The Gateway Summit, scheduled for October 1 and 2 at the Málaga Cruise Terminal, is poised to serve as a critical nexus for transatlantic innovation, according to its coordinator, César Caballero. Following a promotional visit to Miami during eMerge Americas, where he championed Málaga as a rising hub for capital and innovation, Caballero detailed how the summit aims to go beyond traditional conferences by generating tangible connections among entrepreneurs, investors, corporations, and innovation ecosystems across the Atlantic.
In an exclusive interview with Hispanic Target Magazine, Caballero highlighted the positive reception in Miami, noting a massive interest in discovering new innovation hubs outside traditional markets. Málaga's appeal stems from its blend of talent, quality of life, international connectivity, and a rapidly maturing business ecosystem. The trip yielded strategic collaboration agreements and commitments from numerous U.S. and Latin American investors and companies to join in Málaga, reinforcing the summit's role as a platform for real connections.
The summit's disruptive, airport-inspired concept—featuring spaces like the "Pitching Runway" and "Takeoff Talks"—reflects its core philosophy as a connecting hub where ideas take flight. This edition's agenda balances top-tier content, investment, networking, and immersive experiences. Key formats include the Pitching Runway, where 10 finalist startups pitch directly to investors; specialized workshops; deal-making meetings; and an Experience Zone for live demos. Thematic priorities span Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, FinTech, EdTech, HealthTech, SpaceTech, Smart Cities, Connected Mobility, Tokenization, Bitcoin, Real Estate, Tourism, and Impact Investing.
Investment takes center stage with a new initiative assembling around 20 investors to create a live, practical guide on startup evaluation and investment decisions. The summit aims to empower attendees to understand market trends, connect with leaders, and unlock tangible business opportunities. Notable speakers already confirmed include executives from Mastercard, Renault, Indra, Quirón, PLD Space, Metricool, Markus Gotthard, and representatives from Cisco, Reental, and Bolt, with more announcements expected.
Tailored for startups, scaleups, corporations, venture capital funds, angel investors, family offices, institutions, universities, and tech hubs, the summit serves as a concentrated entry point into Spanish and broader European ecosystems. Investors can discover high-potential deals, participate in dedicated investment rooms, and arrange one-on-one meetings. Corporations can source technologies and identify partners, while founders can connect with investors and strategic allies. Advanced networking and matchmaking tools will facilitate pre-arranged meetings, minimizing randomness and ensuring effective connections.
Beyond traditional sessions, the summit offers practical learning through specialized seminars and immersive workshops. Unique formats include a live masterclass on startup investing led by Iván García Berjano, demystifying the investment process with 20 investors. Sessions like Reental's workshop on alternative investments and "Tres en Forma" with renowned investors Jesús Alonso Gallo, Rodolfo Carpintier, and Néstor Salvador Boichenco focus on business growth and scaleup strategy. The interactive Experience Zone will feature live tech demonstrations and immersive showcases. By integrating knowledge, action, and networking, Gateway Summit 2026 aims to deliver a return on investment for all participants, answering not just "Which presentation did you like best?" but "Who did you meet, and what deals will follow?"
