Spanish Startups Gain Supercomputing Access Via NVIDIA Inception Portal

The Barcelona Supercomputing Center has opened its AI Factory Accelerator services to startups through the NVIDIA Inception portal. This move allows early-stage companies in Spain and beyond to access high-performance computing resources, technical support, and training. The program aims to speed up innovation across various industries by providing sovereign compute power.

In plain English

Startups often lack the expensive hardware needed to train complex artificial intelligence models. This new partnership bridges that gap. The Barcelona Supercomputing Center provides the powerful computers, while NVIDIA Inception offers a gateway for startups to use them. Instead of building their own data centers, these companies can rent access to supercomputers. They also receive guidance on how to use the technology effectively for their specific business needs.

The background

The BSC AI Factory Accelerator Programme launched in April 2025 and has already delivered over 800 services to clients. It began as a pilot initiative before moving to full operation. The facility is powered by MareNostrum 5, a public infrastructure designed for scientific and technological innovation. This system uses NVIDIA accelerated computing to handle heavy workloads. The program is the first of its kind in Spain and among the first in Europe.

What changes now

As of today, access to certain BSC AI Factory services is available through the NVIDIA Inception portal. This integration complements the existing accelerator program by adding business mentoring and venture capital connections. Three startups were recently named AI Champions during the pilot demo day. Qatium, OneCareAI, and Avatia showcased technologies built using these resources. Their projects range from water network management to healthcare diagnostics and pharmaceutical sales support.

Key terms explained

Sovereign compute refers to processing power located within a specific country or region, ensuring data stays local. Startups should verify where their data is processed to meet compliance rules. Accelerated computing uses specialized hardware to speed up complex tasks like AI training. Teams usually check whether their models benefit from these faster processors. Microservices are small, independent software components that work together. Developers often use them to build flexible applications that can scale easily without rewriting the entire system.

What to do and how to stay safe: NVIDIA

• Check if your startup qualifies for the NVIDIA Inception program to access these computing resources.
• Review the specific services available through the BSC AI Factory portal to see if they fit your technical needs.
• Verify data residency requirements for your industry to ensure sovereign compute options meet compliance standards.
• Explore the training courses offered through the NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute to improve your team's skills.

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Frequently asked questions

Which startups were named AI Champions in the pilot program?

Qatium, OneCareAI, and Avatia were named AI Champions at the demo day for their work using BSC resources.

What infrastructure powers the BSC AI Factory?

The facility is powered by MareNostrum 5, which uses NVIDIA accelerated computing technology.

How many services has the BSC AI Factory delivered since launch?

The program has delivered more than 800 services to private and public-sector clients since April 2025.