U.S. filmmakers visit Gran Canaria to know more about shooting opportunities on the island
More than thirty American film industry executives, most of them directly involved in physical production, have traveled to the Canary Islands to find out the prime advantages that the islands offer for audiovisual productions.
The high level 4-day trade mission has been organized by the Government of Spain, ICEX-Invest in Spain and the Spain Film Commission, with the participation of almost forty representatives of member companies of the United States Motion Picture Association (MPA) and other top American audiovisual platforms and companies. The agenda consisted of a professional journey with stops in a handful of shooting hubs, including Gran Canaria.
After visiting Madrid and Sevilla, executives made it to the Canary Islands, where much of their interest had been place, particularly to incorporate first-hand experiences with locations, companies and the shooting capabilities of the local industry. 'Canary Islands Films' and the Gran Canaria Film Commission were thus involved in explaining tax advantages and also connecting US representatives with local intelligence about the island's world renowed locations, permit management, resources and efficient logistic operations.
The meeting has been based on highly technical content and almost live experiences of the ability of the service providers to meet the industry needs, while also providing hints on practical information about tax advantages, the many attractions and variety of landscapes.
The filmmakers' delegation also visited the brand new production sets of Gran Canaria, build and promoted by Cabildo de Gran Canaria through the SPEGC/Gran Canaria Film Commission, which are the next best thing on the island's live action narrative, allowing for longer, bigger and more complex productions by including indoor shootings.
The Gran Canaria Film Commission is part of SPEGC/Cabildo de Gran Canaria and it plays a key role in building the island's audiovisual hub.
Gran Canaria leads the world ranking of the best destinations for digital nomads
For the first time since Nomad List values and classifies destinations according to the opinions of the network's users, Gran Canaria leads the global ranking as the ideal destination to work remotely and to welcome digital nomads.
Nomad List is the most important global platform for the digital nomad community and today is considered the bible of this movement. The ranking shows the specific assessments and opinions of their community in real time and dynamically.
On May list Gran Canaria occupied the first position over other national cities such as Valencia, which is in 29th place, or Tenerife, which currently occupies number 33. Despite being the first time that Gran Canaria leads the ranking, it is not a surprise, because the island has consistently positioned itself in the top 20 in recent years, and repeatedly among the top 10 destinations.
Of these attributes, the following are worthy of particular note due to their importance: cost of living, climate and connectivity. It also scored above average in other features such as security, diversity/LGBTQ+ friendliness and air quality, above cities such as Miami, Budapest or Lisbon.
Gran Canaria, and in particular the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, stands out also due to the excellent climate, the range of coworking spaces, the quality of life and the healthcare system and its almost-holistic approach to the concept of security guarantee (citizen security, food, health, etc.).
The Economic Development Agency of Gran Canaria (SPEGCm in its Spanish acronym) is a local agency that is firmly committed to raising awareness of the island and promoting local economic performance through its ‘Best in Gran Canaria’ initiative. It also actively works to attract business projects and entrepreneurs, particularly those working in the field of technology and innovation.
Would you consider boosting your pre-commercial Ports 4.0 project in the most competitive business environment?
If yes and your focus area is Gran Canaria, just keep reading.
Since the first Ports 4.0 call of Puertos del Estado, Gran Canaria has been a favourite place to perform tests of concept and validation of innovative solutions to improve efficiency, safety, energy transition and digitisation.
After the success of local companies in the first call, and the high interest and volume of applications in the second call, which closed a few months ago (Ideas and Commercial projects), Puertos del Estado is launching the Second Call for Pre-commercial Projects (TRL3-6), open until June 13th. In addition to advisory support, the Ports 4.0 Tradetech Fund provides grants of up to 60% of the innovation-related eligible costs (maximum aid of EUR1.000.000 per project). Total budget for this specific call amounts EUR11.25 mio.
On top of the national funding, Gran Canaria launches a complementary 'Support Program' to help companies that are committed to running their proof of concept and project validation on the island and/or working with locally based companies.
The Ports 4.0 Support Program, of a national nature, has been created to promote innovative pre-commercial projects in the marine-port field and for the development of disruptive solutions aimed at benefiting the logistics-port community. As an addition and a mechanism for improving the quality of applications and thus its eligibility, Gran Canaria and its port community are firmly embarked on a strategy to attract leaders and companies with disruptive projects that want to collaborate with industry agents from the Canary Islands. To meet this end, SPEGC (Economic Promotion Agency of Gran Canaria), the Port Authority of Las Palmas Port Authority and the Canary Islands Maritime Cluster, all of them members of ‘Best in Gran Canaria’, are jointly launching a tailor-made program that combines individualized training and mentoring for nearly two months, plus dedicated support in the search for industrial partners in the Port of Las Palmas and possible facilitating agents of the port environment of Gran Canaria.
Why Gran Canaria?
There are several reasons why Gran Canaria is the ideal base to execute your idea/project:
- Headquarters of the Ports 4.0 Incubator: Gran Canaria is the Canary Islands’ base for the Ports4.0 Tradetech Fund. All the other 13 bases are located in mainland Spain.
- It is home to the National High Technology Incubator in Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence applied to the marine-maritime environment, which includes specialized programs and mentoring.
- Locational advantages: The Port of Las Palmas is an EU port located in the heart of Atlantic traffics, right at the gateway to West Africa and immersed in the zone of expansion of offshore energies. Thanks to its climate, activity throughout the year is guaranteed without restrictions on tests/operations.
- Size and scope of the port: Welcome to an updated service centre covering all types of maritime cargoes and activity (transhipment hub, fuel supply, repairs, supplies...). No other port in West Africa covers as many services as Las Palmas.
- A varied infrastructure with a thriving port community: A central port facility with global reach (Port of Las Palmas), a multi-cargo port oriented to bulk and offshore cargoes (Arinaga), a liquid bulk port (Salinetas) and eleven other smaller port facilities; an offshore research centre (PLOCAN), including shipyards, workshops, suppliers and large port terminals with global reach that are ready to enter into partnership agreements.
- Tax advantages: Up to 75% deduction on R&D expenses (as opposed to 45% in mainland Spain) and reimbursement available. 4% corporate tax rate for companies operating under the Canary Islands Special Zone regime.
- Other sources of support are available to help you during the project cycle, including financing.
When you choose Gran Canaria (Port of Las Palmas), you choose not only a consolidated maritime centre but also a leading environment for the development and operation of innovative solutions for the port and maritime industries.
Gran Canaria leads european interest in offshore wind energy
Best in Gran Canaria attends Wind Europe for introducing Gran Canaria to the European offshore industry
Gran Canaria takes part in this year's edition of Wind Europe, one of the most important exhibitions of the wind sector worldwide, which is taking place from 5 - 7 April in Bilbao, 'Best in Gran Canaria' represents the island – as the investment attraction initiative, that brings together the Economic Promotion Society of Gran Canaria (SPEGC in its Spanish acronym, Port Authority of Las Palmas, PLOCAN and the Maritime Cluster of the Canary Islands, among other regional institutions.
The experts claim that wind will become the major source of energy in Europe during this decade, so Wind Europe Bilbao 2022 represents an opportunity to highlight the strengths of ports and companies of the island, as global suppliers within the international framework. More than 8,000 attendees, 300 exhibitors, 300 speakers will participate in this year's edition, and around 70 work sessions are expected to take place.
Focusing on onshore wind energy, Spain is the country with the best figures in Europe, with 27 GW of installed capacity, more than €3bn to Spain’s GDP and provides 28,000 jobs. Additionally, an Offshore Wind Roadmap has been designed - targeting up to 3 GW of offshore wind by 2030. The Canaries will be the spearhead of this strategy. As every strategy demands a well-planned installation process, Gran Canaria is positioned - thanks to its resources and talent -, as the main regional centre of offshore wind power.
In addition to the above, the Port of Las Palmas configures Gran Canaria as the only hub port in all of southern Europe and West Africa for this industry – being a global hotspot thanks to its development, logistics and 24/7 service capabilities, and also the perfect place for the deployment of wind offshore commercial projects.
To promote the Canary Islands potential in the offshore wind energy sector and under the new brand Canary Trade Winds (CTW), companies from the Canary Islands, the Maritime Cluster of the Canary Islands and FEDEPORT, are present as exhibitors together with ‘Best in Gran Canaria’, the Port Authority of Las Palmas, PLOCAN, ZEC and PROEXCA, among others.
The objective of ‘Best In Gran Canaria’ and SPEGC in this year’s edition of Wind Europe aims to introduce the advantages present on the island for the companies within this sector. Some of the outstanding services provided to support wind projects in their installation process on the island are: information on the Canary Islands tax system, advice on fiscal issues, information on the different sources available for financing R&D projects, the availability of qualified talent and where to find it or access to specialized and tailored training.
Gran Canaria meets Norwegian maritime industries at Nor-Shipping
‘Best in Gran Canaria’ attends one of its major events, in order to reinforce connections in the nordic marine-maritime sector
5 local companies attend the yearly call and profit from a dedicated 'Best in Gran Canaria' stand, therefore contributing to the reinforcement of a historic and long-running partnership between Norway and Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is currently attending Nor-Shipping 2022, Scandinavia’s prime fair for the maritime transport, logistics and marine energy industries, thanks to the support of Sociedad de Promoción Económica de Gran Canaria (‘Gran Canaria Economic Development Public Agency’, SPEGC in its Spanish acronym) and its landmark investment promotion initiative, 'Best in Gran Canaria'.
After an almost three-year wait due to COVID-related restrictions, the most awaited maritime transport fair in the shipping world opens its doors in the Norwegian capital from April 4th to 7th. With the slogan 'Your Arena for Ocean Solutions', Nor-Shipping once again creates an industry hotspot that welcomes high profile international leaders, top experts and recognised marine/maritime industry players as well as Norwegian maritime giants.
A highly strategic meeting for ‘Best In Gran Canaria’, which is attending this year alongside 5 local companies. Along with SPEGC/Cabildo de Gran Canaria (Gov. body of Gran Canaria), other ‘Best in Gran Canaria’ members have duly joined the delegation, including ZEC (Canary Islands Special Zone) and CMC – Canary Islands Suppliers (Canary Islands Maritime Cluster). Gran Canaria aims at exploring new business opportunities and touching base with its current nordic clients, while also promoting and offering the island´s capabilities in terms of maritime and port services in and around the Port of Las Palmas. All current actions related to turning Las Palmas into a stronghold for Smart Port and digital technologies will also be present in Oslo.
The long-established relationship between Gran Canaria and Norway involves several maritime subsectors, including ship repairs, bunkering, ship supplies and marine renewable energies. Gran Canaria is truly Norway's natural base in the Mid Atlantic, both for businesses and for the research and testing of maritime innovative solutions.
‘Best in Gran Canaria’ and EIT Digital Alumni gather 40 digital entrepreneurs to showcase the opportunities that Gran Canaria offers
The Economic Promotion Society of Gran Canaria (SPEGC in its Spanish acronym), through the 'Best in Gran Canaria' initiative, co-hosted a special Gran Canaria-themed meet-up during the yearly the EIT Digital Alumni Co-living 2022. The professional event brought together 40 digital entrepreneurs on Tuesday the 22nd of March.
The event was a new opportunity to broaden information about digital entrepreneurship in the Canary Islands and to continue to promote Gran Canaria as a preferred destination for start-ups and remote workers.
EIT Digital Alumni Co-living 2022 consisted on a four-week retreat in the Canary Islands and the side-activities included a variety of events such as networking meetings, talks and presentations. The ‘Gran Canaria Night’ was aimed at providing information about ongoing and prospected business opportunities, including taxation and dedicated financing streams, but it was also dedicated to facilitate a shared space for dialogue and inspiration to members of EIT Digital Alumni that will soon become start-up founders.
SPEGC plays a significant role in supporting any technological venture that foresees Gran Canaria as their R&D and Operations base, providing local intelligence, technical consultancy services, soft finance, offices and recruitment support.
Gran Canaria hosts ‘Thriving Nomads Conference 2022’
Gran Canaria enjoyed the Thriving Nomads Conference 2022 event which was held on the 7th and 8th March. A hybrid concept event, on-site and online, designed for inspiring and empowering digital nomads profiles, and also for increasing the positive impact on their projects and companies.
The event featured the participation of ‘Best In Gran Canaria’, that conveyed the idea of Gran Canaria as a business and investment destination, and how this initiative provides support for companies and entrepreneurs who decide to test, scale-up and commercialize their projects from the island, as well as investors who are committed to their business growth from Gran Canaria.
In total 8 training workshops, 13 speakers and a panel of experts who provided knowledge and innovative business ideas through seminars, workshops, conferences and master classes focusing on how remote work can have real local impact and how digital nomads can manage a zero waste nomad lifestyle.
More than a hundred digital animation experts meet up in Gran Canaria
On Thursday 9th December, Antonio Morales, President of the Island Council of Gran Canaria, opened the digital animation seminar, Cartoon Business. This event makes for the second time the island as a meeting place for more than a hundred specialists of the sector between production companies, investors, and TV channels, among other companies and entities.
Morales was accompanied in this opening by Cosme García, Managing Director of the Corporation for the Economic Development of the Canary Islands (SPEGC), and by Nuria Guinnot, the Gran Canaria Film Commission coordinator. During his speech, he emphasized that they are actively focusing on attracting companies from the digital animation sector to Gran Canaria, as part of an economic diversification strategy.
“The overall growth of audiovisual industry demand, the development of new production processes, and the new distribution platforms, linked to the efforts we are doing through the Island Council, gives us great opportunities for reinforcing this industry and the related creation of skilled job opportunities”, noted Morales.
He also explained that Council areas of work are mainly focused on nurturing local talent, on giving to the new projects facilities and personalized services, but above all, on enhancing the use of tax incentives for international and national productions. These tax incentives are currently the most competitive in Europe.
As for Cosme García, he has highlighted the importance of Gran Canaria will once again host this major event, “allowing strategic alliances between the domestic sector and all the companies involved and also turning the island into a major film production scenario”.
García also explained the work that Gran Canaria Film Commission has developed for providing advice and assistance to companies interested to settle on the island. “It’s a program completely adjusted to each entity’s individual needs, a high-quality support service we give them before, during, and their post-arrival to Gran Canaria”.
In recent years, Gran Canaria has become a magnet for the animation industry. Currently, companies like Ánima, Fortiche, Birdland, or Koyi moved onto the island and from here they produce TV series like ‘Cleo y Cuquín’, ‘Arcane’, ‘Shark Academy’ or ‘Pocoyó’.
‘Cartoon Business 2021’
Promoted by Gran Canaria Council, in cooperation with Europa Creativa MEDIA and Gran Canaria Film Commission, the ‘Cartoon Business 2021’ event, will make Gran Canaria the focus of one of the biggest digital animations meetings, and also will give the island a significant repercussion.
This year’s edition will include several speakers as Charlie Cooper Henniker of The LEGO Group, Stefan Kastenmueller of Sesame Workshop, or Yago Fandiño of Radio Televisión Española (RTVE). Who will analyze together with other relevant speakers the future of the European animation business through such issues as public and private funding, the new business models, licensing and merchandising, digital opportunities, and legal matters, among other subjects.
We help you establish yourself effectively on Gran Canaria
‘Best in Gran Canaria’ is a public initiative offering free personalised guidance for companies, investors and entrepreneurs looking to set up on the island of Gran Canaria. We provide professional assistance regarding the opportunities, the tax advantages and any other information needed about the island as a business destination, as well as an effective and practical landing on the island.
Gran Canaria brings together various key ingredients for business success in one single place: a dynamic setting for businesses, specific taxation and funding, high level infrastructures, full digital connectivity, a location which is near to high growth markets, local talent, quality of life and safety, etc. All the same, we are also aware of the difficulties associated with getting to know a new business setting, attaining full confidence in it and setting up there. This is why the team at ‘Best in Gran Canaria’ will be available for any query, offering an integral support and monitoring service.
At ‘Best in Gran Canaria’, we have a number of different services:
• A technical consultancy service for companies and entrepreneurs: we are here to help, and we give information about tax law and the tax incentives which best fit the sector and business model.
• Funding: we give information about SPEGC's own lines and other sources of funding for innovation and business growth
• We give advice about recruitment: local talent as well as Canarians living elsewhere ("Gran Canaria Talent Network"). We support the local business with ad-hoc training programmes
• We have office spaces in the Gran Canaria Technological Park and we give guidance about sourcing office space in other areas
• Softlanding service: we provide guidance through the administrative steps and procedures to be undertaken in order to work and take up residence on the island. In addition, we provide a practical guide to setting up a business on the island of Gran Canaria which will help you to find information about house hunting, schools and give other recommendations which will make it easier for professionals and businesses to set up here, making it simpler and more comfortable for you to settle down in your new home: Gran Canaria.
• We offer digital guides and resources, in particular about Research and Development and taxation.
If you need to establish a company on Gran Canaria, the technicians at ‘Best in Gran Canaria' will provide support for in your venture and innovation, and we will be there to help you in the different stages, so you can develop your business on the island. You can count on us before, during and after your landing on Gran Canaria!
The 2021 call for ‘Innova Invest Program’ has been published
The 2021 call for ‘Innova Invest Program’ has been published on Thursday 25th. This support is managed by ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones through INVEST IN SPAIN, focused on subsidizing investment projects in Spain of foreign companies with a high R&D component seeking to enhance competitiveness and productivity of the Spanish economy.
In addition, these supports promote the integration of the beneficiary institutions in the national productive and research fabric.
The maximum period for developing these projects will be 24 months. And the support may be extended to 70% in small industrial research companies projects with an upper limit of 800,000 euros per individual beneficiary. Projects must have, among others, foreign participation of at least 50% of its capital stock.
The budget allocated to the present 2021 call comes to 5,000,000 euros and will be financed from the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan.
The call for proposals is open for two months for the submission of applications.
SPEGC offers consultancy to companies interested in the present call.
The information can be accessed through the following link.