Innovation stands as one of the biggest hurdles for both startups and legacy companies. When a business shows strong potential for innovation, embraces change, and adopts a flexible, collaborative leadership style, it develops creative, smart solutions. At the same time, it stays aligned with rapid technological and social shifts that keep reshaping the market. In this regard, companies in Alicante already know what it takes to stay ahead of tech trends and market dynamics. Keeping pace with technological developments is essential to sustain momentum in a fast-changing landscape.
Elche’s European Center for Business and Innovation (CEEI Elche) delivers support designed to foster the creation, consolidation, and growth of predominantly innovative firms. The center also advises established companies to boost their competitive edge through innovation and diversification. This effort is carried out through a network of initiatives, among which the LLAMP 3i program stands out. It is supported and financed by the Generalitat Valenciana Directorate General for Entrepreneurship and Cooperatives.
CEEI Elche currently backs six companies in the Alicante province, guiding and empowering them to reach their goals. The triple-bottom-line approach emphasizes social, environmental, and economic sustainability, aligning activities with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The LLAMP 3i program focuses on supporting innovation and entrepreneurship with a positive environmental and social impact, in addition to financial success. The program’s core aim is to help companies grow in a sustainable manner.
Wide variety of services
CEEI delivers a broad suite of services aimed at fostering job growth, guiding entrepreneurs, and supporting business consolidation. The center’s assistance encompasses SMEs with an established innovative profile and entrepreneurs eager to innovate within their companies. It offers tailored services that address evolving needs at every stage of development, whether in production, management, marketing, or in adopting new technologies that boost competitiveness.
CEEI’s support is designed to help those aiming to modernize or scale their ventures, including companies that want to leverage cutting-edge technologies to gain competitive advantages.
What does the LLAMP 3i program offer?
Participants in the program receive personalized guidance from experts, participate in group training activities, and can compete for entrepreneurship awards such as the 3i prize (50,000 euros in cash). They also obtain Triple Blow certifications, attend workshops on communication and networking, and join the LLAMP Fair and Demo Day to present projects and participate in the final event.
The six companies taking part in the program are Ginevítex, EcoSlowers, Lalicantina, Piensa Network, Hydronik, and Melnatur, all of which possess notable innovative profiles.
Ginevítex, an answer to women’s health needs
Ginevítex is a food supplement born from necessity, justice, and care. It offers a safe, effective, and sustainable response to women’s health concerns associated with hormonal balance. The project aligns with human and environmental health goals, offering a phytotherapeutic product that respects safety standards.
Vítex Salud provides not only a product but also information and support to accompany women on their health journeys. Ginevítex is a self-contained, artisanal supplement based on Vitex agnus-castus, with production rooted in organic, Spanish-origin ingredients. The initiative emphasizes ongoing educational work through trainings, interviews, congresses, sponsorships, and events, underscoring the commitment to community health.
“The LLAMP 3i program is a recognition of small rural businesses with founders who are striving to create a viable project even without formal business training,” says Ana Martínez, CEO of Ginevítex.
EcoSlowers, organic, vegan shoes with purpose
EcoSlowers embodies a fashion approach rooted in sustainability. The business champions esparto traditions and locally produced footwear, while acknowledging the global reality of imports. Slowers’ CEO, Laura Martínez, emphasizes a desire to reinvent tradition while caring for people and the planet.
EcoSlowers offers organic, vegan, and stylish footwear designed to move with the rhythms of nature. The brand argues that compassion for animals should be reflected in production choices, aiming to leave a positive footprint in three areas: people, the environment, and the local economy.
The company runs two family workshops in the Valencian Community, located in Catral and Morella, with headquarters in Orba. They highlight using organic, recycled, plant-based, biodegradable, or recyclable raw materials and stress the importance of reducing and compensating for their environmental impact.
Leadership stresses that the LLAMP 3i program has provided essential support. The personalized guidance and external expertise have helped resolve persistent issues and clarify the company’s future direction.
L’Alicantina, a marketplace for local businesses
The founders of L’Alicantina, Raymond Seguí and Alexis Sanz, describe it as a state marketplace for local commerce. The platform enables customers to purchase products and services from nearby businesses with delivery within 24 hours, strengthening the local economy.
The model centers on direct shipping from local stores to customers, minimizing transit distances and reducing carbon footprints. The platform emphasizes a circular economy, aiming to connect consumers with local production while cutting provincial consumption. Alexis Sanz notes that LLAMP 3i recognition adds value to the project’s approach of sustainable design and revenue generation.
Hydronik, advanced hydraulic solutions
Hydronik focuses on research, development, manufacturing, and marketing of hydraulic solutions that save energy, lower carbon emissions, and prevent Legionella in large hot water systems. Equipment is designed for high-demand facilities such as hotels, hospitals, residential complexes, industry, and pools.
Improvements address recurring facility issues. Hydronik’s data shows notable gains: up to 15% energy savings, as much as 60% reductions in maintenance costs, potential 50% savings on installation, and 100% safety in Legionella prevention.
Joining LLAMP 3i provides Hydronik with an opportunity to showcase its hydraulic technology, reduce energy use, and shorten its carbon footprint. The CEO, José Raúl Martínez, notes that the program also helps them absorb knowledge to refine business strategy.
Melnatur, natural products distributor
Melnatur grew from a simple idea: bring home one of the most natural and beneficial health products, honey and its derivatives. The team studied beekeeping, producers, and the ecosystem that climate change impacts, and decided to promote sustainable, local, artisanal products with high workmanship and health benefits.
Melnatur prioritizes product quality, environmental responsibility, fair pricing, packaging, and supporting young, innovative companies using traditional, ecological, and sustainable methods to promote well-being.
CEO Sara L Escobar notes that participating in LLAMP 3i connects them with professionals who provide guidance on aspects previously overlooked.
Think Network, a platform for smart savings
Piensa Network is described as an online venue where customers can access and compare daily services such as electricity, gas, telecom, internet, insurance, travel, training, and more. It offers Savings Advisors who review expenses for free and help users save money. Customers can also purchase services directly within the app, earning a commission for each service bought and a discount for referrals.
Savings Advisors are trained professionals who work offline to help individuals, freelancers, and small businesses. The company emphasizes early-stage support for startups, urging public administrations to strengthen assistance programs for entrepreneurs and small businesses that create jobs. They encourage startups to engage with the nearest CEEI for early-stage guidance and proudly participate in this acceleration program with CEEI Elche.