Impulse Awards 2025
Results of the second awards
for entrepreneur expats
in Spain
Results of the second awards
for entrepreneur expats
in Spain
On May 3, 2025, the second edition of the Impulse Awards De Zero a U festival and award ceremony took place in Barcelona. An event for those who started from scratch in a new country — without familiar support, but with a strong inner drive.
It brought together expat entrepreneurs, experts, project creators, and those who came for connection and a sense of belonging. More than 450 people attended, united by one thing: the desire to build something of their own in a new cultural and linguistic environment. For the first time, the award was open to all projects from Spain — not just Russian-speaking entrepreneurs.
It brought together expat entrepreneurs, experts, project creators, and those who came for connection and a sense of belonging. More than 450 people attended, united by one thing: the desire to build something of their own in a new cultural and linguistic environment. For the first time, the award was open to all projects from Spain — not just Russian-speaking entrepreneurs.
From Zero to One: The Philosophy of De Zero a U
The name of the award and festival translates as “from zero to one.” And it’s not just a beautiful metaphor — it’s an accurate reflection of the path every migrant takes. Leaving their home country means starting from zero — without connections or guarantees. But step by step, they build their “one” — a project that works, helps others, creates value, and becomes part of local life. De Zero a U is not only about business. It’s also about community, sharing experience and resources. It’s about people learning to be themselves within a new framework. And it’s about visibility — it’s important for migrants that locals see their contributions and… buy their products and services.
Impulse Awards: Three Stages of Recognition
This year, 280 projects were nominated for the award. A satisfied client, a colleague, a community organization, or the entrepreneur themselves could submit a nomination. All projects were shared on Instagram or LinkedIn to ensure direct benefits from the promotional effect. This year, the award’s account reached 144,900 people.
Likes and comments on Instagram helped identify the leaders of the public vote. While the results were taken into consideration during the final decision, they were not the determining factor. After all, some nominees asked their relatives to vote, and others even paid to promote their posts on social media. Still, the process helped highlight the most motivated, active, and entrepreneurial participants.
The results of the public vote were announced at the “Spring Impulse” party, which featured plenty of networking, gratitude, music—and even a signature cake. Guests also contributed to the design of the main prize: each attendee sketched what “impulse” meant to them.
Likes and comments on Instagram helped identify the leaders of the public vote. While the results were taken into consideration during the final decision, they were not the determining factor. After all, some nominees asked their relatives to vote, and others even paid to promote their posts on social media. Still, the process helped highlight the most motivated, active, and entrepreneurial participants.
The results of the public vote were announced at the “Spring Impulse” party, which featured plenty of networking, gratitude, music—and even a signature cake. Guests also contributed to the design of the main prize: each attendee sketched what “impulse” meant to them.
All projects were then reviewed by members of the expert jury, who considered the results of the public vote but were also free to include other projects in the list of nominees. The main criterion they evaluated was professionalism: the idea, its implementation, and the sustainability of the business, as well as the presence of clients beyond just the expat community. Based on these factors, a list of 50 finalists was compiled across 9 categories covering all areas of business.
A new jury then worked with this list—made up mostly of local experts who have a deep understanding of the Spanish context. It was essential to assess whether the selected projects could be competitive within the Spanish economy.
This thorough selection process and the shift in jury composition helped ensure a more objective determination of the laureates and winners of the 2025 Impulse Awards.
A new jury then worked with this list—made up mostly of local experts who have a deep understanding of the Spanish context. It was essential to assess whether the selected projects could be competitive within the Spanish economy.
This thorough selection process and the shift in jury composition helped ensure a more objective determination of the laureates and winners of the 2025 Impulse Awards.
Laureates and Winners of the Impulse Awards
-
Finance and Support -
Beauty and Style -
ImpressionWinner - International Filmmakers
Laureates - CG Galery, Sealskin and Zitrovision, Red Podcast, Comeon Barcelona Gid -
TasteWinner - Eat my trip
Laureates - Fermenteria Smakelig, Mollo Catering, Copas Lienas, Salut Wine Studio, Multicook -
Health and Sports -
Education and Children -
Home and Comfort -
Promotion and Media -
Innovation and Technology
The award embodying the main idea of the prize
The winners in each of the nine award categories received a special statuette. Its design was based on sketches and collages created by guests of the “Spring Impulse” event. These fragments were digitized and combined into a single composition, referencing the sculptural style of Joan Miró.
Last year, the award was made of wood. This year — plastic. Every year, the prize is new: in shape, meaning, and feel. Just like in entrepreneurship, what matters here is not stability, but the ability to move forward
and adapt.
Last year, the award was made of wood. This year — plastic. Every year, the prize is new: in shape, meaning, and feel. Just like in entrepreneurship, what matters here is not stability, but the ability to move forward
and adapt.
Architecture of the De Zero a U Festival
As is now tradition, the winners of the Impulse Awards are announced at the festival, which takes place over a full day at the creative space Nau Bostik. This year, the program was more diverse than ever. Several formats unfolded simultaneously across the venue: a local brand fair, a children's program, a series of hands-on workshops, networking spaces, and a business program.
The business segment of the festival was titled “A Taste for Business.” Experts shared their personal entrepreneurial journeys, speaking honestly about failures, growth, and transformation. It turned into a deep conversation about topics like: how to grow without losing yourself, how to run a business in a different country, and how to find common ground with partners from different cultures.
For the first time this year, the festival also included a Digital Nomads Forum, organized by the community of digital nomads in Spain. It was a test to see whether multiple stand-alone events could be integrated into a single festival while maintaining its coherence—and it succeeded.
Throughout the festival, the Impulse Media Flow team was in action. Photographers and videographers spent the day capturing moments and unique shots. Meanwhile, the Red Podcast team set up a mini-studio where anyone could record a reel with professional lighting and sound.
The business segment of the festival was titled “A Taste for Business.” Experts shared their personal entrepreneurial journeys, speaking honestly about failures, growth, and transformation. It turned into a deep conversation about topics like: how to grow without losing yourself, how to run a business in a different country, and how to find common ground with partners from different cultures.
For the first time this year, the festival also included a Digital Nomads Forum, organized by the community of digital nomads in Spain. It was a test to see whether multiple stand-alone events could be integrated into a single festival while maintaining its coherence—and it succeeded.
Throughout the festival, the Impulse Media Flow team was in action. Photographers and videographers spent the day capturing moments and unique shots. Meanwhile, the Red Podcast team set up a mini-studio where anyone could record a reel with professional lighting and sound.
Impulse Awards is the result of a shared impulse. There are no winners or losers here. Everyone who was part of this project contributed their unique energy and made the event truly special. See you next year!
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