SODERCAN launches a free program to boost the internationalization of companies through Artificial Intelligence

TECHNOLOGICAL BOOST TO THE EXPORT SECTOR

The Cantabria Development Corporation (SODERCAN) has launched a novel, free initiative to help businesses and self-employed workers in the region integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their international expansion strategies. Through 20 hours of online consulting and specialized training, Cantabrian SMEs will be able to optimize their export processes and improve their competitiveness in foreign markets.

---

In a context where foreign markets demand maximum innovation, digitalization and new technologies are emerging as key elements for international trade. Based on this premise, the public entity SODERCAN —part of the Ministry of Industry, Employment, Innovation and Trade of the Government of Cantabria —has presented the Cantabria Digital program: Artificial Intelligence applied to Business Internationalization.

This initiative, part of Cantabria's First Internationalization Plan 2025-2028 , aims to equip the region's business sector with the most advanced technological tools. This will ensure increased operational efficiency, competitiveness, and market penetration abroad.

The Minister of Industry and President of SODERCAN, Eduardo Arasti, emphasized the importance of this technology in today's global economy: “Artificial Intelligence has become a strategic tool for companies that want to compete in an increasingly demanding global environment.” He also highlighted the program's highly practical approach: “With this initiative, we aim to support Cantabrian companies in the practical implementation of these technologies, helping them to leverage their full potential to sell more and better in international markets.”

A comprehensive, practical and free model

The program stands out for being completely free for participants and for its online methodology . Each selected company will receive 20 hours of dedicated support from an industry expert. This guidance will facilitate the direct application of AI solutions in key areas for international business, such as international marketing , acquiring clients abroad , generating tailored marketing content , and conducting in-depth market analysis and automating export processes.

To ensure the correct assimilation of the technology, the work process is divided into three strategic phases :

1. Digital diagnostics: Assessment of the company's current level of technological maturity to identify the clearest opportunities for improvement through the adoption of artificial intelligence.
2. Personalized action plan: Design a customized roadmap that allows these innovative tools to be integrated into external operations in a structured and sustainable manner.
3. Support during implementation: Direct support in applying the strategy to real cases, defining the Key performance indicators (KPIs) necessary and analyzing the future scalability of the solutions adopted.

Application requirements and deadlines

This service is exclusively for companies and self-employed professionals whose headquarters are in Cantabria and who can demonstrate international activity. However, the terms and conditions stipulate that public entities, franchises, and business models based solely on e-commerce are not eligible for this initiative.

Registration is now open, and places will be allocated strictly on a first-come, first-served basis for applications that meet the formal requirements. Interested organizations must register through the grant management system provided by SODERCAN. The registration period will remain open until February 26, 2027 , provided that the available funds and places are not exhausted before then.

This advanced digitization program complements other strategic support tools included in the 2025-2028 regional plan, such as the export capacity identification service or the Export Cantabria self-diagnosis system , designed to support the company from its first steps abroad.