Valorisation of R&D and creation of EBTs
Innovation that becomes business: Our commitment to EBTs
At AINIA, we transform knowledge into business value. Investment in R&D not only drives our clients’ competitiveness, but also becomes the engine for the creation of new Technology-Based Companies (EBTs), designed to address specific market challenges.
01_ From R&D to business: a model of applied innovation
How we identify business opportunities from R&D
At AINIA, we understand innovation as a strategic process, not just a technological one. That is why our approach to identifying business opportunities is based on integrating research with in-depth knowledge of the market, regulation and consumer trends.
This approach enables us not only to conduct research, but also to translate innovation into real economic impact, generating value for AINIA, the business ecosystem and society.
Technology and market intelligence
We continuously monitor key sectors such as agri-food, cosmetics, chemicals, packaging and health, identifying emerging trends, technological gaps and regulatory changes that create new needs or barriers for industry.
Business-oriented evaluation of R&D results
Each internally developed technological result or prototype undergoes an assessment of its market potential. We analyse its technological maturity (TRL), target market size, urgency of the problem it solves and its regulatory feasibility.
Validation with companies and early adopters
By confronting our developments with our clients’ real challenges, we seek a problem-solution fit. This early validation allows us to refine the technological focus and identify opportunities for direct commercialisation, licensing or spin-offs.
Scalable business models
Based on this identification, we define sustainable business models, identifying industrial partners, channels, required investment and intellectual property protection strategies when relevant.
Acceleration through EBTs or direct transfer
If a development shows strong disruption or differentiation potential, AINIA promotes the creation of its own or co-owned Technology-Based Company. In other cases, we transfer technology to established companies through bilateral agreements or Public Procurement of Innovation (PPI).
Strategic collaborations to bring innovation to market
Companies: key partners in validation and scaling
From the ideation phase, we involve companies as strategic partners. Their early participation allows us to validate real market needs, test prototypes under industrial conditions and identify regulatory, operational or commercial barriers. Many of these companies ultimately participate in the EBTs resulting from this collaboration.
Investment funds and technological venture capital
We collaborate with investors specialised in deep tech and industrial innovation. These funds provide not only financing, but also scalability vision and access to commercial networks. Through this connection, EBTs promoted by AINIA gain traction and accelerate their market entry.
Sector-focused incubators and accelerators
We rely on incubators with strong sector expertise to support EBTs in their early stages: business model validation, intellectual property protection, MVP development, etc. These environments also provide key mentoring and networking opportunities.
REDIT Ventures: catalyst for EBT creation
Collaboration is key to generating impact
Thanks to this collaborative ecosystem, AINIA maximises the impact of its R&D, turning emerging technologies into viable, purpose-driven companies ready to transform strategic sectors.
02_ Impact-driven EBTs
We promote EBTs where technology creates the greatest impact
At AINIA, we focus the creation of Technology-Based Companies (EBTs) on sectors where our R&D can make a real difference. This approach allows us to transform scientific and technological capabilities into concrete business solutions tailored to key sector challenges.
We align technology, market and sustainability
Each EBT we promote reflects a strategic combination: a mature technology, an unmet market need and a clear purpose of sustainability or sector transformation.
Agri-food: towards more sustainable and functional food
We develop EBTs that add value across the agri-food chain: from new functional ingredients and preservation technologies to food safety and traceability solutions. Technologies such as upcycling, cellular agriculture and alternative proteins are key focus areas.
Cosmetics: science-based innovation
Through our capabilities in biotechnology, cell models and in vitro efficacy, we promote EBTs focused on active ingredients, nutricosmetics and advanced evaluation technologies. Our approach combines regulated science with emerging consumer trends (sustainability, microbiota, emotional wellbeing).
Packaging: sustainable and functional materials
We promote EBTs such as FIBTRAY, offering compostable or recyclable packaging solutions with functional barriers. We work on biopolymers, active coatings and eco-design, aligned with circular economy principles and European packaging legislation.
Environment: valorisation and circular economy
Industrial digitalisation: inspection, sensing and advanced analytics
Supporting EBTs from idea to market
Creating a Technology-Based Company is a complex process that requires not only a disruptive idea, but also a structured path towards technological, business and commercial viability. At AINIA, we act as a strategic partner throughout all critical stages.
From lab to market, with expert support
Our approach ensures that each EBT is built on a solid technological foundation, a viable business model and continuous support for market consolidation.
Ideation: turning challenges into opportunities
From our R&D activities, we identify high-impact technological challenges. We assess the problem-solution fit based on market needs, scientific novelty and alignment with strategic trends such as sustainability, health and digitalisation. At this stage, we promote co-creation sessions with experts and potential clients to refine the value proposition.
Technological validation: ensuring feasibility
We provide access to our laboratory infrastructure and pilot plants to conduct proof-of-concept, functional testing and technical characterisation. This phase aims to reach a sufficient technological maturity level (TRL) to develop a solid and reliable minimum viable product (MVP).
Business model: designing the path to sustainability
With the support of mentors and experts from the entrepreneurial ecosystem, we define the most suitable business model: customer segment, go-to-market channels, key partners, revenue streams and cost structure. We also develop financial and commercial plans, while advising on regulatory aspects, intellectual property and market entry barriers.
Scaling: growth with impact and viability
03_ TechTransfer: bridging technology and market
Public Procurement of Innovation (PPI): driving transfer through public demand
Public Procurement of Innovation (PPI) is a key instrument for enabling public administrations to act as drivers of innovation, fostering the development of solutions that do not yet exist in the market.
At AINIA, we integrate this approach into our technology transfer strategy to convert R&D into real, useful solutions with social impact.
Early identification of technological demand
PPI enables the identification of unmet public needs requiring innovative solutions. AINIA works alongside public administrations to define these challenges, acting as a technology developer and trusted partner.PPI enables the identification of unmet public needs requiring innovative solutions. AINIA works alongside public administrations to define these challenges, acting as a technology developer and trusted partner.
Channel for validation and technological maturity
Many R&D outcomes require real testing environments to reach advanced development stages (TRL). PPI projects provide this ideal platform to pilot, scale and refine technological solutions with public funding and a collaborative approach.
Direct transfer-to-market model
PPI facilitates the transformation of technologies developed by AINIA into products or services directly procured by public administrations, or transferred to companies capable of scaling them, accelerating market deployment.
Featured cases
- 2024
CELEBRE
Project led by FACSA to recover cellulose, such as toilet paper, from wastewater and urban waste, with the aim of producing renewable biofuels. The initiative also addresses the feasibility of recovering and valorising cellulose residues from the pruning of parks and gardens, as well as from diapers and personal hygiene products. AINIA participates in the development of the studies, experiments and proof-of-concept activities required at laboratory scale. A first prototype will be developed to assess the real feasibility, at a small scale, of implementing this biorefinery, laying the groundwork for industrial scale-up in the medium term.
- 2024
BIGPREDIDATA
The company Azufrera y Fertilizantes Pallarés, S.A. (AFEPASA) has commissioned AINIA to develop strategies for the prevention of frost effects, supporting the creation of a product that helps plants combat the damage caused by this phenomenon. The project is funded by CDTI and FEDER funds under the CIEN call.
- 2024
SUPRALEM
Research and development of new alternative protein sources through the cultivation of biomass such as duckweed and microalgae. Advanced technologies have been developed under non-conventional environmental conditions, enabling biomass to be enriched with minerals such as magnesium and iron up to 10 times more than in control cultures. In addition, the production of bioactive compounds such as antioxidants, phytosterols, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids has been enhanced.
Technologies such as high pressure and ultrafine milling have also been implemented for cell disruption, facilitating the release of proteins and other compounds of interest, such as micro- and nanocelluloses. These technologies enable the full valorisation of biomass with specific applications. Furthermore, the protein has been isolated using scalable and sustainable techniques. The project is funded by the EU through IVACE with FEDER funds.
TechTransfer
We drive innovation through public demand, turning ideas into real solutions. Discover our leading PPI cases and explore active opportunities for collaboration and technology transfer.
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