BASF and the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) celebrated at the ICIQ headquarters in Tarragona, the fourth edition of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Awards. Once again, the event has established itself as a key platform for recognizing scientific and technological achievements in the field of chemistry in Spain and Portugal.
The ceremony featured the participation of Lucía López, Territorial Delegate of the Government of Catalonia in Tarragona, who emphasized the need to “commit to decarbonization for a sustainable future. It is both an environmental and economic opportunity.” In this regard, she expressed the Government’s support for the “green revolution.”
Also speaking was the Mayor of Tarragona, Rubén Viñuales, who highlighted Tarragona’s key role, stating that “there is no future without chemistry, because chemistry transforms the world and changes society.” He praised the work of ICIQ and BASF, saying, “They make us proud.” The event also welcomed Raquel Sans, First Vice President of the Parliament of Catalonia, and Elisabet Romero, Representative of the Spanish Government.
The event brought together notable public figures, including representatives from the Generalitat and local authorities, as well as key stakeholders from institutions such as the Rovira i Virgili University, the AEQT (Association of Chemical Companies of Tarragona), and representatives from the business sector in Tarragona. This broad representation highlights the collective commitment of civil society and industry to promoting scientific excellence and its practical application. During the ceremony, BASF and ICIQ emphasized the importance of research and entrepreneurship in addressing the major global challenges facing the chemical industry, reaffirming their support for projects that have a positive impact on both society and the environment. The award recipients for this edition were:
– Best Doctoral Thesis Award (€2,500): Dr. Jorge Labella Santodomingo, from the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), for his thesis titled “Synthesis and properties of subphthalocyanines and expanded porphyrin analogues: applications in molecular materials.”
– Best Patent Award (€2,500): Granted to Dr. Alberto Puga, Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Rovira i Virgili University (URV), for his patent “Photocatalytic panel reactor for the anaerobic photoreforming of waste aqueous effluents and the production of hydrogen as a co-product.”
– Entrepreneurship Award (€4,000): Awarded to the startup Floatech S.L. for revolutionizing the battery manufacturing process by producing 100% silicon anodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), making them more sustainable and resilient.
In addition to recognizing individual merit, BASF and ICIQ highlighted the importance of collaboration between research centers, industry, and entrepreneurs. This synergy aims to foster a research environment that accelerates scientific development and contributes to a more prosperous and resilient future, capable of addressing today’s societal challenges such as the ecological transition.
Carles Navarro, Managing Director of BASF Española, emphasized the importance of these partnerships, stating: “The BASF–ICIQ Awards are a clear testament to how research and innovation pave the way toward solutions that transform our society. Building alliances between industry and the Catalan Institute of Chemistry—renowned for scientific excellence—allows us to recognize and support researchers whose ideas will help tackle the great challenges of our time. Investing in R&D today means securing progress, sustainability, and well-being for future generations.”
Professor Emilio J. Palomares Gil, Director of ICIQ, expressed his gratitude to all participants, collaborators, and especially to BASF for its support in training scientists and its commitment to excellence and innovation in this field.
Professor Palomares also highlighted that “our future plan is based on the three T’s: Talent, Transfer, and Tarragona.” This strategic framework includes the national decarbonization project that “drives the industrial transformation of Tarragona and its surroundings, betting on innovation and collaboration to make the region a benchmark in circular economy and sustainable energy.” In this regard, he stressed that achieving this goal requires “working together, with the active participation of all local stakeholders.”
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