2026 IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech, and Signal Processing
4-8 May 2026, Barcelona, Spain
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SPS Entrepreneurship Forum

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5th IEEE SPS Entrepreneurship Forum

Website | 4 May 2026

Accelerating Deep Tech Innovation in the Era of AI

Artificial Intelligence is transforming deep tech innovation by accelerating research, development, and commercialization like never before. It shortens product cycles, opens new markets, and enables researchers and entrepreneurs to turn discoveries into successful ventures faster than ever.

AI plays a vital role by:

  • Speeding up R&D: Reducing the time from lab to market
  • Improving commercialization: Using AI tools to scale new ventures effectively
  • Enabling funding and partnerships: Leveraging AI’s potential to attract investors and build strong ecosystems

At the 5th IEEE SPS Entrepreneurship Forum in Barcelona, we will explore how AI is revolutionizing signal processing and related fields. The forum will equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools to drive real-world impact.

The event will also feature a Startup Pitch Fest, showcasing cutting-edge early-stage ventures that are pushing the boundaries of AI and signal processing. Startups interested in pitching can learn more and apply through the Call for Pitch Competition Proposals. Join us to discover why this is the best time to transform research into high-impact ventures powered by AI.

Program Schedule

Local Time Session
8:30 – 9:30 Registration
9:30 – 9:40 Welcome
9:40 – 10:30 Keynote Talk:

Theme: How AI is Reshaping Deep Tech?
Speaker: Dr. Elisenda Bou-Balust, Cala AI, Spain

Moderator: Dr Miquel Payaró, CTTC, Spain
10:30 – 11:00 Break
11:00 – 12:00 Panel Discussion:

Theme: AI and the Open Innovation Era: What Does It Mean for Innovators?

Panel Members:
Professor Esteve Almirall, Esade, Spain
Alex Tortosa, Plug and Play Tech Center, Spain
Dr. Josep Miquel Piqué, La Salle Technova, Spain

Moderator: Maria del Carmen Adan De Manuel, La Salle Technova, Spain
12:00 – 13:00 Funding Pathways for Your Startups

Theme: Investor perspectives on what makes a venture fundable, how to attract
investment, and how to build credibility

Panel Members:
Emilio Gómez Jané, ICF, Spain
Dr. Marc Almendros, Grow Venture Partners, Spain

Moderator:
Dina Titkova, UNSW Founders, Australia
13:00 – 14:30 Lunch Break
14:30 – 16:00 Entrepreneurship Training

Theme: From Signal to Solution: Turning Research into Value

Presenter: Dina Titkova, UNSW Founders, Australia
16:00 – 16:30 Break
16:30 – 17:45 Pitching Session

Startup Pitch Fest
17:45 – 18:00 Closing Session

Announcement of Pitching Competition Results, Closing Remarks & Wrap-Up

Contacts

Chair SPS Entrepreneurship Forum: Professor Eliathamby Ambikairajah, The University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, Australia

Co-Chair SPS Entrepreneurship Forum: Dr Siqi Cai, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China