• IKERLAN currently has 44 doctoral theses under way, carried out with universities such as the University of the Basque Country, MONDRAGON UNIBERTSITATEA, the University of Cantabria and the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya.
• A round table with representatives from INNKIA, Galbaian and IKERLAN explores how patents help turn research into products and services on the market.

Bilbao, 6 November 2026.- The Basque technology centre IKERLAN is holding the tenth edition of TESIBIZI in Bilbao today, the event at which its doctoral researchers present their work. The gathering brings together more than 100 people, including representatives of partner universities and professionals from the science and technology ecosystem, with a clear aim: to show how doctoral training generates useful solutions for industry and society.

Behind every thesis lies a specific challenge: “How can several organisations jointly train an artificial intelligence model when they have hardly any data in common?” or “How can a power converter monitor its own condition and give warning before a fault occurs?” Over time, research like this finds its way into factories, the energy we consume and the digital systems we use every day.

During the event, the doctoral researchers present their work in accessible formats, such as poster sessions and the 3MT (Three Minute Thesis) format, which challenges them to explain complex technological problems briefly and in plain language.

Patents: from research to market

The programme includes a round table on the strategic value of patents, bringing together three complementary perspectives: that of business, with Gorka Artola, Managing Director of INNKIA Artificial Intelligence; that of knowledge protection, with Idoia Apraiz, industrial and intellectual property advisor at Galbaian; and that of research, with Josu Olmos, PhD and researcher at IKERLAN. Together, they discuss how protecting research results makes it easier for new technologies to reach the market, creates value for companies and strengthens the competitiveness of industry.

Ten years giving a voice to research talent

Since its launch in 2016, TESIBIZI has brought together more than 1,000 participants and showcased over 175 doctoral theses linked to the centre’s main research lines: digital technologies and artificial intelligence, embedded electronic systems and cybersecurity, and energy and mechatronics.

Over this time, the event has become a meeting point between academia and industry. It strengthens IKERLAN’s collaboration with leading universities and helps train new generations of highly qualified professionals: talent that is key to the competitiveness of Basque industry.

“TESIBIZI reflects our commitment to research talent and to research that is connected with the needs of industry and society. Doctoral training is key to generating knowledge, driving innovation and strengthening the competitiveness of our companies,” says Aron Pujana, Director of Knowledge at IKERLAN.

Through TESIBIZI, IKERLAN highlights one of its hallmarks: turning advanced knowledge into innovation with a real impact on business and society.

TESIBIZI has established itself as one of IKERLAN’s leading platforms for nurturing research talent.