IGFAE’s research areas seek answers to some of nature’s fundamental questions. The time scales over which this basic science is developed are sometimes extremely broad. However, the innovation and technological development acquired to carry out this research can offer a great service to society.
On the occasion of the previous María de Maeztu accreditation of excellence, the IGFAE launched the IGNITE programme, which aimed to explore new avenues of research and encourage technology transfer among the centre’s staff. IGNITE has provided funding to lay the foundations for new activities aligned with the Institute’s scientific strategy. A new edition of this programme will be launched during 2025.
Within this framework, the IGFAE created its own Innovation, Knowledge and Technology Transfer Unit (KTT) in 2021, with the commitment to strengthen the lines of external collaboration with industry and society. In the same way, this Unit offers IGFAE research staff the necessary opportunities to establish connections with the industrial fabric, develop intellectual protection actions or create spin-offs or start-ups under the umbrella of the science done at the Institute.
The KTT Unit team is trained to identify transferable research results, assess commercial potential, intellectual property, manage results transfer contracts, support and advise industrial initiatives, executive training, and also provide KTT-related training.
In addition, this Unit maintains a close collaboration with the Valorisation, Transfer and Entrepreneurship area of the USC, which is the service in charge of the dissemination and promotion of the KTT culture among the university community.
