterm social, economic, and security interests, ensuring greater technological autonomy and geopolitical resilience. We will spotlight Europe’s unique approach to innovation through collaborative ecosystems, circular platforms, digital identity, responsible AI, and the transition towards a sovereign tech stack.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the movement shaping the next wave of digital platform and ecosystem innovation
