Technology centres: strategic allies for innovation and industrial transformation
Technology centres are consolidating their role as key players in the innovation ecosystem, acting as a bridge between scientific knowledge and market needs. They facilitate technology transfer, reduce risks in innovation processes, and boost competitiveness—particularly for SMEs.
At artica+i, we view these centres as strategic allies that bring technical expertise, access to advanced infrastructure, and participation in both national and international collaboration networks. Our partnership with centres such as Eurecat allows us to develop impactful R&D&I projects in sectors such as agri-food, healthcare, and renewable energy, strengthening our proposals and multiplying their impact.
Technology Centres: Connecting Science and Industry
Technology centres are increasingly recognised as strategic agents in the development of R&D&I projects. They serve as a vital link between academic research and the productive sector, accelerating both technology transfer and the creation of innovative solutions.
Rooted in scientific and technological expertise, these centres act as intermediaries between research institutions and market demands. Their ability to connect different stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem places them at the core of numerous national and European innovation initiatives.
Their involvement helps reduce the risks associated with innovation processes and improves efficiency in the development of new products, services, and processes. Additionally, they play a key role in enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs, which often lack the resources to undertake high-level technological initiatives on their own.
As an innovation consultancy, we consider technology centres essential strategic partners in shaping our value propositions. Their specialised technical knowledge and ability to conduct experimental validations complement our project management and results-driven approach.
Expanding Scope Through Partnership
Collaborating with technology centres allows us to expand the scope of our initiatives. Through these alliances, we gain access to advanced infrastructure, laboratories, pilot plants, and test environments that are typically out of reach for most companies—particularly SMEs.
Furthermore, their involvement in national and international R&D&I networks facilitates the creation of strong consortia, increasing the likelihood of success in competitive funding calls. Together, we form multidisciplinary teams that approach projects from an integrated perspective—from conception through to validation and market launch.
Strategic Alliances for Agri-Food Innovation
At artica+i, close collaboration with technology centres is a core part of our philosophy and vision for innovation—collaborative, applied, and value-oriented.
We work alongside leading centres such as Tecnalia Research & Innovation, AINIA, Centro Tecnológico Nacional de la Conserva y la Alimentación (CTNC), Centro Tecnológico Agroalimentario de Extremadura (CTAEX), Instituto Tecnológico del Plástico (AIMPLAS), Instituto Tecnológico del Embalaje, Transporte y Logística (ITENE), Instituto Tecnológico de Galicia (ITG) o Eurecat, among others.
In particular, our active collaboration with Eurecat is focused on jointly promoting R&D&I projects in strategic sectors such as agri-food, healthcare, and renewable energy.
Through this partnership, we establish a collaborative framework to identify, mobilise, and develop technology projects eligible for public funding. We combine our capabilities to form consortia and submit proposals to both national and international calls, with a special emphasis on the agri-food sector.
Working closely with a centre like Eurecat strengthens our value proposition, increases the impact of our projects, and reinforces our commitment to transformative, sustainable, and results-driven innovation.
Cervera Funding for Technology Centres
The Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI Innovación) provides Cervera 2025 Grants for technology centres, supporting strategic R&D&I programmes focused on priority “Cervera” technologies. The goal is to consolidate these centres as strategic technological and innovation partners for companies.
The upcoming 2025 call will be aimed at consortia composed of three to five officially registered technology centres or innovation support centres. Proposals must focus on one or more of the following priority technologies:
- Advanced communications – mobile networks
- Defence against asymmetric threats
- Artificial Intelligence
- Advanced materials
- Autonomous systems – advanced mobility
- Quantum technologies
- Digital technologies linked to Industry 5.0
- Safe and healthy food supply chain
- Efficient and sustainable energy management
In parallel, the Cervera Technology Transfer R&D Project programme remains open year-round. It aims to strengthen SMEs’ and mid-cap companies’ innovation capabilities by funding R&D activities subcontracted to knowledge-generating institutions or carried out in collaboration with them, within the same list of priority technologies.
Interested applicants must submit their proposals via the CDTI Innovación online portal and benefit from the programme’s favourable financial conditions.
Both options—Cervera Grants and Technology Transfer Projects—reaffirm CDTI’s commitment to strengthening collaboration between technology centres and between centres and companies. The ultimate goal is to promote the development of scientific and technological capacities essential for the country’s industrial transformation.
At artica+i, we actively promote these collaborations, recognising the significant value these types of projects bring to companies seeking to leverage public funding to enhance innovation and competitiveness.
How Can We Help You?
At artica+i, we turn your ideas into projects. With more than 30 years of experience managing R&D&I initiatives, we offer comprehensive support throughout the entire innovation process.
Our multidisciplinary team is exclusively dedicated to innovation and committed to each project’s success. We also have a strong track record in the technical coordination of Operational Groups for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
Our mission: to ensure your project achieves both technical and financial success.
How? By covering the entire R&D&I project lifecycle—from concept to implementation and justification:
- Techno-economic assessment: Initial evaluation, identification of R&D&I activities, partner scouting, and recommendation of optimal funding and fiscal strategies.
- Technical management: Feasibility analysis, work plan design, funding application preparation, and technical progress monitoring.
- Financial management: Budget design, cost control, regulatory compliance, economic reporting, and audit coordination.
- Administrative management: Legal and administrative support throughout the project lifecycle, including public administration procedures and aid management.
- Consortium management & coordination: Partner identification, consortium building, coordination support, and communication with funding agencies.
- Action plans & justification: Strategic planning and assistance to verify compliance with project milestones.
- R&D&I communication: Communication strategy design and support for dissemination and visibility of funded projects.
