Cluster GAIA

What Cluster GAIA does

Cluster GAIA (Asociación de Industrias de Conocimiento y Tecnología Aplicada, AIE) is a non-profit industry association founded in 1983 that represents 311 companies in the Basque Country's Knowledge and Applied Technology Industries (ICTA) sector, spanning electronics, information technology, and telecommunications. It is headquartered across two offices in Donostia-San Sebastián and Bilbao and operates within a recognized regional cluster framework, with affiliations including Silicon Europe Alliance, Conetic, FENAEIC, and Smart City Tech Cluster.

GAIA's business model is funded through a combination of member contributions, Basque and Spanish government support (notably SPRI, Bizkaia con el Talento, and Diputación Foral de Gipuzkoa), and European Union programs such as Erasmus+, Interreg POCTEFA, and Red.es. Rather than commercializing a single product, the association monetizes a portfolio of programs aimed at talent development, innovation, and SME digitalization on behalf of its member base.

Its service portfolio includes the TXAC Ecosystem for STEAM education, BE IT Service for ICT talent placement, an AI-powered Skills Assessment Tool, the Smart Grids Academy, GenAISA (generative AI training), the Cybergune cybersecurity community, Digital Twin on Smart Manufacturing, Acelera Pyme Offices, the cross-border NAIA electronics project, SMARTCY, and AIM-Learn. Under the presidency of Elena Zarraga (since June 2021), GAIA has progressively expanded into emerging technology verticals and cross-border cooperation, positioning itself as the convening body for the Basque ICTA ecosystem.

Name

Cluster GAIA

Legal name

Asociación de Industrias de Conocimiento y Tecnología (GAIA)

Website

https://gaia.es

Company type

Private

Founded year

1983

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Cluster GAIA is a non-profit industry association founded in 1983 that represents 311 Basque Country companies in the electronics, IT, and telecommunications (ICTA) sector, delivering training, talent, cybersecurity, and innovation programs funded by members and regional and EU public sources.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Donostia - San Sebastián

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: GAIA is a non-profit industry association (Asociación). Its primary revenue is membership fees collected from its 311 partner organizations. Additional revenue streams include service fees for specialized services (talent placement, skills assessment, training delivery), fees from collaborative R&D project management, and co-funded public program participation (Hazitek, Red.es, Interreg, Erasmus+, etc.).
2. Service Fees: Fees for specialized services provided to members and external organizations, including talent services (BE IT), skills assessment, STEAM training programs, and digital upskilling workshops.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Cluster GAIA is a non-profit industry association that aggregates 311 partner companies in the Basque Country's ICTA sector, delivering shared services in talent development, R&D+i coordination, internationalization, alliances, communication, and networking. It operates specialized programs including BE IT talent placement, AI-based Skills Assessment, the TXAC STEAM ecosystem, and EU-funded projects (GenAISA, NAIA, Cybergune, Smart Grids Academy) on behalf of its members.

Product overview

Cluster GAIA (Asociación de Industrias de Conocimiento y Tecnología) is the Basque Country's ICT industry association operating as a cluster organization rather than a single-product company. The organization offers a portfolio of interconnected services and initiatives including the TXAC Ecosystem (comprising Toolbox Academy, Txac Planet, Txacathons, and Community of Coders) for gamified computational thinking education; BE IT Service for talent placement; Skills Assessment Tool for AI-powered soft skills evaluation; and various EU-funded projects such as GenAISA (generative AI training), Smart Grids Academy (smart grid training), Digital Twin on Smart Manufacturing, NAIA (cross-border electronics), Cybergune (cybersecurity community), SMARTCY (cybersecurity simulator), and AIM-Learn (predictive maintenance training). The cluster also coordinates digitization support through Acelera Pyme Offices and participates in sustainability initiatives like Digital4Sustainability Alliance Community. Member services include Talent, Knowledge and Technology (R+D+i), Alliances, Internationalization, Communication and marketing, and Cooperation and networking.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• TXAC: STEAM education ecosystem using gamified dynamics and AI to train computational thinking for children, youth and adults
• BE IT
• Skills Assessment
• Digital4Sustainability Alliance Community
• Cybasque
• AKTI Sector

Products and services

• TXAC Ecosystem Gamified learning ecosystem for computational thinking that trains children, youth, and adults through programming languages, AI models, and gamified dynamics. It comprises Toolbox Academy, Txac Planet, Txacathons, and Community of Coders modules.
• BE IT Service Structured talent placement service connecting companies with young talent trained in technologies such as JAVA, Drupal, .Net, SAP, Cloud, Angular, RPA, and BIDE. Delivered through a 180-hour training program followed by one year of technical assistance.
• Skills Assessment Tool AI-powered assessment tool using gamified methodology based on psychometrics and algorithms to diagnose transversal soft skills for individuals and companies. Co-developed with Grupo Gestiet.
• BBKI 4.0 Game Free video game based on a scooter factory for teaching the industrial and technological vision of Industry 4.0 to children aged 8-14. Available on Google Play and Apple App Store.
• GenAISA - Generative AI Skills Academy European Erasmus+ project offering free training in Generative AI with two differentiated itineraries for technical profiles and professionals from any field. Coordinated by GAIA.
• Smart Grids Academy (SGA) Training initiative within the Bizkaia with the Talent strategy offering 4 training tracks for smart grids, developed and tested by sector companies for professionals in the energy sector.
• Cybergune Virtual cybersecurity community for the Basque Country developed by Cybasque in collaboration with SPRI, offering training, analysis tools, and resources for the cybersecurity ecosystem.
• Acelera Pyme Offices Digitization support service for SMEs and self-employed workers in Bizkaia and Araba, offering dynamization activities and personalized support actions. The program has supported over 200 companies and self-employed workers and was extended until 2027.
• GAIA STEAM Portal Educational portal with interactive games, videos, and exercises categorized by STEAM classification for measuring and improving children's competencies in schools. Developed with Alecop and EGILUZE ikastetxea.

Quantifiable outcome

• Acelera Pyme offices in Bizkaia and Araba have supported digitization of over 200 companies and self-employed professionals, with the program extended to 2027.
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability11 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Cybasque (Euskadi Cybersecurity Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCybasque is the cybersecurity industry association promoted by GAIA. It develops cybersecurity training, analysis tools, and resources for the Basque cybersecurity ecosystem. Projects include Cybergune (virtual cybersecurity community), CYBERFRONT events, BCSSD and CIBERDATA data space projects. GAIA and Cybasque co-implement cybersecurity initiatives and share infrastructure (Cybasque logo displayed on GAIA's website infrastructure section).
• I-SARE (Sare Basque Smartgris/Iot Cluster)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerI-SARE (Intelligent Sensor Actuator Network for Industry) is referenced in the GAIA infrastructure section alongside Cybasque and IoT Basque. I-SARE focuses on IoT technologies and smart grids, aligning with GAIA's Smart Grids Academy initiatives.
• IoT BasquecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIoT Basque is a specialized IoT cluster referenced in GAIA's infrastructure/networking section. It collaborates with GAIA on IoT and smart territory projects within the Basque ecosystem.
• Conetic (National Confederation of Technology-Based Business Associations)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerConetic is a national confederation of technology clusters in Spain. GAIA is a member and holds first vice-presidency in FENAEIC (National Federation of Innovative Business Groups and Clusters). Conetic facilitates public procurement for member clusters (e.g., GAMELabsNET immersive VR lab in Madrid).
• Silicon Europe AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGAIA is a member of the Silicon Europe Alliance, a network of European technology clusters working on shared policy, standards, and innovation priorities (e.g., European Chips Act statements).
• Smart City Tech ClusterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGAIA is a member of the Smart City Tech Cluster, an international network focused on smart city technologies and urban digital transformation.
• FENAEIC (Federación Nacional de Agrupaciones Empresariales Innovadoras y Clústeres)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerGAIA holds first vice-presidency of FENAEIC. FENAEIC represents Spanish innovative business groups and clusters, leading the capture of European SME innovation funding.
• Red.escoreOthers
• The Whiteteam (TWT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Whiteteam (TWT) is a member company of GAIA and co-develops the BE IT talent placement service with GAIA. TWT contributes its expertise in youth tech training and placement for the BE IT program.
• Grupo GestietcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrupo Gestiet co-developed GAIA's skills assessment tool using gamified methodology, psychometrics, algorithms, and AI to diagnose transversal/soft skills. Gestiet also coordinates projects like SMART CY (cybersecurity transversal skills simulator) and CITYSIM+ (AI for smart city simulation).
• Digital4Sustainability Alliance CommunitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGAIA is part of the Digital4Sustainability Alliance Community, a European initiative focused on shaping a sustainable digital future through knowledge and technology applied to digital transformation.
• Greenovate EuropecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGAIA joined the Board of Directors of Greenovate Europe, a European association of 25 leading entities working to promote environmentally and socially sustainable innovation. Facilitates participation of Basque companies in European sustainable innovation projects.
• CEBEK (Confederación Empresarial de Bizkaia)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEBEK and GAIA signed an agreement to establish a stable collaboration framework for developing joint initiatives to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of the Bizkaia business network. Focus on innovation, digitalization, and talent.
• EIKEN (Cluster Audiovisual y de Contenidos de Euskadi)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEIKEN is the Basque audiovisual and content industries cluster. GAIA and EIKEN collaborate within the REDCAU (Spanish Audiovisual Clusters Network) which represents 700+ organizations, and on digital skills projects.
• SPRISPRI (Sociedad para la Transformación Competitiva y la Internacionalización)coreOthersSPRI is the Basque Government's agency for business support and competitiveness. SPRI collaborates with Cybasque (via GAIA) on initiatives like Cybergune, ABEDI cybersecurity project, and Acelera Pyme program. SPRI provides public funding and institutional support.
• UNIR (Universidad Internacional de La Rioja)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGAIA offers 135 scholarships to professionals from member companies for complementary training in master's degrees, own degrees, university experts, and programs offered by UNIR.
• GAMELabsNET (European Network of Sector Labs)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGAIA co-founded GAMELabsNET, a network of 6 sector lab centers in Spain, Portugal, and France to support business digital transformation. GAIA leads the VIROO immersive VR lab project in Colombia with Universidad Ean, Virtual4, and Virtualware.
• AI BasquecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAI Basque was launched by GAIA and the UPV-EHU's Hitz Group to position the Basque Country as an international AI reference, promoting AI application in industry, services, and public administration.
• Azaroa FilmscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAzaroa Films collaborated with GAIA and EITB to launch TXAC PLANET, a 30-chapter TV series introducing children and teenagers to programming language and computational thinking. Azaroa Films provides audiovisual production expertise.
• EITB (Euskal Irrati Telebista)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerEITB (Basque Public Broadcasting) partnered with GAIA and Azaroa Films to air TXAC PLANET, reaching Basque families through television to promote STEAM education.
• Alecop, S.Coop.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlecop collaborated with EGILUZE ikastetxea (Errenteria) and GAIA to develop the GAIA-STEAM.com platform — interactive games, videos, and exercises for STEAM competency assessment in schools.
• European Commission / Erasmus+ ProgrammecoreOthersGAIA participates in multiple Erasmus+ funded projects: Digital Twin on Smart Manufacturing, GenAISA (Generative AI Skills Academy), CREMEL 2.0, SMARCO, ASC4INN, AIM-LEARN, SECOVE, C3-WELL. These EU-funded programs support skills development, digital transformation, and innovation.
• NAEN (Eurorregión Nueva Aquitania-Euskadi-Navarra)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNAEN Euroregion supports TXAC PLANET's implementation in Navarre's ikastolas, enabling cross-border STEAM education collaboration.
• Bizkaia with the Talent (Talentua Ernatu)coreOthersBizkaia with the Talent is a regional strategy under which the Smart Grids Academy (SGA) operates. GAIA coordinates the Digital Talent Hub Academy and the Acelera Pyme program under this umbrella. Supported by the Provincial Government of Bizkaia.
• Gipuzkoa Provincial Government / Talentua ErnatucoreOthersThe GAIA AKTIBATU project is developed within the Talentua Ernatu program of the Provincial Government of Gipuzkoa, aimed at anticipating future talent needs through a pioneering model developed with Mik S.Coop.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Secartys: Catalan technology cluster promoting electronics, telecommunications, and digital industries. Closely comparable as a Spanish regional industry cluster providing shared services (R&D coordination, talent, internationalization) to a member base of tech companies.
• Silicon Europe Alliance: European alliance of 12+ technology clusters (including GAIA) coordinating cross-border innovation projects and shared policy advocacy. Direct peer as a cluster-consortium network coordinating EU funding and project pipelines across member clusters.
• Conetic: National confederation of technology-based business clusters and innovative business groups in Spain. GAIA is itself a member and FENAEIC-affiliated, making Conetic a direct structural peer representing the same Spanish cluster-association model at a national umbrella level.
• Fedit: Spanish federation of technology centers (centros tecnológicos) coordinating applied R&D and innovation services for member centers across Spanish regions. Comparable cluster-network model serving Spanish tech and applied-research organizations with policy and EU-funding coordination.
• CTA Corporación Tecnológica de Andalucía: Regional technology cluster in Andalusia, Spain, operating a comparable model of representing regional tech firms and coordinating R&D+i, talent, internationalization, and EU funding access. Direct peer given parallel cluster-association structure and member-service portfolio.

Broad incumbents

• EIT Digital: European Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) under EIT driving digital transformation with pan-European scope, deep EU program integration, and accelerator activities. Comparable in mission (digital transformation + EU funding access) but with substantially broader footprint and budget than GAIA.
• AMETIC: Spain's main national digital and technology industry association, representing ICT companies nationwide with advocacy, training, and event services. Larger scope and resources than GAIA but overlapping member base and competitive positioning for member engagement and policy influence within Spain.

Regional players

• Mobile World Capital Barcelona Foundation: Catalan-based foundation driving digital ecosystem development through the GSMA-affiliated Mobile World Congress, digital innovation programs, and member services. Comparable as a Spanish cluster-style organization but focused on Barcelona/Catalonia with telecom and mobile industry emphasis.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cluster-gaia

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Cluster GAIA