2024 has been a decisive year for Industrial Doctorate projects, continuing the process of consolidating the Industrial Doctorate Plan of the Generalitat de Catalunya (DI Plan) as a fundamental pillar for the transfer of technology and knowledge, contributing to the competitiveness and internationalization of Catalan industry, and strengthening the instruments to capture the talent generated by the country.
According to the updated data of the DI Plan for the year 2023, the distribution of projects by research area highlights a clear orientation towards key sectors such as Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Health and Biomedical Sciences. With a total of 260 projects, ICT leads the classification, representing 25% of the total, followed by Health and Biomedical Sciences, with 242 projects constituting 23% of the total. Next, Chemical Sciences and Technologies occupy third position with 152 projects (15%), while Social Sciences add 109 projects (11%). The areas of Industrial Design and Production, with 87 projects (8%), and Civil and Geoenvironmental Engineering, Architecture, with 64 projects (6%), also show a significant contribution. Finally, subjects such as Mathematics and Physics (59 projects, 6%), Biology (53 projects, 5%), and Arts and Humanities (10 projects, 1%), complete this radiography of collaborative and applied research.
This distribution reflects the strategic priorities of the program, placing special emphasis on disciplines with high potential to transform society and the economy, such as ICT and Health, while fostering a broad diversity that integrates emerging and traditional areas.
In this report, we address challenges in key sectors in industrial innovation. In the field of quantum computing, Catalonia has taken significant steps towards the development of full-stack quantum processors, positioning itself as a European benchmark in this emerging technology. In terms of energy sustainability, digital twins have been developed for the monitoring and optimization of electrical networks, facilitating the integration of renewable energies and contributing to the transition to a more sustainable energy model. In the cosmetic biotechnology sector, innovative sunscreens have been created that minimize environmental impact, combining dermatological efficacy with sustainability. In aerospace engineering, autonomous systems have been developed for the supervision and destruction of space launchers, reducing costs and improving safety in space missions. Artificial intelligence applied to entrepreneurship has allowed the creation of simulators that analyze risks and optimize the management of emerging companies ( startups ), improving their survival rates and scalability. In the field of cultural management, the impact of temporary exhibitions in artistic institutions has been investigated, offering new narratives that connect academic research with cultural heritage.
This extensive article presents a selection of seven project reports published during 2024, reflecting the excellence and commitment of the more than 550 currently active projects, out of a total of 1,036 projects promoted by the Industrial Doctorate Plan. This selection highlights the diversity and innovation that characterize the program, while underlining its impact in the social, academic and economic spheres, highlighting the most relevant strategic elements of each initiative.
The 7 reports
Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech, leading the construction of the first commercial quantum computer
- Doctoral student : David Eslava.
- Research area : quantum computing.
- Collaboration : Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech and Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB).
- Objectives : to develop full-stack quantum processors (QPUs) with microwave technology, leading the creation of the first European commercial quantum computer.
- Impact : Position Europe as a benchmark in quantum technologies, strengthen industrial competitiveness and open new paths in data management and molecular simulation applications.
Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech , a leader in the field of quantum computing in Europe, is dedicated to democratizing access to this advanced technology. The company has developed 9 industrial doctoral research projects , collaborating with renowned academic institutions such as the University of Barcelona (UB), the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) and the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), as well as with prestigious research centers such as the Barcelona Supercomputing Center and the Institute of High Energy Physics (IFAE). This company stands out for leading the development of the first commercial quantum computer, being a benchmark for innovation in the sector thanks to its outstanding achievements, such as the award received at the 4YFN Awards 2024 within the framework of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
The project of David Eslava, a doctoral student at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), focuses on the development of microwave technologies for the control of superconducting qubits (a qubit or quantum bit is a quantum system with two eigenstates that can be manipulated arbitrarily). This technology allows optimizing the efficiency of processors, being key for the future application of quantum computers in sectors such as logistics and pharmaceuticals. Eslava's research opens new avenues for the simulation of molecules at the atomic scale, which can accelerate the development of new drugs and materials, and for optimizing transport routes, thus reducing costs and CO₂ emissions. Qilimanjaro's contribution in this area not only drives technological progress, but also establishes a framework for future research and practical applications in the field of quantum computing. Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech stands out from the competition due to its innovative microwave technology to control qubits , and this is precisely the line of research of David Eslava's project.
David Eslava's participation has allowed an interdisciplinary approach to be applied, integrating physics, engineering and computer science to overcome the challenges associated with the fragility of quantum information and the scalability of current systems.
Judit Camargo, CEO of Roka Foradada: "Most of the 21 members of the company are doctors"
- Company manager : Judit Camargo.
- Research area : biotechnology applied to cosmetics.
- Collaboration : Roka Furadada and several academic institutions, including the University of Barcelona (UB).
- Objectives : to develop sunscreens that are effective and sustainable, minimizing the environmental impact of cosmetic products.
- Impact : creation of pioneering products with a smaller ecological footprint, boosting sustainability in sun protection and promoting the health of people and the environment.
In this interview with Judit Camargo, CEO of Roka Furadada , we review her career and strategic vision that has transformed an environmental concern into a project of scientific and business innovation. Judit Camargo, CEO of Roka Foradada, has managed to merge her passion for nature with sustainable innovation. Founded in 2019, the company is dedicated to creating sun protection products with minimal environmental impact. Most of its members are doctors, which ensures a high level of technical excellence.
Roka Furadada is an emerging deep-tech company founded in Barcelona in 2019, it has accumulated several recognitions in a short time, including the DeepTech award for the most disruptive technological innovation; the Women in Tech Start-Up Award worldwide; the Catalonia Exponential Leaders 2023 recognized by the Agency for Business Competitiveness of the Generalitat of Catalonia ( ACCIÓ ), and the recent selection as one of the hundred best emerging companies (start-ups) in the science and technology parks of the Spanish State.
The company has developed a new generation of intelligent photochemical precursors that are activated by UV radiation thanks to its patented ROKA Smart UV® technology. With a team made up mostly of women, Roka Furadada positions itself as a company committed to innovation, sustainability and gender equality, contributing significantly to the cosmetic industry and public health on a global scale. In addition, the majority of its members are doctors, which ensures a high level of technical excellence. With four industrial doctoral projects underway, Roka Furadada has managed to launch products on the market that combine dermatological efficacy and environmental sustainability.
The use of advanced computational simulations has been key to designing sunscreens that minimize toxicity to marine ecosystems. This approach allows components with negative impacts to be identified and avoided even before their production. In addition, the project's doctoral students have contributed to the development of more efficient chemical processes, reducing the need for raw materials and the waste generated. Roka Furadada's commitment to sustainability has been recognized internationally, with awards such as the Women in Tech Start-Up Award. This combination of scientific innovation and business ethics positions the company as a reference model in the cosmetics sector.
Female triplets, industrial PhD projects led by women
- Doctoral students and collaborations : several teams of women leading projects in collaboration with Catalan universities and leading companies.
- Research areas : Quantum computing, biomedicine and energy sustainability.
- Objectives : to make female leadership in science and technology visible, offering role models and promoting diversity in areas traditionally dominated by men.
- Impact : contributing to gender equality in STEM fields, with significant advances in sectors such as renewable energy, health and quantum technology.
In this case, the report is included in what we can call thematic reports, an initiative that will be expanded during 2025 in the communication policy of the DI plan. Throughout the last editions of the program, a sustained growth of industrial doctoral projects led by entirely female teams, known as “Female Triplets”, has been observed. These triplets are an inspiring example of how diversity and inclusion can enrich scientific research, while challenging gender stereotypes in STEM fields, demonstrating the positive impact of inclusion and diversity in the development of innovative solutions. The Industrial Doctorate Plan initiative seeks to promote female participation in science in a scenario where only 32% of STEM students in Catalonia are women.
The report presents a selection of three projects that stand out for their capacity for innovation by women-led teams. The first project we present explores the application of machine learning to quantum computing and neutrino physics projects. The project, carried out in collaboration between Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech and the Institute of High Energy Physics with the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), has developed advanced algorithms that allow for more precise analysis of large data sets, opening new avenues for discoveries in particle physics.
The second project is a collaboration between the company GoodGut , the University of Barcelona and the University of Girona, seeking the development and validation of a kit to monitor the activity of specific inflammatory bowel disease. The result of the project will allow GoodGut to have a more effective in vitro diagnostic technology than those that currently exist, which allows an improvement in the quality of life of patients.
Finally, in the field of sustainability, the third led by a female triplet works on the production of green hydrogen from renewable and sustainable energy sources, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions. The project is the result of collaboration between the Consortium for Waste Management of Vallès Oriental and the University of Barcelona (UB).
Based on different interviews with the participants in the projects, their responses point out the importance of female leadership and the inspiration they can provide to future generations. The interviewees encourage other women to persist in their careers and break barriers, highlighting their capacity and value in the world of research.
The report as a whole concludes with the need to continue promoting diversity and inclusion in research projects to ensure that future generations of women can contribute and be valued in scientific fields.
An industrial PhD seeks to revolutionize access to space by optimizing the supervision of launches
- Doctoral student : Alejandro Sabán.
- Research area : Aerospace engineering.
- Collaboration : GTD Information Systems and Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC).
- Objectives : develop an autonomous system for monitoring and destroying space launchers to reduce costs and improve sustainability.
- Impact : reduction of the environmental footprint of space launches and increase in safety and operational efficiency.
The SALTO project , promoted by Alejandro Sabán in collaboration with GTD Sistemas de Información and the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, represents a significant advance in the European aerospace industry. The doctoral student is working on the design of an autonomous system capable of making decisions in real time to neutralize space launchers in the event of unsafe trajectories. This development allows to reduce the need for globally distributed infrastructures and improve the efficiency of launches.
The project addresses different objectives that make Saban's research a very fulfilling task. The most significant impact of the doctoral student's project on society is the reduction of operational costs of space launches, which could transform access to space for new actors. Therefore, the project focuses on making space launches more affordable. On the other hand, the industrial doctorate wants to contribute to environmental sustainability, with the elimination of globally distributed infrastructures for launch supervision, thus eliminating the need for operators to travel for maintenance tasks of ground flight supervision systems. The autonomous launcher destruction system designed by GTD will improve safety and reduce environmental impact.
Another very interesting aspect of the Sabán project is the event that will allow the system's effectiveness to be validated in a real environment, opening up new possibilities for exploration and innovation with artificial intelligence algorithms. The project will have the opportunity to carry out tests of its system during a flight campaign scheduled for 2025 at the Kiruna spaceport in Sweden. This campaign is intended to test the THEMIS stage and the Prometheus engine, a project developed by ArianeGroup in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), where its main objective is to test and validate the components and technologies necessary for the reuse of launchers.
An industrial doctorate project highlights the cultural impact of the Joan Miró Foundation
- Doctoral student : Ramon Balcells.
- Research area: visual arts and cultural history.
- Collaboration : Joan Miró Foundation and Pompeu Fabra University (UPF).
- Objectives : to investigate the cultural impact of the Fundació Joan Miró's temporary exhibitions over the last 50 years.
- Impact : highlights the Foundation's artistic and cultural legacy, with a narrative that connects academic research and cultural heritage for future generations.
Within the framework of the 50th anniversary of the Fundació Joan Miró during 2025, the project led by industrial doctoral student Ramon Balcells explores the impact of the institution's temporary exhibitions since its foundation in 1975. This research combines historiographical research and artistic creation to offer a comprehensive understanding of how contemporary art has transformed the cultural scene of Catalonia and beyond.
The research project “Stories of a Museum” has as its main objectives to study the exhibition history of the Fundació Joan Miró and its cultural impact, with a specific technological application. This research seeks to analyze the Foundation's exhibitions from various perspectives, including their political, social and cultural contexts. In addition, the project wants to develop an audiovisual device that includes interventions by key witnesses and archive images, providing a complete vision of the Foundation's influence and trajectory. Likewise, the project encourages collaboration between the university and the cultural institution, promoting the transfer of knowledge and approaching the history of art in an innovative way.
The audiovisual device, a pioneer in the sector, includes key testimonies, archive images and innovative perspectives, making the project connect the history of the museum with the future of its artistic heritage. This collaboration exemplifies how the Industrial Doctorate Plan can serve as a bridge between institutions, in this case cultural, and academic, guaranteeing the preservation and dissemination of contemporary art as a tool for social and economic impact.
The project also has a significant knowledge transfer component. By integrating cultural histories with audiovisual technologies, this industrial doctorate not only strengthens the research capacity of the Fundació Joan Miró, but also positions Catalan research at the forefront of the study of contemporary art. The thesis directors, Manel Jiménez and Ivan Pintor, underline the innovation of the project, which is one of the few Industrial Doctorates focused on cultural production.
Incapto and the UOC revolutionize entrepreneurship with a simulator for Startups
- Doctoral student : Francesc Font.
- Research area : artificial intelligence applied to entrepreneurship.
- Collaboration : Incapto and Open University of Catalonia (UOC).
- Objectives : develop a simulator to analyze risks and optimize the management of startups in the initial stages.
- Impact : Improve the survival and scalability rates of startups using AI and machine learning-based tools.
The collaborative project between Incapto and the Open University of Catalonia (UOC) is a direct response to the challenges of entrepreneurship. Led by Francesc Font, this industrial doctorate combines data from forty practical cases with advanced machine learning technologies to create a simulator that advises entrepreneurs in making strategic decisions.
Incapto, a startup from Barcelona, has collaborated with the Open University of Catalonia (UOC) to develop this simulator for entrepreneurs. The company was born before the pandemic with the aim of transforming the coffee industry, addressing the problem of capsule waste. According to those responsible for the project, the startup ecosystem needs to incorporate new analysis systems to understand the survival and growth potential of these emerging companies, which operate in contexts of high ambiguity and complexity. This need is one of the pillars that drives the development of the simulator on which industrial doctoral student Francesc Font is working, which aims to offer tools that help navigate these uncertain environments and make more informed decisions.
This simulator is an innovative tool that allows predicting potential risks and suggesting improvements in key areas such as resource management, market analysis and investment attraction. Thanks to this collaboration, emerging technologies have been integrated with real experiences to provide applicable and scalable solutions. The impact of the project transcends the business sphere, contributing to the consolidation of more sustainable startups , as well as the generation of talent in the Catalan technology sector. In fact, the project has a tangible impact on the sustainability and growth of Incapto; the company applies the knowledge obtained to make more efficient decisions, adapting its strategies to the different stages of its development, from the initial phase to the final scaling phase.
Digital Twins, transforming energy management for a more sustainable future
- Doctoral student : Ignacio Glenny Crende.
- Research area : electrical engineering and energy technologies.
- Collaboration : iGrid T&D and Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC).
- Objectives : develop digital twins to monitor and optimize electricity networks in real time, improving operational efficiency and facilitating the integration of renewable energies.
- Impact : cost reduction, increased energy reliability and contribution to the transition towards a sustainable energy model.
The latest of the reports, published at the end of 2024, is a clear example of how collaborative research addresses global challenges such as the energy transition. The “Digital Twins” project, developed as part of an industrial doctorate led by Ignacio Glenny Crende in collaboration with the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) and the company iGrid T&D , has created an innovative technology that allows monitoring and optimizing electricity networks in real time. The digital twins developed provide energy distributors with detailed information about the current and future state of their networks, reducing the need to deploy massive physical sensors.
One of the most notable aspects of the project is the rapid translation of research into the business world, not only optimizing the operation and maintenance of electrical networks, but also facilitating the integration of renewable energies such as wind and solar, addressing the inherent fluctuations of these sources. The technology developed, already commercialized by iGrid T&D and implemented in Catalan distributors, exemplifies the effective transfer of technology from academia to the market.
The project includes the use of artificial intelligence to predict anomalies and anticipate failures, improving system reliability and reducing costs. In addition, it contributes to the training of highly qualified talent in energy engineering, a strategic sector for the economic and environmental development of Catalonia. As Yolanda Castellón, director of iGrid T&D, states: “ this project not only transforms our electricity networks, but also promotes the sustainability and digitalization of the sector .”
From a business point of view, the project offers a key competitive advantage for the collaborating company, iGrid T&D, in the development of advanced solutions adapted to the needs of the energy market. This not only strengthens its position as a leader in technology for electrical networks, but also opens up new market opportunities both nationally and internationally. In short, the Digital Twins project shows how industrial doctorates can offer concrete solutions to contemporary challenges, promoting sustainability, innovation and collaboration between companies and universities. An initiative that, beyond benefiting the energy system, positions Catalonia as a benchmark in applied research in energy technology.
In conclusion, the seven reports summarized above clearly reflect the transformative potential of strategic, collaborative and applied research when carried out in close collaboration between the academic world and the socio-economic world. The examples of projects analyzed in each full report highlight the transversality and relevance of the Industrial Doctorate Plan. These projects, as well as the program as a whole, not only contribute to technological innovation, but also have a direct impact on key sectors of Catalan society and the economy.
With more than 1,000 projects since its inception, the Industrial Doctorate Plan has become a driving force for the competitiveness and internationalization of Catalan industry. This trend, reinforced by the academic excellence and strategic vision of the participating companies, ensures a positive impact that transcends the field of research and aims to contribute to positioning Catalonia as a benchmark in applied innovation. Its capacity to connect academic institutions with the productive fabric, as well as to generate and attract highly qualified talent, has proven to be an asset in today's knowledge-based economy. In short, the intersection between science and business, which characterizes the program, strengthens the country's innovation capabilities, while ensuring a concrete social return.
