21 February 2025
Bilbao Campus
The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2025 gala, held at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, began with an emotional performance by young violinist Unai Celaya, entrepreneur and co-founder of Proyecto Villalacre, who played three memorable pieces. His music, full of emotion and skill, set the tone for an event that celebrated excellence in entrepreneurship research.
In this context, several individuals and teams were honored for their significant contributions to the GEM community, with special recognition given to EEB-OVE (Basque Entrepreneurship Observatory), as well as María Saiz from the University of the Basque Country and Iñaki Peña Legazkue from Deusto University, for their invaluable support in organizing and presenting the report.
GEM País Vasco acknowledged the work of Izaskun Artetxe from the Bizkaia Provincial Council, Joseba Amondarain from the Gipuzkoa Provincial Council, and Imanol Cuétara from SPRI Basque Government, for 20 years of continuous support to the GEM Basque Country team.
Other Awardees by GEM País Vasco:
Niels Bosma and Grégory Gueneau, for organizing the 2025 Winter Research School on Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Bilbao.
Aileen Ionescu-Somers, Global Executive Director of GEM, and Ana Fernández Laviada, President of GEM Spain, for their leadership in the Global GEM Network.
Alicia Coduras received the "Founders' Recognition Award" for her role in supporting GEM Spain from its launch and throughout its development.
José Bayón received the "Visionary Leadership Award" for his vision and support at a crucial moment.
GEM Global Awards
"Collaborative Practice" Award
GEM Romania was recognized for its outstanding collegiality and performance during the 2024 GEM Research Cycle, consistently delivering high-quality work while meeting all deadlines. This award reflects their commitment to teamwork and collaboration.
Outstanding Contribution to Research
GEM Ukraine received this prestigious award for its extraordinary contribution as a national team. Despite the conflict in Ukraine, the team achieved an astonishing result by conducting a record number of National Expert Surveys.
"Long-Term Participation in GEM"
Several national teams were honored for their continuous contribution to GEM over many years:
- 15 Years: GEM Guatemala
- 20 Years: GEM Latvia, GEM Switzerland, and GEM Mexico
Extraordinary Service to GEM
José Ernesto Amorós Espinosa was honored for his exceptional service as the outgoing Chairman of the Board, recognizing his leadership and lasting impact on GEM.
During the ceremony, GEM Spain, and particularly its President Ana Fernández Laviada, along with GEM Spain – Basque Country, were recognized for hosting the presentation of the Global GEM Report 2025.
Exceptional Contribution to Research
Finally, GEM Spain was recognized for its outstanding contributions as a national team, further reinforcing its leadership in entrepreneurship research.
