Name:
IRTA
Address:
Crta. Poble Nou km5.5
Phone number:
659317958
e-Mail address:
cristobal.aguilera@irta.cat
Website:
www.irta.cat
Brief description of the organization’s activities:
IRTA is a research institute owned by the Government of Catalonia adscribed to the Ministry of Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda. It is regulated by Law 04/2009, passed by the Catalan Parliament on 15 April 2009, and it is ruled by private regulations. It takes part of the CERCA centres system of Catalonia.
Business model:
IRTA‘s mission is to contribute to modernising, improving, boosting competitiveness, and fostering sustainable development in the sectors of agriculture, food, agroforestry, aquaculture, and fishing, as well as in all areas of activity directly or indirectly related to the supply of healthy, high-quality foodstuffs to end consumers, while also contributing to food safety and safe processing of foodstuffs and in general enhancing the health and well-being of the population.
Sector(s) of involvement:
Aquaculture and fisheries technologies; Waste valorization; Food and feed; Agriculture; Bioremediation, ecosystem restoration, climate change mitigation and other environmental biotechnology; Circular economyYes
Role of the organization in the development and/or application of Blue Biotechnologies:
Experimental Research and Development (R&D). IRTA has a portfolio of running projects that are financed by the Institute itself, by regional bodies (CIRIT, etc.), by state bodies (National R&D Plan, INIA, etc.), and by international bodies (EU programmes, etc.). In addition, some of IRTA’s R&D activity is funded by the private sector by way of contractual research.
Skills and services provided:
Publication of results in specialist scientific and technical/scientific publications or dissemination media.
Provision of information on advances made in R&D projects.
Contracts for the concession, sale or exploitation of patents.
The technology transfer process may involve IRTA setting up, or taking stakes in, companies with a view to evaluating or commercialising knowledge, goods or services generated by its activities.
Needs in terms of research, innovation, development, and/or application of blue biotechnologies:
Contractual Research . IRTA offers its scientific capabilities to companies, associations and/or collectives for the evaluation, comparison or development of products, services or procedures. A research contract precisely sets out mutually agreed objectives, the methodology to be used and estimated time frames, along with the technical, financial and legal obligations of each party. Confidentiality is guaranteed in these kinds of contracts and when justified by the nature of the project.
Technical assistance and specialist training. IRTA is able to provide specialist technical and consultative assistance to associations, collectives, companies and agents in the sectors in which it operates by means of contractual arrangements. These arrangements specify the objectives of the relationship, the technical and financial compensation involved, the timeframe and how long the arrangement is to remain in force.
IRTA also carries out specialist training by organising short courses and seminars. It also facilitates extended visits by technical staff and university graduates at its centres and laboratories.