• The rural towns of A Pobra de Trives and San Xoán de Río (Galicia) create “Valle del Navea”, the name under which they become the first “Startup Village” in Spain recognized by the European Union
• This is the fourteenth “Startup Village” in Europe.

The council of “A Pobra de Trives” and that of “San Xoán de Río” in Galicia have been validated by the European Union as the first “Startup Village” in Spain and the fourteenth in Europe, under the name of “Navea Valley”: Valle del Navea.

What is a "Startup Village"? According to the European Commission, a" Startup Village" is a rural area that embraces innovation and entrepreneurship to develop its potential. Thus, they could be understood as "emerging villages" or towns that seek to attract startups to their territory and, by investing in innovation, are once again becoming attractive places to settle, especially for young people, thanks to the development of new business and employment initiatives.

Navea Valley

The ultimate goal of the "Startup Village" is to attract talent and entrepreneurial initiatives that will help establish a population. The plan involves combining the potential of the area, its people, its knowledge, and its resources around a common effort: creating favorable conditions for entrepreneurs and creating innovative ecosystems that help them thrive. In short, creating jobs through new, innovative entrepreneurial projects.

In the words of the mayor of Trives, Patricia Domínguez, "given that A Pobra de Trives and San Xoán de Río have a high percentage of university graduates, local executives hope that this initiative will contribute to attracting talent and working with entrepreneurs so that residents improve their quality of life, provide high-speed internet throughout the territory, and consolidate the university community through the Rural University."

Two other rural areas in the country have also requested to participate in this forum: Merindad de Cuesta Urria (Castilla y León) and Sierra de Béjar, Sierra de Francia and Entresierras (Castilla y León).

The European Forum of Startup Villages

The European Commission and the Joint Research Centre (JRC) have launched the Startup Village Forum as part of the "Long-term Vision for Rural Areas in the European Union (EU)" strategy . The forum is designed as a platform to bring together stakeholders (institutions and startups) to attract new businesses to rural areas.

The EU has also developed a Startup Village Mapping Tool to identify and support rural areas with potential for innovation and entrepreneurship. The map provides an overview of the villages identified as Startup Villages, along with the information they have provided.

In February 2023, a call for applications was launched for all European villages seeking to become Startup Villages. If you are a local authority or represent a local authority and believe your village could become a Startup Village, here's a questionnaire .