Executive Program on Access and Opportunities in the Defense Sector Concludes Its First Edition in Barcelona

The Executive Program on Access and Opportunities in the Defense Sector, promoted by AeroS and AP institute, held the closing ceremony of its first edition on May 29, following fourteen weeks of specialized training designed to facilitate the integration of companies into the defense and security ecosystem.
 

Delivered in a hybrid format, with in-person sessions held at ACCIÓ’s headquarters in Barcelona, the program provided participating companies with a strategic understanding of the sector, covering key topics such as supply chain access, funding opportunities, regulatory frameworks, and the growth prospects of Europe’s defense industry.
 

Led by Raül Blanco, President of SAPA, the program featured institutional representatives, industry experts, and executives from leading companies such as Indra, Navantia, GMV, Amper, and ITP Aero, providing participants with practical knowledge and tools to strengthen their position in this strategic market.
 

The closing event was opened by Núria Aymerich Rocavert, Special Commissioner for Industrial Competitiveness and SMEs. During the session, participants presented their projects through an elevator pitch before a panel of experts, outlining defense-sector entry, consolidation, and growth strategies developed throughout the program.
 

The evaluation panel included Raül Blanco (SAPA), Neus Olea (AeroS), Jorge Tamarit Degenhardt (Eurofighter), Manuel de Soto (Bain & Company), and Silvia Gamo, Director General of the Foundation for Defense and Security Technologies. The panel members assessed the proposals and shared strategic recommendations based on their professional experience, offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities currently facing the industry.
 

The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants who successfully completed the program, recognizing their training and readiness to pursue new business opportunities in the fields of defense, security, and dual-use technologies.
 

Beyond the knowledge gained, one of the most highly valued aspects of the program was the opportunity to build direct relationships with key stakeholders across the ecosystem, fostering new opportunities for collaboration and business development. As one participant noted, the program is “essential for those who are not familiar with the defense sector.”
 

Through this initiative, AeroS and AP Institute reaffirm their commitment to strengthening the industrial and technological ecosystem and helping companies access one of Europe’s fastest-growing and most strategically important industries. Following the success of this first edition, the organizers are already preparing a second cohort, scheduled to begin in October, with the goal of continuing to support business development and facilitate the integration of new companies into the defense and security ecosystem.