Learning across continents: Latin American companies engage with Spanish industry

In early November 2025, representatives from ten family-owned enterprises from Mexico and Colombia participated in a Learning Expedition to the Barcelona metropolitan area, organised by EIT Manufacturing and supported by ICOEF Colombia and CIBAEF Mexico. The five-day programme provided participants with an in-depth exploration of Europe’s manufacturing innovation ecosystem, creating a bridge between continents through knowledge exchange, collaboration and networking.

Connecting with Catalonia’s industrial ecosystem

The delegation engaged with  Catalonia’s industrial landscape through company visits, lectures and networking sessions. They met with family-led corporates that have successfully expanded internationally, learned management best practices from third-generation directors and attended expert talks on innovation and business transformation. Participants represented sectors including textiles, infrastructure, machinery and medical technology, all with a shared goal of fostering partnerships and technology transfer between Latin America and Europe.

Family-led corporates from Colombia and Mexico explored Catalonia’s industrial ecosystem.

Immersion in Catalonia’s industrial network

Catalonia, a region in northern Spain, was selected for its diverse and competitive industrial base. Manufacturing contributed around 17% of the region’s GDP in 2024 (Institut d’Estadística de Catalunya), with leading sectors including chemicals and plastics, agro-food, automotive manufacturing and life sciences and pharmaceuticals. Family-owned companies form the backbone of the economy, representing 88% of private enterprises, generating 69% of gross value added and 76% of private-sector employment (CIDEM, 2024). These companies, many led by second-generation owners, leverage their heritage as a competitive advantage while embracing innovation and international growth.

Tailored learning to create impact

EIT Manufacturing designs transformative learning experiences that spark innovation and foster European collaboration. By connecting industrial companies (from corporates to startups), RTOs and universities in a focused learning environment, EIT Manufacturing not only enhances professional development but also generates tangible business and networking opportunities.

Learning by doing: company visits and workshops

The delegation explored a selection of prominent Catalan family companies, Holistex Group, Simon, Carinsa, Avinent, Vallformosa and Simón Coll Xocolaters all of which exemplify a blend of tradition, innovation and international competitiveness.

Participants gained insights into advanced textile production and sustainable manufacturing practices at Holistex, observed how Simon has combined a century of heritage with cutting-edge business strategies and discovered the science and creativity behind designing fragrances that resonate with consumers at Carinsa. At Avinent, delegates witnessed groundbreaking applications of 3D printing in dentistry, highlighting the potential for highly customised medical solutions.

Part of the group discovering the science and creativity behind designing fragrances that resonate with consumers at Carinsa.

Alongside company visits, participants engaged in thematic workshops, networking sessions and business matchmaking, supported by Fundació UPC, EJASO, ACEDE and ACCIÓ. These activities facilitated discussions on innovation strategies, collaborative opportunities and potential joint projects. Throughout the programme, cultural and culinary experiences offered additional context on Catalonia’s heritage, enriching the overall learning journey.

A win-win for visitors and hosts

The Learning Expedition offered tangible outcomes for both visitors and hosts. Delegates explored new business strategies, technological applications and international growth opportunities, while local companies gained exposure to Latin American markets and fresh perspectives on their operations.

Three EIT Manufacturing startups, Azitek, Muutech and Theker, showcased their innovative solutions. Azitek presented advanced manufacturing technologies, Muutech highlighted its engineering services and process optimisation capabilities and Theker demonstrated IoT-based industrial solutions. These interactions opened avenues for potential collaborations, technology adoption and international growth. From exchange to collaboration

A representative from Muutech (on the right) engaging with the Learning Expedition participants after his pitch.

The Learning Expedition illustrates EIT Manufacturing’s mission to connect corporates, startups, research institutions and innovation hubs to foster cross-continental collaboration. By linking industries, generations and technologies, the programme supports the adoption of innovative practices, scaling of startups and strengthened international networks.

Participating companies are expected to continue engagement with Catalan hosts, exploring joint ventures, pilot projects and technology transfer initiatives. Meanwhile, EIT Manufacturing will maintain follow-up with both Latin American delegations and local partners to ensure that connections established during the week translate into concrete collaboration and long-term impact.

The Catalonia expedition is a clear demonstration of how structured learning, immersive company visits and strategic networking can converge to create meaningful results for industrial companies, startups and innovation ecosystems across continents.