"Innovation driven by chemistry is becoming established as an essential factor for future development"
Innovation as a driver of technological and social progress
The Technology and Innovation Platform for Sustainable Chemistry, SusChem Spain, run by Feique, has held its Annual Meeting; under the slogan "Innovation in the industrial sector", along with the presentation of the 17th edition of its SusChem 2025 Awards as the main event.
During the Meeting, the focus was placed on the importance of innovation, as a driver of both technological and social progress. Its scope has been highlighted as going beyond the chemical sector itself, as it underpins 98% of the other production chains. In this way, innovation driven by chemistry is passed on to other industries, consolidating it as an essential factor for future development.
- María Eugenia Anta, Director of International, Invest and Innovation at Feique and SusChem Spain, highlighted how innovation is a lever for the future of industry in general and the chemical sector.
- Cristina del Campo, Chief Executive Officer of the AINIA technology centre, highlighted its close collaboration as technological partners of the chemical sector, offering solutions ranging from innovation in raw materials and processes, product quality, sustainability to decarbonisation and digitalisation.
Chemical route to reduce emissions on a global scale
The event included a keynote speech by Juan José Vilatela (IMDEA Materials), under the title "Nanomaterials for energy and transport: chemical route to reduce emissions on a global scale". During his speech, he highlighted the projects being developed in the field of mobility, focusing on more efficient nanomaterials adapted to today’s demands. He focused on the evolution of polymers towards new advanced materials and on the importance of silicon, all of which are indispensable for the development of new technologies that are essential in order to move towards a decarbonised and sustainable future.
Innovation in the industrial sector
There was also a round table discussion on "Innovation in the industrial sector: applying the European Plan", with the participation of: Mª José Tomás (Centre for Technological Development and Innovation - CDTI), Jesús Torrecilla (TECNALIA), Emilio Palomares Catalonian Institute for Chemical Research - ICIQ) and Luis Alberto Otero (FORESA Technologies), moderated by Cristina González (Feique).
After an intense debate, the round table concluded with a clear consensus: it is essential to have a strategy that is grounded and close to the business reality, with adequate funds to enable CAPEX and OPEX investments to be undertaken, along with the incorporation and nurturing of talent, without which these changes cannot be implemented. In this respect, support through collaboration with the administration or with the rest of the actors in the ecosystem, will be decisive for the success of this transition without losing competitiveness over the coming five years.
The Technical Secretary of SusChem Spain, Carlos Molina, informed the attendees of the cessation of activity of the European parent company of the SusChem platform, after 20 years of activity. From now on, the National Technology Platforms (NTPs) will assume responsibility for maintaining cooperation and coordinated action to promote chemical innovation as a driver of European development, while ensuring attention is given to the different national needs and realities in order to consolidate the strengthening of innovative activity in Europe.
Recognition of young talent in chemistry
The main event at the Meeting was the presentation of the SusChem 2025 Awards, in its 17th edition this year, recognising three young talents in chemical research.
These awards reflect SusChem Spain's commitment to fostering a new generation of scientists at the forefront of the development of innovative solutions. Beyond recognising their achievements, the awards also seek to inspire future researchers to continue contributing to sustainable development through chemistry in Spain.
The jury's decision, which was made public last July, culminated in the presentation of awards in the three categories: Future, research and Innovate Miguel Burdeos.
