The Interuniversity Research Institute for Molecular Recognition and Technological Development (IDM) of the Universitat Politècnica de València has achieved significant advancements in technology transfer and the enhancement of its capabilities thanks to the efforts of its Innovation Agent over the past year. These activities have been carried out under the framework of the project MAINTENANCE OF THE IDM INNOVATION AGENT, co-funded by the Valencian Institute of Business Competitiveness and Innovation IVACE +i (Generalitat Valenciana) and the European Union through the Operational Programme of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for the Valencian Community 2021–2027 (INNTA1/2023/30).

Key Achievements Include:

• Technology Commercialization and Forum Participation
  The Innovation Agent has led the commercialization of various technologies developed by IDM, establishing vital connections with the business sector. The agent has also attended numerous technology transfer events and forums, increasing the institute's visibility. These events include:

Valencia Digital Summit, Foro Transfiere, Jornadas Match UPV, Fruit attraction, Sciences for Industry S4i.

• Promotion of Valorization Projects
  The agent has played a crucial role in advising and preparing valorization and proof-of-concept projects for key funding calls supported by IVACE+i, AEI, and Horizon Europe, facilitating the practical application of the institute's developments.
• Development of the Innovation Unit
  One of the most significant milestones has been the establishment and strengthening of the IDM Innovation Unit. This unit has spearheaded internal programs like Jump IDM, aimed at fostering the creation of businesses based on IDM technologies.
• Spin-Off Promotion
  The Innovation Agent has been instrumental in promoting the creation of spin-offs, including Celentis S.L., which will commercialize senescence sensors and drugs developed by IDM, and the new business venture Agraris Biotech, which focuses on innovative natural-material-based pest control strategies. These initiatives enhance the connection between research and market application.
• Capacity Analysis and Action Plans
  In collaboration with the company Viromii and the Innovation Unit, a quantitative and qualitative internal analysis of IDM’s research groups' capacities has been conducted. This study evaluated the impact of public and private funding, providing a solid foundation for implementing action plans that accelerate transfer processes.
• Patent Management and Commercialization
  Together with the UPV Technology Transfer Office, the agent has worked on patent management, drafting technological offers, and their commercialization. These efforts have resulted in the creation of a spin-off, the licensing of two patents, and the submission of approximately ten projects during 2024.

Project Objectives
The primary goal of the project is to continue the Innovation Agent's work at IDM-UPV, ensuring the momentum of activities focused on leveraging and transferring knowledge, capabilities, and technologies developed at the institute to businesses. This includes:

• Promoting applied, results-oriented research.
• Transferring knowledge to the business sector.
• Establishing stable and long-term collaborations between industry and the scientific community.

Through these efforts, IDM continues to establish itself as a benchmark in technology transfer, driving the practical application of research and significantly contributing to socioeconomic development.

Duration: 2023–2025

Programme: Talent Promotion

Leader: Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV)

Funding: €105,599.60
#FEDER and #RetoIvaceInnova