The Basque Country is a land that attracts more and more people every year, and understandably so. Its ideal setting, between the sea and the mountains, offers the opportunity to blossom to the full all year round. It's a little piece of paradise for families looking for peace and quiet.
That's why so many people move to our region every year. Bayonne, for example, is growing at an annual rate of +1.5% between 2013 and 2019. Towns like Saint-Pierre d'Irube and Hasparren (less expensive than Bayonne) are booming in terms of population, with growth of +2.8% and +3.1% respectively over the same period.
If so many people are coming to the Basque Country, the tech sector has to follow suit, and take its cue from the big French cities. As a result, the region hosts numerous events every year, via the French Tech Pays Basque for example, but also via other groups.
The tech world is growing in the Basque Country, and in a good way!
I - The Izarbel technology park
I think it's clearly the region's biggest technological step forward in recent years. This estate, located in Bidart (just outside Biarritz), specializes in the tech and digital sectors.
The Izarbel cluster is home to many of the Basque Country's tech and digital companies.
In all, there are more than 110 companies on site, with over 1,000 employees, as well as a start-up incubator, ESTIA engineering school and much more...
The technology park attracts so many companies that the town of Bidart designed Izarbel on a 15-hectare site.
In short, Izarbel is the local Silicon Valley, and one of the key players in the development of tech in the Basque Country.
II - French Tech Pays basque
Another major player in the development of tech in the Basque Country is the presence of French Tech in the region. The organization was launched in 2013, with the mission of making tech accessible to everyone in France (and even further afield). French Tech's aim is to support the growth of the national start-up ecosystem.
French Tech has grown well in 10 years, having supported nearly 250 French start-ups. The organization has several regional hubs, including one here in France: French Tech Pays Basque.
The aim is to support start-ups in the Basque Country and to energize and modernize the local ecosystem. French Tech Pays Basque counts over 100 local companies within its ecosystem.
It's an invitation to start-ups in the Basque region to join forces and aim even further than the Adour and the Pyrenees.
III - Digital growth
Another highlight in the development of tech in the Basque Country is the growth of digital technology at the heart of our region.
Lately, more and more local players are emerging. This is a strong indicator of the digital craze in the Basque Country.
Digital 64 is obviously part of the equation, and is committed to developing the tech ecosystem by supporting local companies in their digital strategies.
There are dozens of other web agencies present in the Basque Country, actively participating in the area's digital growth.
IV - Opening new schools
One of the most important aspects of tech development in the Basque Country is the opening of new post-baccalaureate schools.
Previously, the University of Bayonne was the only one not to offer technological and digital courses. Today, a number of schools have emerged. These include Talis BS, ESTIA and Pigier, which offer work-study programs and courses in website design, SEO and social networking.
These schools are a big plus for the Basque region's tech ecosystem, because instead of bringing in talent from all over France, we're now training them directly on site. The future of tech is in good hands in the Basque Country!
V - Coworking spaces
Another interesting topic is the arrival of coworking in the Basque Country. Over the last few years, numerous spaces have opened all over the region.
These spaces promote mutual support and entrepreneurial encounters within the region. What's more, it allows workers from outside the Basque Country to come and try out a local experience.
If you're looking for a coworking space, here are a few (to name but a few):
- Le Connecteur (in Biarritz)
- La Cocotte (in Bayonne)
- Cocoba (in Hendaye)
- Coworking Pays Basque (in Biarritz and Bayonne)
- And much, much more!
In conclusion
The tech sector in the Basque Country is growing and growing.
With the region's demographics growing year on year, the tech industry has to keep pace. And it's doing just that.
If you have a digital project, you can write to us directly online. We look forward to working with you on your next project!