CIM UPC, collaborating entity in the PADIH program to promote the digitalization of small and medium-sized enterprises

Allow Catalan companies to incorporate innovative technologies such as robotics, Industry 4.0, and metallic 3D printing

CIM UPC, collaborating entity in the PADIH program to promote the digitalization of small and medium-sized enterprises

The program was presented on January 21 in a successful virtual and in-person event. The entity hopes to execute projects in a large number of Catalan companies, with maximum aid of up to €30,000 per SME.

Barcelona, January 28, 2025. CIM UPC, an entity belonging to the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, which leads 3D printing in Europe, has joined the network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) within the framework of the PADIH Program (Support for Digital Innovation Hubs), under the “Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan – Funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU“. These centers function as “one-stop shops” offering, on a non-profit basis, information, services, and experimentation facilities needed by companies to successfully address their digital transformation processes. Thus, CIM UPC, as a collaborating EDIH center of the PADIH Program, with the support of ACCIÓ, will promote the digitalization of small and medium-sized companies, advancing them in digital manufacturing and production technologies, including Robotics, Industry 4.0, Metallic 3D Printing, and other tools to improve their competitiveness and efficiency. The program includes significant aid funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU and the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, and is supported by the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Tourism and EOI. The PADIH program was presented in a successful virtual and in-person event at CIM UPC, where the program’s objectives and grants were presented. The event featured prominent experts in the field, such as Sandra Artigas (Unió Patronal Metal·lúrgica), David Marco (ACCIÓ), Felip Fenollosa i Artés, and Laura Calvo Duarte (CIM UPC), who provided clear and practical insights into these grants and their impact on the sector. In-person attendees had the opportunity to visit the center’s pilot plant, where they were shown the latest 3D printing technologies and how they can be applied to their companies or projects to innovate and improve production processes. Companies that find CIM UPC‘s services suitable for their needs can contact CIM UPC to explain their requirements and request a Service Proposal. The program is expected to generate great interest among Catalan companies. Regarding aid, there is a wide range of financing assistance within the “Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan – Funded by the European Union – Next GenerationEU” so that interested companies can access different services through CIM UPC. The maximum amount to be financed is €30,000. Applications will be submitted through the electronic form on the EOI electronic headquarters. To submit an application, companies must first request a Service Proposal from CIM UPC. Activities must be completed within a maximum of 12 months from the grant award. The deadline for submitting applications is September 30, 2025, and the activities must be completed by December 31, 2025.

 

TYPES OF SERVICES FUNDED BY THE PADIH PROGRAM

  • Initial advisory for technology implementation (maximum amount 10.000 €).
  • Testing and experimentation, including technology proof-of-concept trials (maximum amount 20.000 €).
  • Training for acquiring basic knowledge for the implementation and subsequent management of technology (maximum amount 5.000 €).
  • Advisory on finding funding for technology implementation (maximum amount 5.000 €).
  • Support for accessing innovation networks and ecosystems (maximum amount 5.000 €).

 

According to the Director of CIM UPC, Dr. Josep Mª Cabrera, “This initiative adds value to society and generates technology, training the best professionals in Industry 4.0 during a time of energy
transition, addressing climate change for the common good of humanity and society. CIM UPC is a world-leading technological center in the field of Advanced Manufacturing.” Continues the director of CIM UPC, “These new technologies and technological applications have great potential to generate new economic activities and are priorities in the European Union’s research and innovation policies, which clearly invest in them as a future strategy. In this way, we foster an industry better prepared to compete with the most innovative technology.”

 

About CIM UPC

Leading 3D printing, CIM UPC‘s mission is to transfer knowledge of engineering and technology management, as well as provide tools to businesses and professionals to create and improve their products and manufacturing processes. Committed to society and industry, CIM UPC serves its environment by advancing digital manufacturing and production technologies through training, technology transfer, and research. This approach brings business realities into the university and helps the industrial fabric achieve maximum technological competitiveness. CIM UPC has been characterized from its inception by the versatility of its activities. Some of the most relevant include:

  • Pilot Plant, with a service for producing prototypes and pre-series made through 3D printing and advanced machining, as well as various laboratories for tests with innovative Direct Ink Writing printers and other technologies for industrial projects. ● Design and production of customized Advanced Manufacturing equipment, enabling new production processes based on 3D printing. ● Open Innovation. National research projects through the XaRFA network (Reference Network in Additive Manufacturing of Catalonia) and European projects with international partners.
  • Design, manufacture, and sale of desktop 3D printers for professionals and companies (various models, stemming from its spin-offs BCN3D and ARIDDITIVE).

 

CIM UPC originated in 1990 and became a foundation of UPC in 2005. Since that time, the entity has been celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. It also collaborates with other university research centers through the Centre d’Innovació i Tecnologia of UPC (CIT UPC) and has led the XarFA, a network focused on advanced manufacturing. It also develops innovative technological proposals and enhances applied research infrastructures for projects in various technological fields.

 

More information: CIM UPC : http://www.cimupc.org

 

Note: If you would like more information about this press release, you can contact Mar Borque.

Tel: 610011713. e-mail: publicidad@marborqueasociados.es.

Web: https://marborqueconsultoradecomunicacion.my.canva.site