What BAT B Accelerator Tower does

BAT B Accelerator Tower is a publicly-funded innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem headquartered in Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain, operated by BEAZ S.A.U. (Tax ID A48229058), a public company under the Provincial Council of Bizkaia (Diputación Foral de Bizkaia), with co-funding from the Basque Government and Bilbao City Council. International network services are delivered in collaboration with PwC, Talent Garden, and Impact Hub. The center connects four stakeholder groups — startups, corporates, investors, and knowledge institutions — through structured acceleration programs, open innovation challenges, international missions, and event programming, with a stated network of 140+ international hubs.

The core product set comprises four acceleration programs: B Acceleration Programs (corporate-startup challenge matching with partners including Iberdrola, Ayesa, GERTEK, Altuna y Uria, MC Sonae, and Startup Wise Guys), the Beaz Acceleration Program (6-month public-private accelerator offering up to €100,000 in initial investment), BBK Arin (social/environmental impact track with €100,000 funding and 400+ mentors), and B Landing (8-week on-site program with ESDEN Business School certification). Supporting services include the B Founders Club (established entrepreneur network), Global Mobility Programs (international missions and exchanges), BATlex (legal advisory), and BAT Community Spaces (coworking, private offices, auditorium, terrace). The technology underlying BAT is the ecosystem platform itself — event calendars, online application portals, hub network infrastructure — rather than proprietary software products.

The business model is built on professional services delivered to four stakeholder segments (startups, corporates, investors, knowledge institutions). BAT is publicly funded; revenue is not disclosed and pricing is not public. Corporate partners participate through open innovation programs and challenge sponsorship; startups apply via online forms and, if selected, receive acceleration, mentorship, workspace, and potentially direct investment (€100,000 from Beaz or BBK Arin funds). Go-to-market is community-led: BAT drives visibility through 450–550 annual events, 25,000+ attendees, dedicated international missions, and flagship events such as B Acceleration Week. The center does not develop proprietary AI/ML technology, and its AI exposure is indirect, mediated through partner challenges and ecosystem participants.

Name

BAT B Accelerator Tower

Legal name

BEAZ, S.A.U.

Website

https://bacceleratortower.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

BAT B Accelerator Tower is a publicly-funded innovation ecosystem in Bilbao, Spain, operated by BEAZ S.A.U., connecting startups, corporates, investors, and knowledge institutions through acceleration programs, open innovation challenges, and a 140+ international hub network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Startup Acceleration and Innovation Ecosystem Services

akta.pro primary industry

Accelerators & Incubators (Investor-Operated) (FSANAAAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Corporate Accelerators & Startup Programs (FSANAHAD), Youth Business Incubators & Accelerators (EDAMAHAC), Marketing, Branding & Sales Skills (EDAMAHAG), Business Planning, Pitching & Competitions (Pitch Decks, Demo Days) (EDAMAHAB)

Keywords

• Startup acceleration programs
• Open innovation challenges
• Corporate-startup matchmaking
• Innovation ecosystem hubs
• Entrepreneurship community

Headquarters

HQ city

Bilbao

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Acceleration Program Services: BAT provides acceleration program services to startups and corporations. Services include advisory, acceleration, access to financing networks, matchmaking, networking, training, public support access, and workspace provision. The center is backed by public institutions (Basque Government, Provincial Council of Bizkaia, Bilbao City Council) and operated by BEAZ S.A.U.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

BAT B Accelerator Tower is a publicly-funded innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem that runs structured acceleration programs and open innovation challenges for startups and corporates. Its core offerings include multi-week acceleration programs (B Landing, Beaz, BBK Arin, B Acceleration Programs), an international hub network connecting members to 140+ global innovation hubs, exclusive entrepreneur networks (B Founders Club), legal advisory (BATlex), physical coworking and event spaces, and a year-round event calendar with 450+ events attracting 25,000+ attendees.

Product overview

BAT B Accelerator Tower operates as a comprehensive innovation ecosystem and acceleration center rather than a single software product. The core offering consists of structured acceleration programs (B Acceleration Programs, Beaz Acceleration Program, BBK Arin, B Landing) that connect startups with corporate partners for collaborative innovation projects. Supporting services include the B Founders Club network, Global Mobility Programs for international connections, BATlex legal advisory, and physical community spaces. The ecosystem is backed by BEAZ S.A.U., Basque Government, Provincial Council of Bizkaia, and Bilbao City Council, with international network support from PwC, Talent Garden, and Impact Hub. With 140+ connected international hubs, the center facilitates market access, funding connections, and cross-border collaboration for member startups.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Beaz Acceleration Program: First public-private startup accelerator in Bizkaia offering 6-month high-performance program with exclusive training, expert advice, tailored financing, and market access support. Third edition offering up to €100,000 initial investment.
• BBK Arin
• B Landing Acceleration Program
• B Acceleration Programs
• B Acceleration Week
• B Founders Club

Products and services

• B Acceleration Programs Collaborative innovation programs matching startups with leading corporations to solve real-world technological challenges through pilot projects, PoCs, and testing in real environments. Designed for startups and corporate partners (Iberdrola, Ayesa, GERTEK, Google Cloud, MC Sonae, Startup Wise Guys).
• Beaz Acceleration Program First public-private startup accelerator in Bizkaia offering 6-month intensive business acceleration with four verticals: exclusive training, expert advice, tailored financing up to €100,000, and strategic location for market access. Targeting startups ready to scale.
• BBK Arin Acceleration Program Acceleration program for social and environmental impact projects seeking economic and social profitability, offering 5 finalists access to 400+ mentors, 70 hours training, and €100,000 funding. For impact-driven startups and entrepreneurs.
• B Landing Acceleration Program 8-week on-site acceleration program (October-November) supporting startups landing and growing in Bizkaia ecosystem, combining mentorship, training, corporate access, and ESDEN Business School certification. For international startups seeking European market entry.
• B Founders Club Exclusive network connecting established Basque entrepreneurs with future builders, facilitating knowledge sharing, high-value connections, and transforming ideas into concrete actions. For established entrepreneurs.
• Global Mobility Programs International missions and startup exchange programs connecting BAT members with 140+ global innovation hubs for cross-border collaboration and market expansion.
• BATlex Legal Advisory Legal advisory service clarifying doubts on corporate law, taxation, data protection, and intellectual property for startups and ecosystem members.
• BAT Community Spaces Physical infrastructure including coworking spaces, private offices (2-10 persons), meeting rooms, workshop rooms, auditorium with sixth-floor terrace, and relax areas. For startups and ecosystem members.
• B Acceleration Week Premier annual entrepreneurship and innovation event featuring industry sessions, Startup World Cup Iberia regional final, and networking opportunities for startups, corporates, and investors.
• BAT Events Platform Event calendar and hosting platform facilitating networking, learning, and community engagement through 450+ annual events attracting 17,000+ attendees.

Named customers20 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Pegasus Tech VenturescoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Partnership for B Acceleration Week, hosting Regional Final of Startup World Cup Iberia. Provides international opportunity for top startup to compete in San Francisco for $1M investment prize.
• Google CloudcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Google Cloud provides benefits to BAT startups through the Digital Natives program. Startups receive Google Cloud credits as part of acceleration program benefits.
• Startup Wise GuyscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024European B2B accelerator operating the Cyber and Defense acceleration program at BAT. Provides investment up to €100,000 (plus €250,000 follow-on) and access to 350+ mentors and 200+ investors network.
• MC SonaecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024MC Sonae partners with BAT through B Acceleration Programs, seeking warehouse automation solutions. Challenge focused on picking optimization and product/equipment location operations.
• Iberdrola PerseocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Iberdrola Perseo program seeks digital solutions for grid capacity modelling through BAT's open innovation challenge. Looking for ML algorithms for demand/generation scenario planning over 5-10 year horizons.
• Global Smart Grids Innovation HubcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Iberdrola's innovation hub co-organizes the grid capacity modelling challenge with Perseo at BAT.
• AyesacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Ayesa partners with BAT for quantum-safe environments challenge, seeking startups to support migration to post-quantum cryptography for energy sector clients.
• Ibermática FundazioacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Co-organizes quantum-safe environments challenge with Ayesa at BAT.
• GERTEKcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024GERTEK S.A., Basque company with 20+ years in traffic sector, seeks smart mobility solutions through BAT. Challenges include real-time parking occupancy and vehicle occupant detection.
• Altuna y UriacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Construction company seeking digital innovation through three challenges: digital monitoring of ongoing works, recycled construction materials, and digital diversification opportunities.
• PwCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPwC collaborates with BAT to provide differential services and international network access. Part of the unique public-private collaboration model that makes BAT a distinctive innovation center.
• Talent GardencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTalent Garden partners with BAT as part of the international network and services collaboration, bringing European innovation ecosystem connectivity.
• Impact HubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImpact Hub partners with BAT contributing to the international network and innovation ecosystem development.
• ESDEN Business SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides certification for B Landing Acceleration Program graduates. ESDEN credentials awarded upon program completion.
• TECNALIAcoreTechnology or IntegrationLeading Basque technology center, member of BAT community. Provides technology transfer and R&D collaboration opportunities.
• EIT FoodcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean Institute of Innovation and Technology food innovation initiative, member of BAT community.
• EIT InnoEnergycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean sustainable energy innovation initiative, member of BAT community.
• EIT ManufacturingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean manufacturing innovation initiative, co-organizes warehouse automation challenge with MC Sonae at BAT.
• AZTIcoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology center specializing in food, sea, and energy, member of BAT science/knowledge community.
• VicomtechcoreTechnology or IntegrationVisual recognition and artificial intelligence research center, member of BAT knowledge institution community.
• DeustocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Deusto, member of BAT educational institution community for entrepreneurship support.
• InnobasquecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBasque innovation agency, member of BAT ecosystem for innovation promotion.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights10 records

Regional players

• The Cube: Madrid-based innovation hub offering coworking, acceleration and corporate-startup programs. Comparable to BAT as a Spanish innovation hub in a different city, competing for similar corporates and founders but operating in a distinct metro.

Direct peers

• Station F: Paris-based flagship startup campus hosting a dense ecosystem of accelerators, corporate programs and venture partners under one roof. Directly comparable to BAT as a physical, multi-stakeholder innovation hub rather than a single-fund accelerator.
• Wayra (Telefónica): Telefónica's global corporate-startup accelerator network with hubs across Spain and Latin America. Directly comparable to BAT in running corporate-matched open innovation challenges and providing startups access to a tier-1 operator's assets.
• Lanzadera: Leading Spanish startup accelerator based in Valencia, founded by Juan Roig (Mercadona). Comparable to BAT as a high-profile, regionally-backed Spanish accelerator offering funding, mentorship and corporate access to early-stage startups.
• Impact Hub: Global network of impact-focused innovation hubs and accelerators. BAT is itself a partner with Impact Hub, and Impact Hub is comparable as a multi-city, community-led innovation hub with coworking, programming and corporate engagement.
• EIT InnoEnergy: European sustainable-energy innovation initiative backed by the EU, running accelerator-style programs and corporate-startup matching. A BAT community partner, and comparable as a publicly-backed European accelerator connecting energy startups with major corporates.
• Startup Wise Guys: European B2B/fintech/cyber accelerator operating multi-country programs including the Cyber & Defense vertical at BAT. Comparable as a funded accelerator offering cheques (up to €100K + follow-on), mentorship and corporate pilots.
• 4YFN (Four Years From Now): Barcelona-based startup and innovation hub affiliated with Mobile World Capital. Directly comparable to BAT as a Spanish/European platform connecting startups with corporates, investors and ecosystem partners through events and programs.
• Talent Garden: Europe's largest network of coworking and innovation campuses, with a strong education and acceleration layer. A BAT partner, and directly comparable as a multi-country innovation hub offering workspace, learning and corporate-startup programs.

Broad incumbents

• Google for Startups: Global corporate accelerator and credit program for early-stage tech startups. BAT partners with Google Cloud under the Digital Natives program; Google for Startups is broadly comparable as a much larger corporate-backed accelerator with deeper global distribution.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/bat_tower
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bat-b-accelerator-tower

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about BAT B Accelerator Tower