Skip to content
CLOSED CALL

Introducing Andorra Open Valley

Andorra Open Valley is Creand’s European start-up acceleration programme, delivered in collaboration with Plug and Play TC. The programme connects leading companies from Andorra’s key sectors with Europe’s most promising start-ups to co-create innovative, high-impact solutions for the country.

Introducing Andorra Open Valley

Driving innovation

The programme will run for a total of three years, with a six-month acceleration cycle taking place each year. With a hybrid format that combines in-person milestones with remote collaboration, the programme will foster cooperation between companies and start-ups, validate business models and develop real pilots.

  • Practical sessions designed to accelerate collaboration between start-ups and companies and to support the creation of solutions.

  • Access to world-class experts across industries and innovation.

  • Opportunities to connect, learn and gain visibility within a global innovation ecosystem.

  • A minimum of two start-ups selected each year to develop pilots addressing identified business challenges.

  • Potential follow-on investment from partners and sponsors.

Partners and sponsors

In this first edition of the programme, Setap 365 (the company operating the Soldeu-El Tarter and Pal-Arinsal ski resorts), Caldea (the natural thermal spa) and Creand (Andorra’s leading financial group) are seeking innovative solutions to address their business challenges.

FEDA (Andorra’s energy provider), Andorra Business (Andorra’s economic promotion agency) and Ingeni Coworking also contribute to driving innovation and attracting talent to the country.

Partners and sponsors

Programme calendar

25 November 2025

Application period opens

16 January 2026

Application period closes

30 January 2026

Evaluation and selection of start-ups

23 February 2026

Start of the acceleration programme

30 September 2026

End of the acceleration programme

Challenges for 2026

Financial and wealth reporting

Enhancing financial and wealth reporting processes to improve communication, transparency and personalisation for both customers and advisers.

We are looking for: automated and interactive reporting tools; data visualisation and real-time dashboards; digital client–adviser communication platforms; personalisation of services and recommendations; and productivity tools for advisers (time-saving, prep automation).

Silver generation

Designing financial products and services tailored to the senior population, with accessible and adapted digital channels.

This challenge aims to address: accessible and inclusive UX/UI design; digital onboarding for seniors (low-friction, intuitive); financial literacy and training for older users; tools to increase adoption of digital channels; and products tailored for their needs/stage of life.

Client authentication and security

Implementing innovative authentication and identification solutions to reduce fraud while improving the customer experience.

Some possible approaches to this challenge include: biometric authentication (voice, facial, fingerprint); digital identity verification (remote KYC, eID); real-time identity-fraud detection and prevention; authentication in contact centres (voice ID, behavioural biometrics); and frictionless customer authentication.

Demand forecasting and occupancy optimisation

Developing predictive demand models to anticipate high/low occupancy scenarios, optimise resources and reduce costs.

Possible ways to address this challenge include: machine learning and AI for demand forecasting; predictive analytics using historical, real-time and external data; resource allocation optimisation (staff, energy, materials); and extreme demand management (minimum & maximum occupancy).

Digital twins for decision-making

Leveraging digital twins to simulate business scenarios, enabling faster and more accurate decision-making.

Potential solutions to this challenge involve: virtual models of operations, pricing and demand; scenario testing and “what-if” simulations; real-time operations optimisation; and predictive maintenance and resource allocation.

Seasonality and resource management

Improving seasonality management and resource allocation by balancing staffing, operational efficiency and demand.

This challenge focuses on solutions for: workforce planning based on seasonal demand; energy consumption optimisation (cost and sustainability); queue and waiting time management; customer loyalty tools during off-peak times; and flexibility mechanisms for operations and service offerings.

What we’re looking for

To ensure the highest potential for growth and impact, the programme sets out a series of criteria to identify the start-ups best suited to the acceleration process.

  • Young European start-ups, or start-ups already operating in Europe, with the ambition to scale their project.

  • Early-stage teams with potential for development.

  • Willingness to travel to Andorra a couple of times during the programme.

  • Priority is given to maintaining close engagement from the earliest stages, building relationships that support future collaboration and investment.

FAQs