SpainNAB continues to drive Onda de Impacto, our gatherings initiative born with a clear vocation: to connect our member organisations and foster collaboration for impact within an ecosystem in constant motion. At our gathering on 10 March, we had the pleasure of immersing ourselves in the story and vision behind one of the most promising projects in social entrepreneurship: the Social Impact Cup. Its founders and promoters Carmen Pino and Tomás Garnelo shared an close and inspiring talk about the origins, challenges and future of their project.
We extend special thanks to our member Open Value Foundation for hosting us in their space to celebrate this new gathering of the SpainNAB community.
From personal conviction to mass impact
Carmen and Tomás told us how the early days of the Social Impact Cup were marked by absolute conviction. They started not long ago, investing their own resources and personal effort in an idea they believed had enormous potential. Time and results have proved them right: their first edition generated a multiplier effect, leading numerous organisations to join their movement.
The growth has been exponential. Last year, they managed to bring together more than 3,000 people at the Madrid Arena, a milestone that not only validated their model, but also gave them the motivation needed to scale their purpose. Today, their sights are set on the future with an ambitious objective: to turn the Social Impact Cup into a project with global impact, with international participation and prizes aspiring to reach one million euros to finance the best solutions.
Innovation, rigour and a touch of magic
One of the most interesting aspects shared by the founders was the conceptualisation of the competition. To ensure excellence and rigour while also reaching the mainstream audience, they drew inspiration from successful television formats such as MasterChef or Got Talent, implementing a jury that evaluates projects with the utmost rigour and consideration.
Drawing inspiration from the Harry Potter houses, they designed eight ‘escuderías’ (teams) representing major social and environmental challenges. Participating companies are grouped under the shield of the challenge they seek to address, generating a powerful visual and community identity. This approach connects naturally with the work we drive at SpainNAB in identifying our nine sectoral verticals, understood as those major challenges that call upon us as actors in the impact economy and that must be placed at the centre of the attention of impact finance.
In terms of participation, the Social Impact Cup stands out for its inclusivity: no limiting or restrictive criteria are set regarding the maturity of projects. Companies ranging from newly established to those with ten years of track record can participate, provided they are active and generate impact.
Beyond the final and the prizes, Carmen and Tomás highlighted the value of the communal experience shared by the finalists of the previous edition at PAS Coliving in Cantabria, which has led them to promote a pilot experience this year in Galicia: the Social Impact Cup Campus, in partnership with the 2025 winner, Aldealista. The objective is clear: to foster empathy and fellowship. In this way, entrepreneurs arrive at the final with less competitive drive and greater willingness to learn from one another, strengthening the fabric of the ecosystem itself.
Building networks in the ecosystem
After the inspiring talk and an enriching Q&A session, the day concluded with a cocktail reception. The approximately 30 attendees had the opportunity to share impressions, exchange ideas and converse in a relaxed atmosphere with the creators of the Social Impact Cup.
The second gathering of the Onda de Impacto community confirmed the importance, necessity and value of these informal spaces for the impact investment ecosystem in Spain: places to meet, find inspiration and forge connections that drive a fairer future for people and the planet. A meeting point with the vocation to keep growing and consolidate SpainNAB as the ‘epicentre’ of positive impact.
