International Landing Pad Network

Accepting applications until:

December 8th at 5:00pm ET

Applications evaluated and admitted on a rolling basis.

Dec 8th

Application deadline for SOSA's program

Dec - Feb

Onboarding for 10 selected companies

Feb 23rd, 2026

Program Launch

Feb, 2027

Program Conclusion

About the program

The International Landing Pad Network (ILPN) is a program of the New York City Economic Development Corporation designed to support the expansion of growth-stage international companies in the Advanced Technology, Green Economy, and Life Sciences industries into the New York City market. This program will facilitate the expansion of revenue-generating international companies that are ready to establish operations in New York City.

SOSA will support ten international companies in a variety of tech sectors through a year-long program. Hosted at SOSA's New York office, the 10 companies will gain access to a myriad of scaleup resources, strategic connections, access to capital, and high-level showcases.

About SOSA

SOSA is a global technology and innovation management company. We work with corporations, governments, and cities worldwide to identify, validate, and implement startup solutions.Since 2014, SOSA has been connecting large orgs with emerging tech through tailored innovation and accelerators programs that help international startups enter and scale in the U.S. market.

SOSA’s program for the ILPN is a year-long soft-landing initiative that supports 10 international scaleups in sectors such as AI, Fintech, Cybersecurity, and CleanTech as they expand into New York City, offering tailored mentorship, access to SOSA’s venture fund and investor network, expert-led go-to-market programming, and coworking space in Manhattan to accelerate U.S. market entry and growth.

Program Benefits

Office Space

24/7 access to SOSA's centrally-located coworking space in Manhattan, including phone booths, conference rooms, lounge area, and full office amenities.

Bespoke scaleup services

A menu of scaleup services from trusted providers in
1) U.S. Operational Setup and Tax Accounting,
2) Marketing,
3) Messaging and Communication,
4) Fundraising and Startup Financing, and 5) Leadership Development and Co-Founder Relationship Strengthening.

Lead Mentors

10 structured sessions with a Lead Mentors throughout the year and access to SOSA’s extensive network of investors, corporate leaders, and ecosystem partners.

Scaleup workshops

Expert-led sessions covering U.S. go-to-market strategy, sales, marketing, investor readiness, legal and operational setup, and more.

Ecosystem networking

Networking events and Demo Day showcases, offering the cohort opportunities to engage with the New York tech and VC ecosystem.

Access to capital

Potential for up to $175,000 in investment from SOSA Ventures across one or more participating companies, with the option for all cohort members to meet with the SOSA Ventures investment team.

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Design and optimize solar power systems for residential and commercial use. Work with a team to ensure efficient energy solutions.

Why San Francisco

San Francisco and the broader Bay Area remain at the forefront of global innovation and venture capital. In 2024, startups in the Bay Area attracted $90 billion in venture funding - 57% of all U.S. venture capital investment, totaling $178 billion nationwide. Particular areas of strength in the San Francisco ecosystem include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, HealthTech, BioTech, Fintech, and GovTech. Beyond capital, San Francisco's startup ecosystem encompasses thousands of founders, corporate innovation centers, accelerators, and support services. Its density of talent and infrastructure fosters unmatched networking opportunities, from intimate angel sessions to high-stakes investor connections.

For international startups, the U.S. remains the largest and most attractive market for expansion. U.S. corporations and investors are increasingly looking outward for proven, globally competitive technologies that can be quickly deployed at scale. For foreign startups with product-market fit and strong teams, programs like Desafía San Francisco offer a structured path to validate their offerings, build local relationships, and secure early traction in one of the most dynamic markets in the world.

Requirements

Bootcamp in Madrid

The selected companies will be invited to an in-person launch of the program. During a full-day bootcamp in Madrid on October 9th, the companies will align objectives, refine their U.S. value proposition, and prepare for the San Francisco program.

Two-week intensive immersion program in San Francisco

The in-market immersion, operated by SOSA and local partners, will offer the selected companies a personalized agenda aligned with their U.S. expansion and fundraising goals.

Workshops and strategic content sessions

An array of expert-led sessions will cover U.S. market entry fundamentals, legal and regulatory landscape, go-to-market strategy, how to win over U.S. investors, and other key topics.

Targeted meetings with investors in Silicon Valley

The program will include strategic meetings with VCs, angel networks, and family offices, focused on validating startups' market opportunity, refining their fundraising pitches, and building meaningful relationships.

Connections with key players in the San Francisco tech ecosystem

The immersion program will offer opportunities to meet SF ecosystem leaders, including innovation directors from corporates, accelerators, industry experts, and growth advisors.

Mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs

Founders who have successfully scaled their companies in the U.S. will offer direct insight into the realities of operating and fundraising in Silicon Valley.

Networking opportunities

This program will provide selected startups with a multitude of in-person touch points with key stakeholders in the San Francisco ecosystem, enabling them to build their U.S. contact base and explore commercial, investment, and collaboration opportunities.

Participation in a final Demo Day

During the San Francisco immersion, the selected startups will deliver a 5-minute pitch to a curated audience of investors, corporates, and ecosystem stakeholders.

Ongoing support through the Desafía Alumni Network

Upon completion of the program, the founders will connect to a broader community of Spanish startups and international partners, with continued access to resources and visibility.

Requirements

Be an entrepreneur with a technology startup

Have an annual turnover increase of more than 20% year over year (YoY)

Be headquartered and operating primarily out of Spain

No previous participation in a Desafía San Francisco Program

Have full professional proficiency in English

Full participation in all program phases, including the in-person Program Launch in Madrid (October 9th), the Virtual Program, and the entire two-week San Francisco Immersion (November 10-21st)

About ICEX

ICEX is a public business-oriented organization aimed at promoting the prosperity of the Spanish economy through internationalization. Its goals include enhancing the competitiveness of Spanish companies and their ecosystems in international markets; promoting Spain's image, its productive sectors, and companies abroad; attracting, promoting, and supporting foreign investments in Spain; and providing training in these areas. Its international network and close collaboration with chambers of commerce and sectoral associations are key to positioning Spain as a reference in global markets.

ICEX also promotes the international scalability of the technological and innovative entrepreneurship ecosystem through market intelligence activities, institutional support, and the promotion of our companies: startups, scaleups, investment funds, corporations, accelerators, incubators, etc. This is approached from a dual perspective of business development and investment attraction, as well as the creation of partnerships within the ecosystem.

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About Red.es

Red.es is the public corporate entity attached to the Ministry of Digital Transformation and The Civil Service.

Red.es develops programs to boost the digital economy, innovation and entrepreneurship, in addition to offering training for young people and professionals and support for SMEs and startups through the promotion of efficient and intensive use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).

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The ILPN is an initiative of:

New York City Economic Development Corporation is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization that works for a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive economy for all New Yorkers. We take a comprehensive approach, through four main strategies: strengthen confidence in NYC as a great place to do business; grow innovative sectors with a focus on equity; build neighborhoods as places to live, learn, work, and play; and deliver sustainable infrastructure for communities and the city's future economy.

For more information, visit https://edc.nyc/

This program is powered by:

SOSA is a global open innovation company that connects governments, corporations, and tech companies through a range of accelerator and market entry programs. From two day bootcamps to six month accelerators, SOSA delivers tailored initiatives that help companies navigate new markets and scale internationally. With offices in New York, São Paulo, and Tel Aviv, and partnerships across Europe, Asia, and North America, SOSA supports the global exchange of innovation.

For more information, visit sosa.co

For inquiries, please contact

Elan Fox, Senior Program Manager