Orbik Cybersecurity, a start-up born from the technology center Ikerlan, has taken a historic step by becoming the first technology company in Spain to transition into a mixed cooperative. This move marks a milestone in the technological and cooperative entrepreneurship ecosystem of Euskadi, supported by MONDRAGON, Ikerlan, and the Basque Tek Ventures program from the Basque Government.
A pioneering model in cybersecurityCybersecurity solutions are essential in the industrial age
Since its foundation in 2023, Orbik Cybersecurity has established itself as a leader in the field of industrial cybersecurity, providing an external accreditation seal in accordance with international standards and focusing its activities on the security of electronic products. Now, with more than 20 employees, the company has exceeded all of its initial forecasts, reaching a turnover of 700,000 euros in 2024.
According to Salvador Trujillo, general director of Orbik, the cooperative plans to double its team and revenue in 2025, driven by contracts worth 1.5 million euros in its portfolio. “We are grateful for the trust of our clients and the support from Ikerlan, MONDRAGON, and the Basque Government. This cooperative model not only reinforces our identity but also contributes to the development of the Basque technology sector,” Trujillo stated during the official transformation ceremony into a cooperative.
The support of a unique ecosystem
Orbik’s transformation into a cooperative is part of a broader strategy promoted by MONDRAGON and Ikerlan, which aim to mobilize over 10 million euros in four years to create new cooperative technology start-ups in Euskadi. This model seeks to root ownership and knowledge in the territory, generating quality employment and enhancing business competitiveness in strategic sectors.
“With Orbik Cybersecurity, we are proving that it is possible to combine technological innovation with a sustainable economic model based on cooperative values,” highlighted Ion Etxeberria, general director of Ikerlan. Meanwhile, the president of MONDRAGON, Pello Rodríguez, emphasized the importance of such projects for the Basque cooperative ecosystem: “Orbik represents the future of the technology industry in Euskadi, combining technical excellence with an inclusive and sustainable business model.”
Cybersecurity: a key sector for the future
Euskadi has established itself as a European leader in cybersecurity, with indicators that quadruple the EU average in this sector. According to the Basque Government’s industry counselor, Mikel Jauregi, initiatives like Orbik are crucial to maintaining this leadership position: “The industry of the future is digital and sustainable, and projects like Orbik Cybersecurity demonstrate that Euskadi has the necessary capabilities to be at the forefront of innovation.”
The cooperative is located at the facilities of the Digilab laboratory of Ikerlan in Arrasate-Mondragón, next to the first industrial cybersecurity laboratory accredited by ENAC in Spain. Among its clients are companies from the electrical sector, industrial equipment, transportation, and machine tools, which face the new requirements of the European regulation Cyber Resilience Act.
Outlook for 2025 and beyond
With the approval of the new European legislation on cybersecurity, Orbik aims to expand its client portfolio and establish itself as a key player in the sector. Besides strengthening its internal capabilities, the cooperative will continue collaborating with public and private stakeholders to generate economic and social value in the territory.
Orbik Cybersecurity is not only an example of technological innovation but also of how cooperative values can be integrated into highly specialized sectors. This model, which combines technology, sustainability, and collaboration, aims to be a reference for future initiatives in Euskadi and beyond.
via: TUlankide