UPTEK, NEW ASSOCIATION OF ADVANCED AND DIGITAL MANUFACTURING START-UPS

UPTEK, the Spanish association of technology-based businesses and start-ups for advanced and digital manufacturing, was created on the 17^th of July, with the aim of grouping together and representing new technology-based businesses that are creating products and services for the advanced and digital industry.

UPTEK is a new initiative by AFM CLUSTER, the organisation that represents the interests of advanced and digital manufacturing in Spain. Made up of five industry associations, it groups more than 500 companies, which employ 16,500 people and have a joint turnover of over 3 billion Euros.

The new association is created with the aim of promoting the development of the collective of technology-based businesses and start-ups in all areas that affect their competitiveness and developing synergies and confluences with other industries represented within AFM CLUSTER, such as the machine tool sector, additive and 3D manufacturing, machining and metal mechanics transformation, hand tools and industrial supplies.

The founding partners of UPTEK include, in addition to AFM, the companies Codesyntax, Danobatgroup, Diversius, Fagor Arrasate, Fagor Automation, Ibarmia, Innovae, Irisbond, Juaristi, Loire Gestamp, Nuavis, Ona Electroerosión, Oretek, Savvy, Skootik, Vixion and Wimbitek. The association is open to all technology-based companies and startups that develop products or applications for advanced and digital industry, and interested businesses may apply for UPTEK membership at any time.

UPTEK is managed by AFM’s professional team, which in addition to promoting collaboration and contact among its members, also deals with the areas of internationalisation, technology, communication and human resources. Its headquarters are in the Gipuzkoa Science and Technology Park.

The new association will provide all AFM CLUSTER member companies with a channel through which to access new talent and innovative ideas and allow them to tap into the world of entrepreneurship, facilitating access to new business lines and diversification related to industrial digitalisation. Technology-based companies can also form connections and discover and interact with advanced industrial companies in order to offer, develop and adapt their products and services.