In this blog, we explore the entrepreneurial journey of Javier Peña, founder of TORCH, a startup dedicated to transforming cities through urban innovation and sustainable technology. His story reveals how vision, startup strategy, and collaborative leadership can turn an idea into real impact. 

From Curiosity to Strategy: Javier’s Journey

When my second child was born, I made a choice many saw as risky: I left a stable career in architecture and project management to pursue entrepreneurship. But to me, the bigger risk was not trying. 

This wasn’t a blind leap. I had a strategy: defined risks, clear pivot points, and a realistic investment plan. One early experiment was a hackathon focused on urban infrastructure. That’s where TORCH was born: a company dedicated to making cities safer, more sustainable, and more accessible. 

I didn’t want factories or large teams. I wanted to stay agile—focused on innovation, not operations. So, I built the company around Intellectual property (IP) licensing: we invent, protect, and license technology; local manufacturers deploy it. 

This model lets me do what I love: solve real urban problems creatively while supporting local economies. Patents aren’t just shields; they’re tools for sharing, scaling, and making impact. 

Building a Startup: The Challenges and Realities 

The biggest challenge wasn’t technical or financial. It was cultural. Explaining a licensing-based model to a sector used to selling physical products wasn’t easy. Many manufacturers or public administrations initially saw me as a competitor, when in reality what we offered was a partnership that benefited everyone. Another challenge was understanding that having a patent is not enough. You need to turn it into a real business tool, which meant learning how to design an IP strategy focused on the market, not just on legal protection. 

The key was visibility and credibility. Participating in innovation competitions, acceleration programs, and international events opened doors. That visibility made administrations, manufacturers, and operators actually listen. That’s also how I met my co-founder, whose experience with licensing models was key to refining our strategy. 

If I had to summarize everything in one lesson, it would be this: Innovation is not just technological. It is cultural and relational. And, on that journey, trust is the most valuable asset you can build. 

The Skill Set: Gaps and Opportunities 

One of the most important skills has been learning how to manage focus. As an entrepreneur, new opportunities and distractions appear constantly. The key has been having a clear vision, deeply connected to my values, and turning that vision into concrete goals. From there, I plan, organize, and prioritize tasks, blocking specific time in my calendar for each one. 

Another critical skill has been learning to say no. Every time I face a decision, I ask myself if this brings me closer to my goal or pulls me away. If it doesn’t add value, I let it go. 

I’ve also had to improve my ability to self-evaluate. Regularly reviewing what works, what doesn’t, and adjusting the strategy is part of the process. Focusing not only on short-term results but also on long-term progress helps me put failures into perspective and move forward with more clarity. 

I’ve discovered how valuable it is to surround myself with people who share similar values and ambitions. Being part of communities like EIT Campus has allowed me not only to learn from others but also to share what I know. That exchange isn’t just rewarding; it’s a key part of how I grow and move forward. I’ve managed to balance work and family by making presence at home my top priority, which shapes my schedule and forces me to focus only on what truly matters. The real challenge now is applying that same mindset to taking better care of my physical health during the workday. 

Javier’s story shows that growth starts with mindset and is sustained by learning, reflection, and support. Ready to take the next step? Explore EIT Campus to sharpen your skills, connect with peers, and turn your vision into impact.