What Red de Centros Circular FAB does

Red de Centros Circular FAB is a publicly funded network of 12+ territorial innovation centers distributed across the province of Cáceres in Extremadura, Spain, owned and operated by the Diputación Provincial de Cáceres since its formal establishment in February 2023. The network delivers free innovation, digital transformation, entrepreneurship support, and digital-skills training services to entrepreneurs, SMEs, seniors, and public administrations, anchored by FIWARE iHub El Círculo — the reference center in Cáceres city — and complemented by territorial centers in municipalities including Arroyo de la Luz, Miajadas, Moraleja, Trujillo, Valencia de Alcántara, Malpartida de Plasencia, Coria, Logrosán, Jarandilla de la Vera, Alcuéscar, and Caminomorisco. The core technology stack is built on the FIWARE open-source smart cities platform, providing IoT device integration, structured data management using NGSI-v2 protocols, and sandbox environments for experimentation. The service portfolio includes an 8-month entrepreneurship acceleration program (V Programa de Emprendimiento, now in its 5th edition, with Telefónica's Open Future methodology), FIWARE training workshops, digital fabrication labs (3D printing, electronics, textile design), and AI literacy programs (IA-Senior for seniors aged 60–84, IA-AMPARO for rural populations). The network generates no commercial revenue; all operations are funded by the Provincial Government with co-financing from Next Generation EU, Horizon Europe, and Spanish national ministries. Strategic partnerships with Telefónica, FIWARE Foundation, FUNDECYT-PCTEX, and the Junta de Extremadura anchor the ecosystem, while EU consortium participation (UNITE, €20M budget) connects the provincial network to broader European health digitalization initiatives.

Name

Red de Centros Circular FAB

Legal name

Diputación Provincial de Cáceres

Website

https://circularfab.es

Company type

Private

Founded year

2023

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Red de Centros Circular FAB is a publicly funded network of 12+ territorial innovation centers across the province of Cáceres, Spain, offering free FIWARE-based digital transformation, entrepreneurship acceleration, and AI literacy programs to entrepreneurs, SMEs, seniors, and municipalities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Innovation Services

NAICS

Computer Training (611420), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (5415)

SIC

Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)

akta.pro primary industry

Makerspace, Innovation Lab & Fab Lab Operations (Tools, Safety, Programming) (EDAEAGAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Makerspaces & Fab Labs (Open Build Studios) (EDAMADAC)

Keywords

• Rural innovation centers
• FIWARE smart cities training
• Entrepreneurship acceleration programs
• Digital fabrication laboratories
• Public innovation networks

Headquarters

HQ city

Cáceres

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices13 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Public Institutional Funding: Red Circular FAB is entirely funded by the Diputación Provincial de Cáceres as part of its public service mission. No commercial revenue is generated. The network operates as a public innovation infrastructure offering free services to citizens, entrepreneurs, and SMEs. Additional co-funding comes from the European Union (Next Generation EU, Horizon Europe), the Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, and other public programs.
2. Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program: The Red Circular FAB runs an 8-month acceleration program (V Programa de Emprendimiento) selecting 3 projects per cohort. While participation is free for selected entrepreneurs, the program is funded through public budgets and European regional development funds, supporting goals of talent retention, rural economic diversification, and digital transformation.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Red Circular FAB operates a publicly funded network of 12 territorial innovation centers across the province of Cáceres, Spain, providing free access to technology infrastructure (FIWARE iHub, digital fabrication labs with 3D printing and electronics), an 8-month entrepreneurship acceleration program built on Telefónica's Open Future methodology, and structured training programs covering FIWARE/smart-cities, AI literacy (IA Sénior, IA-AMPARO), and digital skills. Services are delivered directly at physical centers to entrepreneurs, SMEs, seniors, and municipalities, with co-financing from the Diputación Provincial de Cáceres and the European Union (Next Generation EU, Horizon Europe).

Product overview

Red Circular FAB is a network of 12 territorial innovation centers across Cáceres province, Spain, promoted by the Provincial Government. The ecosystem is anchored by FIWARE iHub El Círculo (the reference center in Cáceres) and complemented by distributed territorial centers. Core offerings include the FIWARE Training Workshop series (practical IoT and smart cities education), the V Programa de Emprendimiento (8-month acceleration program with Open Future/Telefónica methodology), Summer Tech Fest seasonal workshops, and digital fabrication labs. AI-focused programs include IA Sénior (senior digital inclusion) and IA-AMPARO (rural digital skills). The network provides mentorship, prototyping facilities, and connectivity support for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and citizens across rural Extremadura.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• FIWARE iHub El Círculo Reference center of the Circular FAB network, located in Cáceres. FIWARE-powered innovation hub providing open innovation, digital transformation support, entrepreneurship acceleration, and digital skills training for the province. Operates as the central node of the network offering sandbox environments, technical training, and project support for entrepreneurs and public sector partners.
• Programa de Emprendimiento (Entrepreneurship Program) 8-month business acceleration program structured in two 4-month phases, combining the Open Future methodology from Telefónica with mentorship, practical training, and access to digital fabrication labs. Has supported 18+ tech initiatives across 5 editions. Free participation for selected entrepreneurs, funded through public budgets and European regional development funds.
• FIWARE Training Workshops Practical workshops teaching FIWARE platform usage including introduction to FIWARE, CRUD operations, entity relationships, IoT device integration, and sandbox experimentation environments. Delivered in person and online to entrepreneurs, SMEs, and public administrations.
• Summer Tech Fest 2026 Summer workshop series covering 3D printing at multiple levels, Unity game development, sublimation printing, and circular textile design. Held at the FIWARE iHub El Círculo center in Cáceres, open to the general public with online registration.
• IA Sénior Program 12-week AI training program for people aged 60–84 from 14 municipalities in rural Cáceres, teaching practical AI applications for health, housing, consumption, security, social relations, tourism, and culture access. Graduates act as digital ambassadors in their communities. Funded with provincial investment of €14,940.
• IA-AMPARO Program Digital skills training for AI targeting nearly 2,500 people across 37 municipalities with fewer than 1,000 inhabitants, with focus on reducing digital isolation and loneliness in rural areas. Delivered via the Universidad Popular network; budget €509,272 funded by Next Generation EU through the Spanish Federation of Popular Universities.
• Digital Fabrication Laboratories Network-wide access to digital fabrication equipment including 3D printers, open electronics, and sensor-development tools for prototyping and experimentation. Available to incubated entrepreneurs and program participants for prototyping and MVP development.
• Territorial Innovation Centers Network Network of 11 territorial innovation centers plus 1 reference center across municipalities of Cáceres province (Arroyo de la Luz, Cáceres-El Círculo, Miajadas, Moraleja, Trujillo, Valencia de Alcántara, Malpartida de Plasencia, Coria, Logrosán, Jarandilla de la Vera, Alcuéscar, and Caminomorisco) providing local access to technology, training, and entrepreneurship support.

Quantifiable outcome

• 3rd best business nursery in Extremadura, 4th nationally in the 'Modest' category (Funcas Ranking 2026-2027)
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability5 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered primary, core and minor.

• Diputación Provincial de CáceresprimaryOthers · 14 February 2023The Provincial Government of Cáceres is the founding parent institution and primary funder of the Red Circular FAB network. It provides institutional authority, public budget allocation, staffing, and strategic direction through the Área de Innovación y Provincia Digital. All centers operate under its mandate and funding framework. The legal entity responsible for the website (circularfab.es) and all network operations.
• TelefónicacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTelefónica serves as the technology dynamization partner and provides the Open Future acceleration methodology for the entrepreneurship program. Telefónica representatives (Manuel Velardo, Mar Portillo, Benjamín López, José Antonio Crespo) participate in the selection committee as evaluators. The partnership combines institutional support with private sector technology expertise and methodology.
• FIWARE FoundationcoreTechnology or IntegrationFIWARE is the core technology platform powering the Red Circular FAB's smart territory strategy. The FIWARE iHub El Círculo is a designated reference center of the FIWARE ecosystem. FIWARE provides the open-source smart cities framework, training curriculum, sandbox environments, and international network connectivity. The platform covers IoT integration, data management, and smart city solutions across the network.
• FUNDECYT-PCTEX (Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Extremadura)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFUNDECYT-PCTEX channels Extremadura's participation in the UNITE European health digitalization consortium (€20M total, co-funded 50% by the European Commission under Horizon Europe). As the only Spanish region in the consortium, Extremadura's participation is managed through this entity, connecting local innovation to European health technology ecosystems.
• FUNDESALUD (Fundación extremeña para la gestión de la investigación en servicios de salud)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFUNDESALUD participates in European projects focused on active aging and care for people with dementia. It connects the Red Circular FAB ecosystem to healthcare innovation initiatives and provides a bridge between technology programs and the health sector in Extremadura.
• Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica y el Reto Demográfico (MITECO)coreOthersThe Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge provides financing for the IA-AMPARO project (€509,272) through Next Generation EU funds, targeting AI digital skills for nearly 2,500 people in 37 rural municipalities and the social-health sector. This partnership enables the network's rural digital inclusion mission.
• Federación Española de Universidades PopularescoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartner organization for the IA-AMPARO project, responsible for implementing training activities across 37 municipalities. Works in coordination with the Red Circular FAB to deliver AI literacy programs in rural areas using the Universidad Popular network as the delivery mechanism.
• Red Sénior de ExtremaduraminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborating organization in the IA-Sénior program, which trained 60+ seniors aged 60–84 from 14 municipalities in AI applications. The partnership enables intergenerational digital inclusion activities and positions senior citizens as digital ambassadors in their communities.
• Junta de ExtremaduracoreOthersThe Regional Government of Extremadura partners through programs including AMPLIA (Talento Digital 2026), which selected 12 companies for AI and hyper-automation implementation, and funding lines for SMEs and self-employed workers up to 85% subsidized (max €100,000). The regional government also supports the IA-AMPARO initiative and the broader digital transformation strategy aligned with Extremadura 2027.
• Cámaras de Comercio de Badajoz y CáceresminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe Chambers of Commerce of Badajoz and Cáceres collaborate with the Junta de Extremadura on the AMPLIA (Talento Digital 2026) program to select and support SMEs in adopting AI and hyper-automation solutions. They serve as local intermediaries for program delivery and business support.
• EBS Experiential SchoolminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEBS Experiential School runs the Public Digitalization Program (PDP), an initiative that connects international public administration representatives with innovative digital transformation projects. Through this program, a delegation from Moldavia visited FIWARE iHub El Círculo in May 2026, providing international exposure and knowledge exchange for the Red Circular FAB network.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Madrid Emprende: Madrid municipality's entrepreneurship and innovation support network operating Vivero de Empresas (business incubators) and innovation programs. Comparable public innovation infrastructure serving entrepreneurs and SMEs at regional scale.
• Barcelona Activa: Municipal innovation and economic development agency of Barcelona, operating a network of incubation spaces, business support services, and digital skills training. Comparable public-mandate innovation hub model, though operating at urban scale rather than rural.
• FIWARE Foundation: Global non-profit stewarding the FIWARE open-source smart cities platform and the iHub network. Red Circular FAB's El Círculo is a designated FIWARE iHub, making the Foundation both technology partner and ecosystem peer. Other FIWARE iHubs globally (Brazil, UK, Mexico, etc.) follow similar hub-based innovation models.
• Telefónica Open Future: Telefónica's global network of innovation accelerators and hubs that provides the Open Future acceleration methodology used by Red Circular FAB's Programa de Emprendimiento. Direct partnership and shared methodology make it the closest functional peer, although Telefónica operates at much larger scale.
• BIC Euronova (BIC Málaga): European Business and Innovation Centre in Málaga providing incubation, acceleration, and internationalization services to tech startups. Comparable business incubator model operating in a Spanish regional context, often ranked alongside other Spanish incubators in the Funcas ranking.
• Fundecyt-PCTEX (Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Extremadura): Science and Technology Park of Extremadura, the entity channeling Extremadura's participation in the UNITE EU consortium. Sister organization in the regional innovation ecosystem, focused on tech transfer and scientific commercialization, also publicly funded.
• CEEI Extremadura (Centro Europeo de Empresas e Innovación): Regional business innovation center also operating in Extremadura, providing incubation, acceleration, and business support services to entrepreneurs and SMEs. Direct regional peer operating in the same territory with similar mandate to support tech-based startups.

Broad incumbents

• Fab Lab Network (MIT Fab Foundation): Global network of digital fabrication laboratories (Fab Labs) originated at MIT, with 2,000+ locations worldwide. Comparable maker-space and digital fabrication model; Red Circular FAB's digital fabrication labs operate in the same conceptual space but under a provincial public-innovation mandate rather than the Fab Foundation's decentralized model.
• EBN (European Business Innovation Centre Network): EU-wide network of Business Innovation Centres (BICs) supporting entrepreneurship and innovation across Europe. Comparable network-of-hubs model operating under EU structural funding programs; provides benchmarking, certification, and best practice sharing relevant to Red Circular FAB's operation.

Regional players

• Junta de Extremadura Innovation Programs (Extremadura 2030): Regional government's broader innovation and digital transformation strategy, including AMPLIA (Talento Digital 2026) and SME digitalization subsidies (up to 85% subsidized, max €100,000). Sibling public program operating in the same region with overlapping beneficiaries, though broader in scope and not specifically a hub network.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CircularFab
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCjDx4ODmBeJTAHVsR_gszjQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/CircularFAB
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/red-de-centros-circular-fab
• Instagraminstagram.com/cfab_caceres

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

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 Red de Centros Circular FAB