The CSIC, leader in European patent applications in Spain (according to the 2024 EPO Patent Index), presented on 10 March 2025 the first report on the scientific, social, and economic impact of the knowledge-based companies (spin-offs) created by the institution. This report details 78 spin-offs born from CSIC research activity and a second catalogue featuring 32 high-potential spin-off projects.
These documents were presented at the ‘CSIC Scientific Entrepreneurship’ (Emprendimiento científico CSIC) event, which was closed by the Minister for Science, Innovation and Universities, Diana Morant, and attended by the Secretary General for Innovation, Teresa Riesgo; the President of the CSIC, Eloísa del Pino; and the Director General of the Centre for Development and Innovation, José Moisés Martín. In her speech, Morant advocated entrepreneurship in science and from science to encourage scientists to create more companies and explained that ‘science has to be excellent, but it also has to be relevant, with impact’.
CSIC spin-offs catalogue highlights
The CSIC Spin-off Catalogue presents an in-depth analysis of how research-based companies contribute to technological innovation, economic development, and societal impact. It highlights the creation and distribution of CSIC spin-offs, their scientific and technological maturity, and their role in job creation and internationalization. The catalogueshowcases how these companies drive deep-tech entrepreneurship, strengthen national competitiveness, and align with global sustainability goals.
The report highlights that 66.6% of the participating spin-offs have been created within the last seven years, with a high survival rate of 82%. Most CSIC spin-offs belong to Life Sciences, particularly in Health and Biotechnology, which account for 53% of the total. Other key sectors include ICT & Electronics, Chemistry & Materials, Energy & Environment, and Agriculture & Food. The report also emphasizes the need for sustained long-term investment and strategic support to help these companies scale and become commercially viable, as most spin-offs take around a decade to reach full commercial potential.
Video of the 'CSIC Scientific Entrepreneurship' event on 10 March 2025
The document also highlights examples of successful CSIC spin-offs across multiple industries. Gogoa Mobility Robots specializes in exoskeleton technology for rehabilitation, Inbrain Neuroelectronics develops graphene-based neurotechnology for treating neurological disorders, and Marsi Bionics focuses on robotic solutions for mobility impairments. Additionally, Kerionics advances membrane-based oxygen separation technologies for energy applications. These companies demonstrate how deep-tech entrepreneurship fosters cutting-edge solutions that address global challenges while strengthening Spain’s technological independence.
ICMAB spin-offs in the catalogue
Molecular Gate S.L. is a spin-off created by researchers from the Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC) in collaboration with BeAble Capital. The company develops an innovative nanomaterial-based technology to ensure the authenticity of pharmaceutical products. By using intelligent printed optical elements, Molecular Gate provides an efficient and cost-effective solution to verify the authenticity of medications, including vaccines, ensuring their proper handling during storage and transportation.
Co-founders are Mariano Campoy-Quiles, from the NANOPTO group, and Alexander Perevedentsev, former postdoc at ICMAB. Postdoctoral researcher Michela Prete is also part of the team, and the most recent incorporation is Paul Lacharmoise as COO, with 10-years experience in Eurecat Technological Center.
In addition to developing novel boron-enriched drugs that exceed the boron load of traditional BPA, LabsinLove conducts preclinical research on selective BNCT pharmaceuticals. The company has extensive experience in studying the biological effects of thermal, epithermal, and fast neutron beams on both tumor and normal cells. Rosario Núñez from the LMI group is co-founder of the company, and Miquel Nuez, former PhD fellow of the group, is now full-time scientist working in the spin-off.
ICMAB spin-off projects
The CSIC spin-off projects catalogue presents a collection of innovative projects with high potential to become independent spin-offs. These initiatives span various fields, including sustainable chemistry, energy storage, biotechnology, and advanced materials. Each project highlights its technological advancements, applications, and benefits, emphasizing sustainability, efficiency, and market impact. The catalogueserves as a platform to promote technology transfer from CSIC research centers to industry, fostering entrepreneurship and economic development.
Among the highlighted projects are three projects from ICMAB researchers:
- SunOx Technologies, which focuses on the sustainable production of hydroxylated aromatics using a single-step photocatalytic process. With researchers Francesc Teixidor, Clara Viñas and Rosario Núñez from the LMI group and in collaboration with the Universitat the Girona.
- SunLas, which improves supercapacitor electrodes using laser-induced nano-structuring for enhanced energy storage. With researchers Ángel Pérez and Eniko Gyorgy, from the Laser Processing group.
- Blauets, which offers cost-effective electrochemical sensors for real-time water quality monitoring. With researcher Martí Gich, from the NN group, and in collaboration with IMB-CNM-CSIC.
These initiatives reflect CSIC's commitment to developing cutting-edge solutions that address industrial and environmental challenges.
ICMAB's role in knowledge and technology transfer
The inclusion of these spin-offs and high-potential projects in the CSIC spin-off catalogues reflects ICMAB’s strong commitment to knowledge and technology transfer. Through its Strategic Unit on Knowledge and Technology Transfer (KTT), ICMAB actively supports researchers in transforming their scientific discoveries into market-ready solutions.
The institute fosters collaborations with industry, promotes patenting and licensing, and provides strategic guidance for launching spin-offs. The success of Molecular Gate and LabsinLove, along with the promising developments of SunOx, SunLas, and Blauets, underscores ICMAB’s role as a leading center in materials science innovation and its dedication to translating fundamental research into real-world applications that address societal and industrial challenges.
Advancing innovation through patents and spin-offs
In 2024, CSIC maintained its leadership in European patent applications in Spain for the fifth consecutive year, with 68 filings, according to the list published on March 25 by the European Patent Office (EPO). Catalonia stood out as the leading region in spain, with 724 applications, and Barcelona with 331. The ICMAB contributed to this innovation landscape with seven patent applications, reinforcing its role in cutting-edge research and technology transfer. This strong patent activity aligns with CSIC’s broader commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship, as reflected in the recently published spin-off and spin-off projects catalogues.
Read more and catalogues
