UFIL Rural launches forestry innovation projects in Cuenca

The UFIL Rural forestry innovation laboratory has launched its first cohort, featuring seventeen business projects from various regions in the province of Cuenca. This initiative is driven by the Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM) and the Diputación de Cuenca, aiming to promote bioeconomy and rural development.

Supported by a 155,000 euro endowment from the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, the program provides intensive eight-week training and mentorship. Participants include diverse sectors such as forestry, apiculture, drones for silviculture, and astrotourism. The program is designed to combat rural depopulation by strengthening local resources and economic viability. The process will culminate in a ‘Demo Day’ on December 3, where entrepreneurs will present their business plans to local investors.