Madrid becomes the epicenter of global innovation as the 14th edition of South Summit 2025 kicks off, blending business, purpose, and technology under the theme “In Motion.”
Spain Showcases Innovation Leadership
South Summit 2025 opened on June 4 with a powerful message: innovation is on the move. Held in partnership with IE University, this year’s edition champions the intersection of technology, humanity, and the planet, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and world leaders.
King Felipe VI of Spain inaugurated the summit, praising the country’s transformation into a European startup powerhouse.
“We are the seventh country in venture capital investment and the fourth in number of operations,” he said, highlighting the momentum of Spain’s growing tech ecosystem.
Backed by Spain’s national government, the Community of Madrid, and the Madrid City Council, South Summit illustrates the power of public-private collaboration in shaping innovation.
€17 Billion and Growing: Madrid’s Startup Success
Isabel Díaz Ayuso, President of the Community of Madrid, revealed that start-ups reaching the South Summit finals have raised over €17.65 billion in the past 13 years — with €4.26 billion invested in Madrid-based companies alone.
TRT World joined thousands of attendees, including 600+ speakers, 150 investors, and 19 unicorns, creating a dynamic exchange of ideas and capital.
Maria Benjumea, founder of South Summit, explained:
“‘In Motion’ for us means growth — start-ups must scale globally and become global leaders.”
Alumni Return as Investors and Leaders
The summit is also a homecoming for past finalists.
Paul Murphy, once a startup contestant, now returns as a venture capitalist from the U.S.
“Europe is getting there,” he said. “We want companies that aim to be global leaders, not just national successes.”
Noelia Amoedo, who once pitched her AI start-up MediaSmart at the event, now heads the consultancy Nodeom and focuses on human-centric AI.
“It’s personal. This summit brings back fond memories — and this year’s theme reflects the complexity of today’s innovation landscape.”
AI with Purpose: The Human Factor
This year, AI takes center stage — but not in the way you might expect. Talks focused on “humanised AI”, exploring how artificial intelligence can align with ethics, sustainability, and wellbeing.
Investor Andy Lurling, from Belgium, explained that their fund targets start-ups working on four UN Sustainable Development Goals:
- Health and wellbeing
- Quality education
- Sustainable cities
- Climate action
He stressed investing in solutions that drive systemic change, such as circular buildings, energy transition, and urban water management.
“We don’t want to just clean the oceans. We want to invest in systems that prevent pollution in the first place.”
King Felipe: “AI Can Be Human”
King Felipe echoed those concerns, calling for a Spain that leads in both innovation and ethics.
“A Spain that is not afraid of AI because it knows how to guide it with human intelligence.”
South Summit: A Legacy in Motion
Over its 14 editions, South Summit has welcomed 42,500 start-ups and helped launch nine unicorns. The 2025 edition continues that legacy, focusing on how technology, capital, and ethics can build a better future — not just for business, but for people and the planet.
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