The Technological Children’s and Leisure Products Institute-AIJU, headquartered in Ibi, takes action in 2021 more than 12 million Euros with the development of fifty R&D projects 37 companies, universities and research centers involved in child safety, application of ICT technologies and sustainability or circular economy
With the support of institutions such as IVACE and Generalitat Valenciana’s Ministry of Sustainable Economy, Productive Sectors, Trade and Labor, AIJU is committed to education and empowerment of the elderly and active aging during this fiscal year; Mainly the development of anything that gives impetus to innovation in small and medium-sized industrial companies of the Valencian Community or the promotion of environmental education tools, inter alia, through games.
After the presentation of the 2021 annual report, AIJU president Pablo Cañizares highlighted the numerous projects developed during the year. new materials, bioplastics and sustainable materialsThe modernization of AIJU’s infrastructure and its technical competence in the field of product safety.
“Innovation is intrinsically linked to the existence of a strong business fabric that supports and validates the Institute’s work. As researchers, each of our initiatives must have a purpose that can be transferred to companies, otherwise the institutes will lose their meaning and reason for existence.”
Company Services
Regarding technological services, AIJU has provided 39,990 technological services to 1,644 client companies. Most of these services are: 23,243 chemical analyzes; 13,363 physical tests; 2,851 materials and process services and 177 organizational, product management and sustainable development services.
In addition, another of the main axes of the 2021 report is AIJU’s formation of business fabric. A total of 210 training actions were carried out in this area, spread over more than 4,316 course hours and attended by more than 1,500 people, mostly technicians and skilled workers.
AIJU generated a total revenue of 8.5 million Euros during 2021, mainly from R&D incentives and R&D services to companies.
Featured projects
Among the projects highlighted in fiscal 2021, the AIJU report highlights the Circular Industry CV initiative, which aims to develop and validate new circular economy models. reuse of multi-component waste in the footwear, textile and toy industries.
For this, a demonstrator has been developed to address the challenge associated with the task of classifying, converting and applying the raw materials from the treatment of this waste. This pilot plant, the first in Spain and Europe, was developed by AIJU together with the technology centers INESCOP and AITEX.
Other projects featured in the report are the BioFase project, which focuses on research. functional biomaterials for application in industries such as toys, packaging and household goods or carrying out a European survey for the valuation of children’s products in the markets through the Safevalor project.
Likewise, it is worth mentioning the SmartTUR+ECO project, whose aim is the creation of an artificial intelligence and virtual reality platform. personalized and sustainable tourism experiences.
Environmental commitment and commitment to sustainability
AIJU improves its environmental behavior certified by the environmental management system according to the UNE-EN ISO 14001:2015 standard and continues to advise companies on their objectives aimed at optimizing the use of resources, energy self-sufficiency or management through photovoltaic energy. sources that are dangerous for the environment.
In addition, the institute of technology continues its efforts to raise awareness of the industrial fabric and environmental awareness through the development of European R&D projects, in addition to other projects linked to the Circular Economy and the development of more sustainable materials.
Equal opportunities between men and women
AIJU has developed the third equality plan, 2021-2025, approved by the Generalitat Valenciana, which includes actions promoting equality of men and women in various fields such as access to employment, reconciliation, professional classification, promotion and training, remuneration, occupational health and health care. -sexist communication and language.
Likewise, the Technological Children’s and Leisure Institute has a work-life balance plan that includes flexible working hours or a set of measures regarding benefits.
especially AIJU’s people team consists of 117 professionals 13 doctors (31% male and 69% female), 46 advanced graduates (55% male and 46% female), 14 intermediate graduates (65% male and 35% female), 31 technical assistants (26% male and 74% female) with ) and 13 residents (25% male and 75% female).