Following a successful promotional tour in Miami during eMerge Americas, where César Caballero, Coordinator of Gateway Summit, pitched Málaga as a rising hub for innovation, the upcoming summit is set to take place on October 1 and 2 at the Málaga Cruise Terminal. The event promises to be more than a typical tech conference; it aims to forge concrete connections between entrepreneurs, investors, corporations, and innovation ecosystems across the Atlantic.
The reception in Miami was overwhelmingly positive, according to Caballero. He noted a massive interest in discovering new innovation hubs beyond traditional markets. Málaga's combination of talent, high quality of life, international connectivity, and a rapidly maturing business ecosystem sparked curiosity. During eMerge Americas, the team held meetings with venture capital funds, tech corporations, accelerators, and institutions, all viewing Málaga as a natural gateway to Europe. The goal was to demonstrate that Gateway Summit is a platform for creating real connections, and they are returning with strategic collaboration agreements and commitments from numerous U.S. and Latin American investors and companies to join in October.
Gateway Summit stands out with its airport-inspired concept, featuring spaces like the 'Pitching Runway' and 'Takeoff Talks.' This disruptive format reflects the summit's philosophy as a connecting hub where ideas take flight. The agenda for this edition balances top-tier content, investment, networking, and immersive experiences. Keynotes and panels will cover major tech trends including Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, FinTech, EdTech, HealthTech, SpaceTech, Smart Cities, Connected Mobility, Tokenization, Bitcoin, Real Estate, Tourism, and Impact Investing. Investment plays a central role, with new formats such as a live practical guide where around 20 investors discuss how they evaluate startups and make investment decisions, demystifying the process.
Prominent speakers already announced include executives from Mastercard, Renault, and Indra, discussing connected vehicles and mobility; Quirón in healthtech; PLD Space in space industry; and Metricool on AI applications. Markus Gotthard will deliver a keynote on drones, AI, and energy resilience. Representatives from Cisco, Reental, and Bolt will also participate. The summit will gather angel investors, venture capital funds, and family offices from the U.S., Latin America, and Europe, reinforcing the transatlantic bridge.
Gateway Summit is tailored for startups, scaleups, global corporations, investment funds, institutions, and growth-minded companies. For those traveling from the U.S. or Latin America, it serves as a concentrated entry point into Spanish and broader European ecosystems. Investors can discover deals via the Pitching Runway, evaluate curated startups, participate in investment rooms, and arrange one-on-one meetings. Corporations can source technologies and partners, while founders can connect with investors and strategic allies. Advanced networking tools enable participants to schedule key meetings before the event, ensuring productive interactions.
Beyond sessions, attendees can expect practical workshops and immersive experiences. A unique venture funding masterclass led by Iván García Berjano will bring together approximately 20 investors to openly discuss what they look for, critical questions, and red flags. Sessions like Reental's workshop on alternative investments and 'Tres en Forma' with investors Jesús Alonso Gallo, Rodolfo Carpintier, and Néstor Salvador Boichenco will focus on growth strategies. The Experience Zone will feature live demos, Web3/gaming showcases, and immersive technologies, allowing hands-on exploration.
Gateway Summit 2026 operates across three dimensions: understanding trends, mastering implementation, and experiencing innovation. This combination of knowledge, action, and networking is its defining value proposition, aiming to deliver tangible ROI for attendees crossing the Atlantic.
