From electric vehicles to advanced management of the food chain, the Technology Centers of Castilla y León are leading the development of revolutionary solutions.
At the heart of innovation and technology, Castilla y León’s Technology Centers are setting the pace of progress. Foci of creativity and advanced solutions, they have generated success stories that not only solve complex challenges, but also shape the future of industries and communities.
We highlight some of these cases, revealing how innovation can be a driver of change and development.
Cidaut and the future of urban electric vehicles
In the constantly evolving world of vehicle technology, the Cidaut technology center has marked a significant milestone with its URBAN-EV project. This project, developed in collaboration with a consortium of 10 partners, represents a significant breakthrough in the design and manufacture of urban electric vehicles.
At the core of the URBAN-EV project has been the challenge of creating an urban electric vehicle that is not only lightweight and safe but also affordable and efficient. With a focus on reducing weight and improving safety, the team used innovative materials such as aluminum, magnesium, composites and steel to create a vehicle that redefines performance and safety expectations.
One of the highlights of URBAN-EV has been its innovative approach to joining different materials. Faced with the challenge of combining materials that cannot normally be welded, the team developed electromagnetic joining techniques to create joints at supersonic speeds, a feat that required extreme precision and innovative thinking.
The resulting vehicle, a 2-seat electric city car, is not only light and safe, but also remarkably versatile. With a weight reduced from 720 kg to 555 kg and a range increased from 65 km to more than 160 km, the URBAN-EV has set new standards in efficiency. In addition, its ability to fold for easy parking demonstrates a unique blend of functionality and innovative design.
Safety has been another crucial area of focus. Through simulation and rigorous testing, Cidaut optimized the vehicle structure to ensure that it meets the safety standards of a conventional passenger car. Improvements in crash energy absorption and specific restraint systems, such as airbags and seat belts, are testaments to its commitment to safety.
Beyond technical innovation, the URBAN-EV project has also made a significant contribution towards sustainability. The adoption of thermoplastic materials over thermosets, which are easier to recycle, underlines the project’s commitment to a greener future. The vehicle also incorporates a regenerative braking system, maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing environmental impact.
Cidaut’s success story with the URBAN-EV has not only demonstrated the viability of light urban electric vehicles, but has also laid the groundwork for future innovations in the field. This project is a clear example of how collaboration, innovation and a focus on sustainability can lead to significant advances that benefit both the industry and society as a whole.
The power of big data in energy: ITCL’s success story with Aduriz Energia
In a world where energy efficiency is key to sustainability, the ITCL Technology Center, in collaboration with Aduriz Energía, has made a qualitative leap in energy management. Its project, the “Big Energy Data”, represents a significant advance in the management and analysis of data for the optimization of energy consumption.
The project was born out of the need for Aduriz Energía, a small and medium-sized energy trading company in Burgos, to improve its position in the smart energy supply market, especially in rural areas. With the challenge of competing in a fluctuating energy market and facing the growing demand and diversity of customers, it was essential to have accurate tools for the analysis of energy demand.
The solution proposed by ITCL and Aduriz Energía was to develop a Big Data tool capable of predicting energy consumption and assisting in real-time decision making. This system would not only efficiently manage the commercialization and self-consumption of energy, but would also allow an effective prediction of energy consumption, adapting to changing demand patterns.
Key actions in the project included:
- Development of predictive energy consumption models.
- Creation of a Big Data system for real-time data processing.
- Development of interfaces for data visualization and management.
- Implementation of rules for energy prediction.
- System testing and validation.
The result has been a revolutionary energy management system that not only improves the efficiency of Aduriz Energía’s business, but also contributes significantly to the personalization and quality of customer service. This project is a clear example of how the use of advanced technologies, such as Big Data and Industry 4.0, can lead to innovations that benefit both companies and society in general.
The implementation of this system demonstrates how technology can be a powerful tool in the transformation of energy markets, offering sustainable and adaptive solutions to contemporary challenges. It also highlights the importance of collaboration between technology centers and companies to drive innovation and development.
The ITCL and Aduriz Energía project is a role model in the use of technology to improve energy management, showing that technological innovation is fundamental for the progress and sustainability of companies and society.
Agricultural revolution with sulfur: ITAGRA’s success story with Repsol
In an effort to make agriculture more sustainable and efficient, the agricultural technology center ITAGRA, in collaboration with Repsol, has transformed sulfur, a by-product of oil refining, into an innovative fertilizer. This project not only improves soil fertility and agricultural production, but also represents a significant advance in waste management and environmental sustainability.
The project, initiated in 2011, arose from Repsol’s need to find a useful application for sulfur, a residue from its refining processes. ITAGRA accepted the challenge, proposing to use sulfur in agriculture. Beyond just disposing of this by-product, the goal was to valorize it, that is, to turn it into a valuable raw material within the circular economy cycle.
For more than six years, ITAGRA has been studying the impact of sulfur on different crops and soils, determining the optimal doses for its application. The results have been promising: the use of sulfur improves the efficiency of nitrogen in the soil, reducing the loss of this vital nutrient and, therefore, reducing the need for additional fertilizers.
Sulfur not only enhances crop growth, but also improves the availability of other essential nutrients such as phosphorus. In addition, the incorporation of sulfur in the composting process of agricultural and livestock waste results in a compost richer in nitrogen and less emission of ammonia, a greenhouse gas.
The collaboration between ITAGRA and Repsol has led to significant methodological adaptations, including studies on ammonia volatilization and its environmental impact. This innovative approach not only benefits farmers by increasing the profitability of their farms, but also contributes to the reduction of environmental pollution.
The ITAGRA and Repsol success story demonstrates the power of innovation in solving environmental and economic problems in agriculture. The revalorization of sulfur as a fertilizer is an example of how the circular economy can be applied in a practical and beneficial way, creating sustainable solutions that have a positive impact on both the agricultural sector and the environment.
This project highlights the importance of collaboration between different sectors, in this case, the oil industry and agricultural technology, to create innovative solutions that address contemporary challenges. The success of ITAGRA and Repsol in sulfur valorization illustrates how science and technology can be driving forces for positive change in our society.
Sustainable innovation in coatings: CTME’s success story with CICROSA
In a context where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand, CTME’s ReSinCrom project represents an exemplary case. Focused on the development of alternative coatings to hard chrome for CICROSA’s hydraulic cylinders, this project demonstrates how research and technology can contribute significantly to both environmental compliance and improved competitiveness in global markets.
The main challenge of the ReSinCrom project was to find a viable alternative to hexavalent chromium (Cr6), a chemical compound known for its toxicity and widespread use in industry for chromium plating processes. This challenge gained importance with the implementation of the European Union’s REACH regulation, which seeks to limit the use of hazardous chemicals to protect human health and the environment.
CTME, the Miranda de Ebro Technology Center, tackled this challenge together with CICROSA HIDRAULICA S.L., a company dedicated to the manufacture of hydraulic cylinders. Together, they embarked on an exhaustive search for alternative coatings that would not only be less harmful to the environment, but would also maintain or even improve the quality and durability of the final products.
After thorough research, CTME proposed two alternative solutions: thermal spraying and electroless nickel. These methods aligned with CICROSA’s sustainability and quality expectations, offering comparable abrasion resistance and minimal porosity, crucial elements for the efficient operation of hydraulic cylinders.
The success of the ReSinCrom project is not only a victory in terms of regulatory compliance, but also represents a significant breakthrough in the coatings industry. The project illustrates how collaboration between Technology Centers and companies can lead to innovative solutions that respond to environmental, health and market needs.
The CTME and CICROSA success story is an inspiring example of how sustainability-driven innovation can open new avenues for competitiveness in a global marketplace. By adopting greener and more effective coating technologies, CICROSA is not only ahead of environmental regulations, but also sets a new standard in its industry.
This project highlights the importance of success stories in technological innovation, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve business and environmental objectives simultaneously. The collaboration between CTME and CICROSA HIDRAULICA S.L. serves as a model for other companies and Technology Centers seeking to thrive through sustainable innovation.
EIAROB: innovation in robotics to improve the lives of elderly and dependent people by Cartif
In an era where technology is advancing by leaps and bounds, the EIAROB project, coordinated by the CARTIF Technology Center, stands out as a beacon of innovation. Its goal is to significantly improve the quality of life of elderly and dependent people through advanced artificial intelligence systems, mechatronics and social robots.
EIAROB arose in response to the challenges faced by elderly or dependent people in their daily lives. These people, often limited in their autonomy and physical and mental health, need assistance to perform daily activities. EIAROB proposes a technological solution that not only promotes the autonomy and quality of life of these individuals in their homes or residential units, but also prevents risks, facilitates the work of caregivers and reduces the costs associated with care.
The project is structured around three main axes:
Activity Development: Includes the creation of an ambient intelligence system that monitors and supervises daily activities, providing recommendations and alerts. Social robots act as assistants in various tasks.
Home Care and Support: Focuses on mechatronic and robotic solutions to assist in moving around the home, improving people’s mobility and independence.
Experimental Observatory: The creation of an experimental observatory in Castilla y León allows testing and perfecting these technologies in a controlled environment.
EIAROB, in collaboration with entities such as the INTRAS Foundation, ASPRODES and the University of Valladolid, has achieved significant advances in the field of robotics applied to the care of people. This project not only improves the lives of the elderly and dependent people, but also represents an important advance in assistive technology. Its success demonstrates how technological innovation can have a profound and positive impact on society, offering practical and humane solutions to real problems.
CETECE: advances in gluten-free flour analysis for the food industry
In a constantly evolving market, the March project of the CETECE Technology Center is positioned as a milestone in the analysis of gluten-free flours. Its focus on advanced techniques for the transformation of cereals reflects a significant advance in the production of gluten-free foods, meeting a growing demand from consumers with celiac disease or other gluten sensitivities.
The March project focuses on addressing the technical challenges associated with gluten-free food production. One of the main barriers is the lack of homogeneity and limited characterization of flours and other gluten-free ingredients. This represents a significant challenge for producers, who require accurate methods to evaluate these raw materials prior to their use in food manufacturing.
CETECE, applying advanced techniques such as the use of RVA (Rapid Visco Analyzer) equipment, has developed a method to analyze the viscosity of gluten-free flours, a key component in the quality of the final product. This breakthrough provides a crucial tool for food manufacturers, allowing them to anticipate problems and improve the efficiency and quality of their products.
The RVA team analyzes the pasting properties of flours, a critical factor in the production of foods such as breads, sauces and pastries. Through this method, CETECE has been able to characterize different types of flours and starches, such as rice, corn, buckwheat and millet. These findings are fundamental to understanding how each ingredient affects the texture, flavor and nutritional quality of gluten-free foods.
The project has not only established standard viscosity profiles for these ingredients, but has also developed optimized blends for the production of gluten-free breads. These mixes achieve a quality comparable to that of gluten-containing products, addressing one of the food industry’s greatest challenges in this segment.
CETECE’s success in the March project is a clear example of how technological innovation can positively impact the food industry and, by extension, society. By improving the quality and consistency of gluten-free foods, CETECE is not only supporting companies in the sector, but also making a significant contribution to improving the quality of life of people with gluten-related diseases.
This success story demonstrates the importance of research and development in the field of specialty foods, and how science and technology can contribute to practical solutions that benefit both businesses and consumers.
Cesefor’s MicoQR: digital innovation in the mycological market for food security
In an increasingly regulated and demanding market in terms of transparency and food safety, the Cesefor Technology Center has developed MicoQR, an innovative solution for the management of wild mushroom purchases. This technological advance responds to the growing demand for effective tools for the control and traceability of mycological products, marking a milestone in the digital transformation of the sector.
MicoQR arises in a context where the regulation of the commercialization of wild mushrooms is becoming more rigorous, especially in regions such as Castilla y León, an important point of reference in mycological activity. This regulatory framework seeks greater control and professionalization of the agents involved in the trade of fresh mushrooms and truffles. The application developed by Cesefor allows companies to effectively manage the traceability of these purchases, identifying both the collector and the place of collection, and thus ensuring the quality and safety of the product.
MicoQR represents a tool for significant change in the control of mycological products. It works as a cross-platform application that facilitates the management of buying and selling in real time, even in remote areas without continuous Internet connection. The ability to print receipts and delivery notes in the field using portable printers and collect detailed transaction data is crucial to maintain effective traceability.
In addition to improving the daily management of the transactions of these products, MicoQR is essential to regulate the sector and its commercialization, providing transparency and confidence to both companies and consumers. This system not only benefits companies in their internal management, but is also essential to comply with food safety inspections and regulations.
The success of MicoQR demonstrates the importance of technological innovation in non-mainstream sectors of great socio-economic relevance. Cesefor, through this application, has not only transformed the daily management of companies in the mycological sector, but has also established a standard for the guarantee of traceability and food safety in the commercialization of wild mushrooms and truffles.
The implementation of MicoQR in leading companies in the Spanish mycological market reflects its effectiveness and necessity. This success story is a clear example of how technology can provide practical and advanced solutions to specific industry challenges, promoting sustainability, safety and efficiency in the food sector.
ChainWines: innovation in wine traceability with blockchain by AIR Institute
In an industry where quality and transparency are essential, AIR Institute’s ChainWines project emerges as an innovative model. Using blockchain technology, the project has created a comprehensive platform to manage the entire lifecycle of premium wines, from vineyard to table.
ChainWines addresses the challenge of recording the complete traceability of wine, a complex process that spans from the climatic conditions under which the grapes are grown to their final transport to the consumer. This project focuses not only on the winemaking and bottling processes, but also on ensuring quality during transportation and delivery.
The main objective of ChainWines has been to increase the consumer’s perception of quality. In a market where customers are looking for differentiation and transparency, this project brings additional value to wine by implementing new traceability techniques. These techniques make it possible to monitor key aspects that influence product quality, such as smart contracts between wineries and transporters to maintain conservation standards.
With the increasing concern for quality and food safety, ChainWines has integrated advanced technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain to manage the information generated throughout the winemaking process. This holistic solution ranges from the characterization of procedures in the winery to the implementation of a security layer that ensures data integrity.
AIR Institute’s work on this project includes the implementation of an efficient database for traceability, using distributed logging technologies and the development of adapted interfaces for value chain actors to access traceability information.
The result of ChainWines is a blockchain platform that maintains the traceability of each bottle of wine produced, ensuring and standardizing the quality of the product that reaches the consumer. The smart contracts established on this platform create a framework of trust between producers, distributors and consumers.
This success story demonstrates how technological innovation, particularly in the use of blockchain, can transform traditional industries such as the wine industry. By providing a transparent and efficient solution for traceability management, ChainWines not only improves the perception of product quality, but also sets new standards of trust and security in the industry.
These success stories are not just examples of technological innovation; they are testaments to how collaboration, creativity and commitment to sustainability can lead to transformative solutions.
The Technology Centers of Castilla y León are demonstrating that a sustainable and technologically advanced future is not just an ideal, but a tangible reality.
MINE.THE.GAP: revolutionizing European mining with innovation and collaboration with ICAMCyL
In a world where innovation is the engine of growth and development, success stories like the MINE.THE.GAP project, led by the ICAMCyL Foundation, light the way to the future. With a budget of 5 million euros, this project stands out for its significant impact on the mining sector, a crucial but often forgotten sector in conversations about technological innovation.
MINE.THE.GAP’s success lies in its collaborative approach and dedication to innovation. With over €3 million earmarked to fund projects and services for SMEs in mining and commodities, the project has created an ecosystem where collaboration between different technology sectors flourishes. This approach has resulted in tangible economic growth and increased competitiveness in Europe’s mining industry.
One of the most significant contributions of MINE.THE.GAP is its ability to strengthen existing value chains and develop new ones. The platform provided by the project has enabled SMEs to benefit from valuable interactions with suppliers and facilitators in emerging fields such as information and communication technologies (ICT), circular economy and advanced manufacturing. This cross-sector and cross-regional approach not only enhances current operations, but also opens doors to future innovations.
MINE.THE.GAP has not only focused on current solutions, but has also set its sights on the future. By offering funding bonds such as MINE-PoC and MINE-Demo, the project has addressed key challenges in the mining value chain. These bonds have facilitated the development of collaborative projects and the implementation of prototypes, supporting not only innovation, but also the creation of new commercial opportunities.
The ICAMCyL Foundation, through MINE.THE.GAP, has demonstrated an exceptional ability to adapt and respond to unforeseen challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. During its 39 months, the project financed 63 companies, providing a vital economic boost for the reactivation of mining activities at a critical time. This resilient and proactive approach is a shining example of how technology centers can play a crucial role in times of crisis.
MINE.THE.GAP stands out not only for its financial and technical contribution to European SMEs, but also for its innovative and collaborative approach. It serves as a role model for future projects in various sectors, demonstrating that collaboration and innovation are key to overcoming tomorrow’s challenges and seizing tomorrow’s opportunities. This success story is an inspiration to all those interested in the transformative power of innovation and technology.
From the Network of Technology Centers interdisciplinary work in an integrated manner, covering all technical disciplines. technical disciplines and finding innovative solutions in all parts of the processes.
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