Research remains a cornerstone of societal progress. In an era driven by rapid information exchange, innovation and knowledge stand as the keys to advancement. Against this backdrop, the LAB Foundation hosts its second annual meeting designed to unite entrepreneurs and researchers in Valencia and beyond.
“We are uniting”, remarked a spokesperson during a gathering at the Maestral restaurant in Alicante. More than 60 business leaders from various sectors and roughly thirty researchers from the Valencian Community came together to foster future synergies between science and business. Building on last year’s outcomes, which included over 100 new connections, 30 collaborations for joint work, seven signed confidentiality agreements, and three finalized projects, the organizers aim to strengthen LAB Foundation’s role as a bridge linking researchers with companies to unlock shared potential and nurture the local talent pipeline. This reflects the organizers’ belief in the vibrant capabilities of the Valencian Community’s researchers and businesses.
The meeting’s core objective is to cultivate prospective synergies and collaborations at the nexus of science and commerce.
A notable feature of the event was the breadth of talent on display, with researchers presenting current studies across organic chemistry, electrochemistry, food science, biochemistry, nanotechnology, and related fields, highlighting real-world applications in the business arena.
Alberto Gutierrez, president and CEO of Aquaservice and a leader at Fundación LAB, stated that the main goal is to connect more companies with researchers to advance R&D in the Valencian Community. Gonzalo Abellán of AccenT underscored the importance of these exchanges as a catalyst for innovation and technological development.
Valencia’s ecosystem is described as rich and active, with a robust network of science and technology parks supporting collaboration between universities and industry. The quality of researchers, coupled with the involvement of leading national companies dedicated to progress, is cited as a foundation for growth and economic development.
Betting on research and innovation in companies
The event stressed the necessity for companies to align with research and innovation as they move toward a borderless future. Jose Maria Gomez Gras, a professor of Business Organization at Miguel Hernández University, emphasized that investing in research and innovation within companies is essential to transferring knowledge from universities, research centers, and industry itself, enabling synergistic collaborations.
In Alicante, Nuria Olive Ellis, co-founder and director of ELLIS Alicante, noted that sustained competitiveness and long-term sustainability on the global stage depend on investing in research and innovation. Damia Tormo, managing partner and co-founder of Columbus Venture Partners, highlighted the critical role of entrepreneurs in translating innovation into real societal solutions.
Regarding the commitment to R&D+i as a solution to business challenges, Mary Carmen Screwed, a Dacsa corporate executive, observed that knowing how to innovate requires clear objectives. Raul Martin, general manager of Familia Martínez, CEO of KM ZERO Food Innovation Hub, and a member of the Fundación LAB Mediterráneo Executive Board, described the event as an excellent catalyst for unity, noting that companies require practical solutions and researchers who deliver them.
Importance of research in society
Research involves acquiring and sharpening skills and knowledge. It promotes analytical thinking and problem solving, and, when done in collaboration with industry, it serves as a key driver of economic and social development. It also serves as a conduit for the dissemination of knowledge, progress, and development.
This mission aligns with the broader goals of the Mediterranean LAB Foundation, a project born from AVE that aims to position the Valencian Community as a national and European benchmark in entrepreneurship, innovation, technology, and research. The foundation states a commitment to strengthening ties between companies and researchers, making talent visible, attracting and retaining talent, and raising public awareness of research and its impact on progress.
The meeting was organized in collaboration with Pla GenT Excellence Scientists and Scientists Association (AccenT), Alicante Family Business Association (AEFA), Valencia Entrepreneurs Association (AVE), Alicante Chamber, Valencia Community Business Confederation (CEV), Rei Jaume I Awards Foundation (FPRJI), University of Alicante (UA), and Elche Miguel Hernández University (UMH).