The Gateway Summit Málaga 2026 is setting its sights on becoming a pivotal connector between the tech ecosystems of the Americas and Europe. Following a promotional visit to Miami during eMerge Americas, the summit's coordinator, César Caballero, has revealed details about the upcoming event, which will take place on October 1 and 2 at the Málaga Cruise Terminal. The summit aims to move beyond traditional conference formats, focusing on generating concrete business connections among entrepreneurs, investors, corporations, and innovation hubs.
Caballero emphasized the positive reception Málaga received in Miami, noting a significant interest from U.S. and Latin American investors in exploring new innovation hubs. "Málaga sparked tremendous curiosity due to its blend of talent, high quality of life, international connectivity, and a business ecosystem that has matured rapidly," he said. The summit is designed to serve as a gateway to the European market, with strategic partnerships and commitments from international investors expected to materialize during the event.
The summit's airport-inspired concept includes unique formats such as the "Pitching Runway" and "Takeoff Talks," which are intended to facilitate dynamic interactions and investment opportunities. The agenda will cover key tech trends including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech, healthtech, and smart cities, with a strong emphasis on investment. A notable new initiative involves a group of about 20 investors who will conduct a live masterclass on how startups are evaluated, providing transparency into investment decision-making.
Prominent speakers and companies are already confirmed, including executives from Mastercard, Renault, and Indra, who will discuss connected vehicles and mobility. Other sessions will feature Quirón on healthtech, PLD Space on space tech, and Metricool on AI applications. Markus Gotthard will deliver a keynote on the role of drones and AI in security. Additional participants include Cisco, Reental, and Bolt, with more announcements expected.
The summit is tailored for startups, corporations, investors, and institutions seeking to expand into Europe. For attendees from the U.S. and Latin America, it offers a concentrated entry point into the Spanish and broader European ecosystems. Investors can engage in curated startup pitches, one-on-one meetings, and dedicated investment rooms, while corporations can source innovative technologies. The organizers are utilizing matchmaking tools to ensure meaningful connections are made before the event, emphasizing that the primary takeaway should be the deals initiated.
Practical learning is a core focus, with workshops like Reental's on alternative investments and "Tres en Forma," a masterclass featuring Spanish investors Jesús Alonso Gallo, Rodolfo Carpintier, and Néstor Salvador Boichenco. The Experience Zone will showcase live demos and immersive technologies, allowing attendees to see innovations firsthand. By blending trend analysis with actionable insights and strategic networking, Gateway Summit aims to deliver tangible ROI for all participants.
