Sploro

AMIT-Madrid Event: Empowering Women in Science and Technology


How AMIT-Madrid is Advancing Gender Equity and Innovation.

On Friday, January 17, Madrid hosted an impactful gathering organized by AMIT-Madrid (Association of Women Researchers and Technologists). AMIT is dedicated to promoting gender equity in science and technology, aligning with the European Commission’s recommendations and Spanish legislation, including the Organic Law for Effective Equality between Women and Men and the Science Law.

Titled “Ellas transfieren, ellas emprenden: Ellas impactan” (“They Transfer, They Innovate: They Impact”), the event highlighted the remarkable contributions of women driving change and innovation in Spain. The room was filled with women in leadership roles, all committed to making a meaningful impact. Representing Sploro, our EU Projects Area Manager, Virginia Gómez, attended the event, reinforcing our commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs.

Keynote Speakers

The event featured an exceptional lineup of speakers from diverse fields:

  • Carmen Vela – Board Member, AMIT
  • Eva López – Coordinator, Innovatia 8.3 Women’s Institute Project
  • Angeles Heras – CEO, InFiQus
  • Javier Etxabe – Head of Industrial Property and Entrepreneurship Support, CSIC
  • Soledad Díaz – Director General, Spanish Association of Science and Technology Parks (APTE)
  • Silvia Rueda – Director, Women and Science Unit, Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities
  • Jorge Barrero – Director, COTEC Foundation
  • Cristina Oyón – Director of Technology, Innovation, and Sustainability, SPRI Group, Basque Government
  • Silvia Lazcano – President, Doba Solutions
  • Beatriz Gómez – Co-Founder, Kampal
  • Almudena Trigo – Co-Founder, Be Able Capital
  • Rocío Castrillo – Director of Entrepreneurship, ENISA (National Innovation Company)
  • María López Valdés – CEO, Bitbrain
  • Rosa Siles – Advisor and Startup Mentor
  • Carmen Eibe – AMIT Member and WA4STEAM Investor
  • Sara Correyera – Co-Founder, IENAI, and AMIT Entrepreneur

Key Insights from the Event

“Being fewer, they do more.” This powerful statement encapsulated the contributions of women in science during the event, highlighting their resilience and impact despite the challenges they face.

According to Javier Etxabe, Spain boasts the highest number of women inventors globally. He highlighted the positive shift towards a more multidisciplinary and diverse scientific landscape.

However, the event also addressed significant challenges that continue to hinder women’s progress in science and technology. Limited access to funding remains a major barrier, making it difficult for women innovators to develop and scale their ideas. Additionally, many women researchers and entrepreneurs struggle with a lack of recognition for their contributions, often facing an uphill battle to gain visibility in their fields. Beyond these issues, the urgent need for strong support networks was emphasized, as mentorship, collaboration, and community play a crucial role in fostering long-term success and equal opportunities.

While these barriers persist, events like this serve as a reminder that continued efforts are necessary to bridge the gap. Creating inclusive ecosystems, fostering mentorship, and advocating for equal opportunities will be key to ensuring that women in science and technology receive the support and visibility they deserve.

Looking Ahead: Supporting Women in Technology

At Sploro, we are committed to fostering female entrepreneurship by promoting support networks and mentorship programs to help overcome these barriers.

One such initiative is Women TechEU, which provides funding opportunities for women in deeptech. The third call is now open and closes on March 17, 2025, at 5:00 PM (Brussels time). If you’re a woman innovator in tech, don’t miss this incredible opportunity!

Let’s continue to champion female innovation and create a more inclusive future for science and technology!

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