La Rioja will, on 18 November 2026 the gala for the Top 101 Spain Up Nation at the congress centre Riojaforum in Logroño . The following day, 19 November, is set aside for networking and discussion with investors, business representatives and figures from the startup ecosystem. The organisers also confirmed that applications will be accepted until 11 September 2026 .
The awards are run by the Empresa Nacional de Innovación (Enisa) under the Spain Up Nation brand, and the Asociación Española de Agencias de Desarrollo Regional (Foro ADR). The Agencia de Desarrollo Económico de La Rioja (ADER) is the host in Logroño. According to the organisers, the programme recognises companies distinguished by innovation, growth potential and a clearly demonstrable social, economic or environmental contribution. Selected companies will receive awards on 18 November and meet representatives of the investor and support network the following day.
The choice of La Rioja is intended to raise the profile of the regional innovation ecosystem and highlight the role of public development agencies in supporting startups. Enisa says the series is intended as a national showcase for young, scalable companies bringing new solutions to market in strategic sectors.
Applications: Startups and innovative companies can submit their documents by 11 September 2026. The jury and organisers will then select the 101 recognised companies, which will be announced publicly in Logroño. According to the organisers, criteria include technological maturity, market traction, team expertise and demonstrable social value. No figures have yet been given for expected participants or attendance at the networking day.
Possible benefits for the region include greater attention for projects from La Rioja, more contacts with investors in the short term and a boost to regional business development efforts. Whether this leads to investment and companies setting up in the region over the medium term remains to be seen; the organisers have made no predictions on this. The schedule is clear, however: the gala is on 18 November 2026, with the networking day on 19 November 2026 and an ongoing application deadline until 11 September 2026.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).