One of the ways we did this was through our four-day boot camp, a customized program for aspiring entrepreneurs in the Basque region, which was held at MassChallenge Boston.

On a regional level, our global partnerships team worked with the Biscay government to develop training and guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs in the Region.

Recognition for entrepreneurs in the Basque region

The transformative change of the region was recognized at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, which was held in Washington DC from June 29th – July 10th.

Excited to promote Basque innovation at the festival, MassChallenge global partnerships manager Sarah Trager shared, In this first year of partnership, MassChallenge has already been impressed by the high quality of talent and strong innovations being produced in the Basque Country. Through Bridge to MassChallenge, we are able to connect high potential entrepreneurs with strong markets, mentorship, and perspective as we invest in collaborating with local leaders to catalyze growth for the Basque economy.

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival presents the cultural identities of various regions of the world through their unique forms of art. Along with significant exhibits like the Sounds of California focusing on expressing the glory of creative arts in one of the most diverse regions in the United States, the festival also introduces the world to hidden gems like the Basque Country. The Biscay exhibit has the underlining theme of innovation by culture, which represents the countrys growing innovative culture fueled by its rich history and social values.

MassChallenge is proud to collaborate with a highly engaged and proactive government in fostering the innovative potential of a land that embraces hardwork and determination. The Folklife Festival expresses the relevance of this growth in the context of the global culture through a creative medium.

Find out more about our program in the Basque Country.