On 29 October, UIC took part in the first edition of Tech Spirit BIVA, held in Sant Cugat del Vallès. On behalf of UIC’s Vice-Rectorate for Research, Innovation and Knowledge Transfer, Noelia Galán took part in the round-table discussion “Talent and Universities”, alongside representatives from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) and the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB).

During the session, the participants discussed the links between universities and businesses, talent development and the role of academic institutions as drivers of innovation. The Director of UIC’s Centre for Knowledge Generation and Transfer highlighted the need to bring research findings closer to society by translating them into practical applications that help provide responses to today’s challenges. “Social impact is very important. We have a wealth of talent, but in some areas, there is still a considerable gap between the research we conduct and its practical application,” noted Galán, who drew attention to the quality of the university researchers and the need to continue promoting the transfer of knowledge to society.

Galán also emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in fostering entrepreneurship within university communities. In this regard, she shared some of the initiatives in place at the University to encourage students from different fields of study to work together, with the aim of fostering the development of innovative entrepreneurial projects.

A meeting point for driving innovation and nurturing talent

Tech Spirit is a leading event in Catalonia’s technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem, bringing together start-ups, businesses, investors, universities and research centres to promote knowledge sharing, generate new opportunities and foster collaborative projects. At this first edition in Sant Cugat, Tech Spirit BIVA focused on the region’s innovation potential and on strengthening connections between the ecosystem’s different stakeholders.

The event was held as part of the activities organised by the Barcelona Innovation Valley Alliance (BIVA), of which UIC has been a member since 2024. This alliance, promoted by Sant Cugat Municipal Council and Sant Cugat Empresarial, fosters collaboration between businesses, universities, research centres and institutions to strengthen the region’s innovation, entrepreneurship, talent development and knowledge transfer ecosystem.
At the same time, UIC’s School of Management is working with Tech Barcelona on a framework agreement to promote future joint initiatives, including in the field of specialised training, and strengthen the links between the University and Barcelona’s technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem.