Following the resounding success of its inaugural event last year, Yachting Ventures is thrilled to announce its return to the Palma Superyacht Village (PSV) this April, promising an upgraded and dynamic Innovation Corner that will be a focal point for networking and discussions about the future of the marine industry.
This year, the Innovation Corner will host 10 pioneering leisure marine startups, showcasing their innovative products and solutions. Attendees can expect a lively atmosphere at YV’s terrace, with daily coffee mornings, networking drinks, and a range of exciting events and partnerships.
Why startups should be present in Palma
The Palma Superyacht Village has quickly become one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year for the wider maritime industry, marking the start of the summer and Mediterranean season. Palma is an important location for the Yachting Ventures team, and the show is a particular highlight in the calendar of events throughout the year.
Gabbi Richardson, founder of Yachting Ventures, commented, “We’re delighted to once again be offering 10 startups an opportunity to showcase their solutions to the industry by participating in the 2nd edition of the Innovation Corner at PSV. This year, we’re expanding and enhancing the space, working closely with partners to create a truly immersive and engaging atmosphere. The Innovation Corner goes beyond mere exhibition space; it offers startups a comprehensive 360-degree marketing opportunity, encompassing media coverage, curated content, events, and a dedicated speaking slot for each participant.”
Palma is an attractive location for entrepreneurs looking to network and build connections in the marine industry, with new initiatives from the local government aimed at supporting young companies. This year’s event is expected to attract more visitors than ever, with an exciting array of vessels on display and many of the industry’s most prominent companies exhibiting with stands.
Marta Iglesias, the newly elected president of the Balearic Yacht Broker Association (BYBA) and Senior Charter Broker at Camper & Nicholsons, remarked: “We are already fully booked in terms of berths for yachts and almost fully booked in stands. A show takes time to make a name for itself in the world and to consolidate itself. The consolidation part is done, now we are focusing on the quality.”
Recognising the importance of the marine industry for Mallorca and the exceptional opportunities that Palma offers for entrepreneurs, Marta also commented on her excitement at welcoming the Innovation Corner once again: “By bringing something like the innovation corner to such an important show like the Palma Superyacht Village, we are embracing the need to be constantly updated with everything that is going on… the only way [forward] is for the yachting industry to embrace all of this new technology. We think the Innovation Corner is going to attract people that don’t even know that the yachting industry exists.”
Partnering with Balearic Superyacht Forum
In addition to the lineup of exhibitors and the highly anticipated yachts on display, The Balearic Superyacht Forum will run alongside the show this year, and YV has partnered with Balearic Marine Cluster for their pitching competition occurring during the event. The competition will see 5 marine startups from around Spain pitching their innovations to an esteemed audience and a jury consisting of 10 maritime experts. The competition takes place on Thursday 25th April at 3:00pm.
The winner of the competition will receive a €5,000 cash prize, a booth at Palma International Boat Show 2025 and twelve months of mentoring through the acceleration program of the Directorate General of Business of the Balearic Islands Government (CAIB). Additionally, the winning startup receives twelve months of membership with Yachting Ventures as well as twelve months subscription to Balearic Marine Cluster. The project submission period starts on Monday 4th March, and ends on Friday 15th March at midnight.
Interested startups can sign up to pitch here.
If you are a startup that is interested in exhibiting at the Yachting Ventures Innovation Corner, please apply via this link or contact hello@yachtingventures.co for more information.
The deadline to apply is 31st March 2024, however applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
For more information on the Palma Superyacht Village, visit: www.palmasuperyachtvillage.com
