IK4-IKERLAN increases turnover from R+D+i projects with companies by 5,5 %

• IK4-IKERLAN had revenues of 20,7 million Euros last year, a 6,7 % increase from 2015
• The technology centre presented this data at its general meeting, held today in Arrasate-Mondragón

Last year, IK4-IKERLAN technology centre obtained 11,5 million Euros from R+D+i projects deployed with companies, 5,5 % more than in 2015. In 2016 this source accounted for 55,6 % of the centre´s total revenue, which rose to 20,7 million Euros, 6,7 % more than in 2015.

The general manager at IK4-IKERLAN, Marcelino Caballero, outlined his satisfaction with the results: “2016 was a very positive year where we managed to increase our R+D+i activity with companies, which proves that our commitment to technological expertise is producing results when it comes to solving the real challenges of companies”, he noted. According to Caballero, “this figure consolidates the upward trend started last year and shows the excellent relationship that IK4-IKERLAN holds with Basque companies”.

On the other hand, 39,2 % of the centre´s revenue last year (8,2 million) came from tenders issued by different public administrations (Regional Government of Gipuzkoa, Basque Government, the Spanish Central State Administration and Europe) in order to fund research projects. The remaining 5,2 % (one million Euros) came from other sources.

IK4-IKERLAN presented the figures at its general meeting, which took place this afternoon at the Garaia Innovation Park in Arrasate-Mondragón. The event was attended by members of institutions, companies and members of the Basque Science, Technology and Innovation Network.

European Recognition

Another area that has increased notably is the turnover from European projects, which enable the centre to develop its technological specialisation and collaborate with leading European institutions. In 2016, 2,9 million Euros were obtained this way, a figure that exceeds the previous year by 19,3 %.

Also, IK4-IKERLAN is leading three European projects: Safepower, Batteries2020 and Angelab. The latter has been awarded a prize by the European Union for the “excellence of its research work”.

Research Results

The increase in activity by IK4-IKERLAN is also reflected in its research results. Last year, the centre took part in 48 of these projects, working in collaboration with other centres from the IK4 Alliance it belongs to, and with other agents from the BSTIN. Its researchers published 39 scientific articles and gave 47 presentations at conferences. Likewise, six new patents were registered.

Aiming to strengthen its cooperation with other institutions, the centre signed two new collaboration agreements: on one hand with Tecnun, the University of Navarre´s School of Engineers, in order to research the Internet of Things sector, and another one with the University of the Basque Country, in order to make progress in the advanced control sector.

Technological Specialisation Plan

Last year, the centre defined its new Technological Specialisation Plan, which commits to training top-level researchers (the centre currently has 48 doctorates underway) and establishes the technological research commitments of the next four years.

IK4-IKERLAN has focused its activities on three areas of specialisation: one dedicated to electronic, information and communication technologies, another focused on energy and power electronics and another centred on advanced manufacturing.

“These are sectors with an important impact on the present and future of Basque industry, and we want to increase our capacity to generate knowledge and cutting-edge technology in them, in order to help the companies in the surrounding area to be more competitive”, outlined the director general of the centre.

“For us, technology is an attitude: we are passionate about working each day to find the most suitable solutions for our clients, that is one of the values that really distinguishes us”, declared Caballero.

MONDRAGON Corporation

Last year, the MONDRAGON Corporation began a new phase that puts an emphasis on competitive and sustainable businesses. Aligned with this strategic vision, IK4-IKERLAN is co-leading the design of the tractor project by the Department of Knowledge, in order to encourage inter-cooperation of agents linked to education, research and promotion within the Corporation.

About IK4-IKERLAN

IK4-IKERLAN is a leading centre for technology transfer and for providing competitive value to companies due, among other things, to the expertise of its researchers. It offers comprehensive solutions by combining different fields of technology. This is possible owing to its high level of specialisation in three main areas: Electronics, information and communication technology (EICT), Energy and power electronics and Advanced manufacturing. It currently has a staff of more than 300 people.