Valencia, 16 July 2026 – The expansion of Valencia’s Urban Sandbox to the port area strengthens the city’s position as a European testing ground for innovative solutions in real-life environments.
Valencia continues to advance its strategy to consolidate its position as an attractive destination for international companies, technology projects and foreign direct investment (FDI). The expansion of the Urban Sandbox to the Port of Valencia , through a strategic alliance between València City Council and the Port Authority of València, represents a new boost for the city’s innovation ecosystem and reinforces its positioning as a European hub for technology experimentation.
This initiative will enable companies, startups, universities and research centres to access new spaces, infrastructures and resources linked to the port environment in order to develop pilot projects and validate innovative solutions in real-world scenarios.
An ecosystem ready to welcome international innovation projects
Experimentation environments have become a key differentiating factor for cities competing to attract international investment. Technology companies increasingly seek locations where they can develop, test and scale their solutions in collaboration with institutions, strategic infrastructures and local ecosystem stakeholders.
With the integration of the Port of Valencia into the Urban Sandbox, the city significantly expands the capabilities available for projects related to strategic sectors such as:
- Smart logistics.
- Industrial digitalisation.
- Sustainable mobility.
- Decarbonisation.
- Clean energy.
- Circular economy.
- Advanced infrastructure management.
- Internet of Things and data-driven technologies.
The combination of an innovative urban environment and one of the Mediterranean’s leading logistics hubs creates a unique setting for companies seeking to develop solutions with international applications.
Valencia strengthens its value proposition as a destination for technology investment
The collaboration between the city and the port represents a distinctive asset within Valencia foreign investment attraction strategy. The availability of real infrastructures where technologies can be tested helps reduce barriers for international companies and facilitates their integration into the local ecosystem.
For investors, having access to an operational testing environment creates new opportunities. It helps accelerate innovation processes, establish collaborations with universities and technology centres, and connect with new business partners.
This model positions Valencia as a city offering more than talent, quality of life and competitive infrastructures. It provides companies with environments where they can develop high-value-added projects.
A strategic alliance to drive future-oriented sectors
The Port of Valencia is one of the region’s main economic and strategic assets. Its incorporation into the Urban Sandbox strengthens the connection between urban innovation and the major transformation challenges facing the global economy.
This alliance creates new opportunities to attract international companies developing solutions in strategic sectors such as energy transition, advanced logistics, smart cities and the blue economy. These sectors offer strong growth potential and are aligned with global investment trends.
Furthermore, the initiative reinforces Valencia’s image as a city committed to public-private collaboration. It brings together public administrations, companies, universities and knowledge centres to generate new economic opportunities and foster innovation.
Valencia , a competitive environment for foreign investment
The development of experimentation spaces such as the Urban Sandbox helps differentiate Valencia from other European investment destinations, offering international companies an ecosystem where they can innovate, grow and build new connections.
From Invest in Valencia, we continue working to position Valencia as a competitive business destination. Facilitating the arrival of new international projects and connecting companies with key stakeholders across the Valencian ecosystem.
The consolidation of Valencia as an urban and port innovation laboratory strengthens its attractiveness for companies seeking strategic locations in Europe to develop the technologies of the future.
