AI-generated summary
InspiraTech is a new program launched by the CSIC General Foundation and the Bankinter Innovation Foundation aimed at transforming laboratory research into practical solutions that can positively impact society. After a rigorous selection process involving interviews with 26 candidates, 20 young Spanish researchers were chosen to participate in the program’s first edition. These participants, a diverse group of 13 women and 7 men from various cities, include both recent PhD graduates and predoctoral researchers, many affiliated with the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). Their projects span multiple fields such as agri-food biotechnology, sustainability through industrial waste revaluation, health innovations for disease detection and treatment, and emerging technologies like quantum computing, AI, and smart materials.
InspiraTech emphasizes an entrepreneurial mindset, with many participants already engaged in applied innovation and industry collaboration; some have won entrepreneurship awards or started their own companies. The program offers specialized training through bootcamps and online sessions with innovation experts, preparing researchers to move their ideas beyond the lab. By fostering connections with industry and encouraging knowledge transfer, InspiraTech aims to bridge the gap between science and market, enabling these young scientists to develop sustainable, real-world solutions. The program’s kickoff bootcamp is scheduled for late November 2024.
The first edition of "InspiraTech: from science to innovation" begins
How do we transform laboratory ideas into solutions that can change our lives? This is what InspiraTech is looking for, the programme promoted by the CSIC General Foundation and the Bankinter Innovation Foundation, which has already selected the 20 researchers who will take part in its first edition.
Selection and candidates
After a competitive selection process, where 26 researchers advanced to individual interviews from among all the applications, 20 participants were chosen. The
These researchers represent a diverse and committed sample of the Spanish community of young scientists. The group, made up of 13 women and 7 men, comes from different cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, Cordoba, Malaga, Murcia, Valladolid and Zaragoza. Among them are
Her projects cover a wide range of research areas:
- In the agri-food field, they work on improving crops and food properties through biotechnology, contaminant detection and optimization of probiotic bacteria.
- In terms of sustainability, they address the revaluation of industrial waste by transforming it into biofuels and other high value-added products with applications in sectors such as construction, chemistry, energy or soil remediation.
- In the field of health, advanced devices are being developed for the detection of infectious diseases, the tumor microenvironment in brain metastases and the development of atherosclerosis in the context of coronary artery disease are being studied.
- In addition, they explore emerging technologies such as quantum computing, 5G/6G telepresence in agriculture, artificial intelligence for natural risk management and development of new materials for smart implants and the elimination of microplastics.
Entrepreneurial mindset
They are not only scientists of great projection; Many are already taking steps towards applied innovation. Most of them work closely with companies and show a keen interest in knowledge transfer. Four have been recognized in entrepreneurship competitions, and one selected researcher has already founded her own startup.
InspiraTech will offer them specialized training and key connections to transform their research into practical and sustainable solutions. The program combines theory and practice through two face-to-face bootcamps and online sessions with innovation experts. Upon completion, they will be equipped to take their ideas beyond the lab, either by collaborating with existing companies or launching their own projects.
InspiraTech offers an opportunity for these researchers to bridge the gap between science and the market, generating a positive impact on society. The kick-off bootcamp will take place at the end of November 2024.
Check all the information about the program at: https://www.fundacionbankinter.org/inspiratech/