Transfer

CIM UPC carries out R&D projects ranging from TRL levels 3-4 to the final validation of advanced manufacturing technologies, such as 3D printing or additive manufacturing.

The mission of CIM UPC’s Knowledge Transfer and Valuation (OTC) area is to establish collaborative relationships with companies and other entities, both public and private, to create technology transfer opportunities, through the following activities:

• Catalog and detect new technologies developed at CIM UPC.
• Protect and promote research results by identifying innovation trends and needs.
• Value our own technologies through minimum viable products, market studies and value proposals.
• Provide solutions to companies and institutions based on advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Promote collaboration between research staff and companies for R+D+i projects.
• Accompany companies in the preparation of proposals and provide advice during the development of collaborative projects.
• Negotiate and manage collaboration with companies and institutions through contracts, agreements and transfer agreements.
• Promote the creation of technology-based companies and spin-offs of CIM UPC.

One example is our spin-off BCN3D, which was created in 2019 after a period of incubation and development of IDEX (Independent Dual Extrusion) technology for our R&D team and which today has more than 70 workers.

The CIM UPC transfer and valuation team is in contact with the different actors in the value chain of advanced manufacturing technologies at a national and international level.

Programa Primer

The First Pre-acceleration Program, co-financed by the European Social Fund Plus and promoted by the Government of the Generalitat de Catalunya, aims to promote innovative, technological and sustainable startups, bringing the entrepreneurial ecosystem beyond the Barcelona hub and connecting all of Catalonia.

Through specialized training, mentorship, and connections with experts, the program supports entrepreneurs in transforming their ideas into real projects with economic, social, and environmental impact.

Program Impact:

• 2024 Edition: 27 pre-accelerators and 38 participating entities offered 3,733 hours of training and 3,180 hours of mentorship, facilitating the creation of 28 new startups with innovative and sustainable projects.

• 2025 Edition: 32 pre-accelerators spread over 17 regions, with nearly 7,500 hours of training and mentoring for 520 entrepreneurs, strengthening the network and growth of local talent.

• Benefits for participants: access to personalized mentorship, hands-on sessions with industry experts, networking with other startups and organizations, and support in developing viable business models.

In relation to the call for 2026, the allocated budget is 2.110,000 euros, which represents an increase of 25% compared to the budget allocation for 2025. In addition, as a novelty, 100% of the cost of the project is subsidised (until now 80% was subsidised, with a maximum amount of 75,000 euros).

The First Program, with the support of the Government of Catalonia, is the platform to take your ideas to the next level, connecting innovation, technology and opportunities throughout the territory.

Funded by the Department of Business and Labor and co-financed by the ESF+