Sportek Hub, established in 2021 to foster a high-value sports industry, has signed a new collaboration protocol with its partners. The aim is to consolidate an open ecosystem for sports innovation, with a distinct focus on women's SportsTech, connecting sports, technology, business, entrepreneurship, and research.
This joint initiative actively involves the Basque Government, the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa, BIC Gipuzkoa, the Eibar City Council, and the Donostia City Council, reinforcing the HUB's strategic importance and regional impact.
Through the efforts of the promoting partners, 45 entrepreneurial initiatives have been identified and supported, with 21 already operating as new companies. In 2025, Sportek Hub underwent a strategic review, leading to a new governance model and establishing it as the first sports innovation center specifically focused on women's SportsTech.
An important step was taken on Wednesday, September 16th, with the signing of the new protocol by Donostia Mayor Jon Insausti, Eibar Mayor Jon Iraola, and BIC Gipuzkoa General Manager Marisa Arriola. The event also featured Bárbara Ǫuecedo, co-founder of Gladiatrix, and Francesc Paris, CEO of Optec4Life, showcasing the type of entrepreneurship supported.
Jon Insausti, Mayor of Donostia, highlighted the strategic collaboration for the city, integrating research, health, and sports, and noted that 70% of Donostia's residents regularly engage in sports, with an R&D&i investment of 3.7%.
Jon Iraola, Mayor of Eibar City Council, stated that for Eibar, a city linked to industry and entrepreneurship, this alliance offers an opportunity to drive a more innovative, inclusive, and competitive sports industry.
Maria Luisa Arriola, General Manager of BIC GIPUZKOA, expressed the goal for Sportek Hub to continue serving as a platform for generating opportunities, attracting talent and investment, and developing high-impact projects.
Bárbara Ǫuecedo, co-founder of Gladiatrix, explained that Sportek Hub supports them in designing and developing sports equipment for women, addressing a market gap and combining product innovation with active community listening.
Francesc Paris, CEO of Optec4Life, mentioned that Sportek Hub provides them the opportunity to validate their non-invasive metabolic monitoring technology in sports, aiming for a more comprehensive understanding of an athlete's metabolic response.
