Impact

The DesafIA Madrid initiative selects eight startup solutions to address urban challenges.

June 17, 2025

Source: Esmartcity.es

Madrid City Council has announced the eight selected startups that will develop technological solutions to address the challenges of the first edition of the DesafIA Madrid initiative. The goal is to promote the implementation of disruptive technologies to improve the city and the public sector in various areas, such as data protection, green spaces, and accessibility.

Of the 130 applications received as part of the DesafIA Madrid initiative, 40 finalists were selected. Ultimately, an independent jury comprised of innovation and technology experts, along with the promoters of the various challenges, selected a total of eight startups.

The city council will provide €220,000 to fund the development of all pilot projects in the coming months and offer personalized support, mentoring, and technical assistance.

Technological solutions to urban challenges

Among the startups selected for the DesafIA Madrid public agency challenges is FINDR, which has proposed a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence (AI) that identifies, attracts, and guides young talent toward opportunities in the public sector through digital channels, conversational interaction, and personalized advice.

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