Imagin, the Spanish neobank backed by CaixaBank, has launched an incubator aimed at accelerating sustainable entrepreneurship projects. This initiative, beginning in February, will provide eight selected teams with mentorship, training, and structured guidance to transform their ideas into viable businesses.
Supporting young entrepreneurs in sustainability
The incubator is an extension of the imaginPlanet Challenge, the bank’s entrepreneurship program that has reached its fifth edition. Participants—young innovators over the age of 16—will receive four months of mentorship from experts in entrepreneurship and sustainability. The program offers specialized training across different business development phases, from market research to financial sustainability.
A key component of the incubator is the '66 Incubation Method' certification, which guides participants through structured steps to refine their business concepts. Inspired by the eight U.S. states crossed by Route 66, the methodology ensures teams address critical areas such as product development, marketing strategies, and scalability.
At the conclusion of the program, teams will present their projects at a Demo Day, where industry experts and investors will assess their progress and potential for future investment.
Selected projects focus on sustainability
Eight teams have been chosen for the first edition of the incubator, each bringing forward innovative solutions in sustainability:
• Agro4Data – Developing AI-powered software to optimize resource use in agriculture.
• Power Barley – Creating protein bars from upcycled barley bagasse with biodegradable packaging.
• BioTank – Using AI to enhance the growth of microalgae for more effective CO₂ absorption.
• Oldies – Designing an app to connect seniors for sustainable leisure activities.
Som-hi – Building a platform that bridges the impact ecosystem with sustainable practices.
• Utopia – Implementing AI-driven technology for early forest fire detection.
Juguemods – Producing interactive games that promote sustainability awareness among students.
• Skomb-by-Tex – Developing biodegradable biomaterials from kombucha tea waste.
A growing community of innovators
Since its launch, the imaginPlanet Challenge has engaged over 8,000 participants, producing startups focused on hydrogen fuel, water recycling, and sustainable logistics. The new incubator aims to build on this momentum, fostering a network of young entrepreneurs committed to environmental and social impact.
