ICFO receives the FEI 2025 award

The 13th edition of the FEI 2025 Awards was held at the CaixaForum Madrid recently, consolidating its position as a benchmark event for promoting business innovation in Spain. The event, organized by the Forum of Innovative Companies (FEI) and chaired by Ms. Carmen Vela Olmo, former Secretary of State for Research, Development, and Innovation of Spain (2012-2018), brought together representatives from academia, institutions, and business to pay tribute to those who have excelled in technology transfer, applied research, and entrepreneurial creativity.

During the ceremony, awards were presented in three categories: Innovative Individual Researcher, Innovative SME, and Innovation Support Organization, recognizing the work of individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to the country's scientific and technological development.

This year's awardees were Dr. Carlos Balaguer Bernaldo de Quirós, Quibim, and ICFO, respectively. Prof. Lluís Torner, founding director of ICFO, accepted the award. The jury highlighted the center's track record in photonics research and its role as an international benchmark in the transfer of knowledge and cutting-edge technology, as well as a source of innovative companies.

The event highlighted the collaboration between universities, public administrations, and businesses as an essential element for strengthening the national R&D&I system. It also served as a meeting point to showcase good practices, foster new alliances, and underscore the importance of investing in innovation as a way to address current global challenges.

With an atmosphere of institutional recognition, the gala reaffirmed the FEI's commitment to promoting a culture of innovation and fostering an economic model based on knowledge and sustainability.