Next Frontier Founders

This is an acceleration and investment readiness programme designed to support the rapid development and financing of start-ups and spin-offs driven by UPC entrepreneurs.

Next Frontier Founders. Where tech visionaries meet capital

Under the tagline “Where tech visonaries meet capital”, the programme is sponsored and supported by Fractus through the Hub and offers a combination of:

▪ Training sessions and expert mentoring covering several areas of business development, such as financing structures, legal frameworks, market analysis, intellectual property and communication.

▪ Opportunities for connection with other founders and key players in the innovation ecosystem, especially in deep-tech.

▪ A one-to-one matchmaking day with representatives from public and private investment companies.

▪ The possibility to pitch your tech-based company at the UPC Pitching Session during 4YFN 2026 or to have a presence at the event, held in parallel with MWC Barcelona.

Who is it for

Technology-based start-ups and spin-offs founded by UPC students, recent graduates or research staff, whether already established or currently being created.

Call and registration

Applications can be submitted from 2 June to 15 July 2025 using the following form:

Apply for the Next Frontier Founders programme

From mid-July to September, applications will be reviewed and evaluated by the UPC Innovation Management Service and the Fractus-UPC Deep Tech Hub. The list of selected participants will be announced in September.

Timeline

▪ Early October: introduction of selected projects and participating experts and professionals.

▪ October to December: mentoring and training sessions.

▪ Mid-January: one-to-one meetings with potential investors.

▪ 4 March: the possibility to pitch your tech-based company at the UPC Pitching Session during 4YFN or to have a presence at the event, alongside other UPC start-ups and spin-offs.