Knowledge-generating Bodies Directory

The Agencia Gallega de Conocimiento en Salud (ACIS) is a public entity from Gallicia created with the vocation of becoming the nucleating element of the healthcare knowledge and innovation ecosystem in Galicia.

Fundación para el Conocimiento madri+d is an initiative of the Regional Government of Madrid created in 2002. Its main objectives are to contribute to make the quality of higher education, science, technology and innovation key elements of the competitiveness and well-being of citizens.

Fundación madri+d carries out the following activities to achieve its objectives:

• Contribute to the improvement of higher education through evaluation reports and others for accreditation and quality certification in the university environment, as well as to the measurement of the performance of the public service of higher education in accordance with objective procedures and transparent processes, considering the Spanish, European and international framework.
• Evaluate and accredit science and technology programs and projects.
• Promote the protection and transfer of knowledge from academic and scientific environments to business.Promote the creation, consolidation and growth of technology-based companies through different acceleration programmes such as: ESA BIC and HealthStart madri+d, Private Investors Network and Mentors Network madri+d. Fundación madri+d has also the first Mentoring Certification for Entrepreneurs of excellence in Europe.
• Manage research and innovation European programmes and promote the participation of Madrid institutions in European Programmes.
• Offer specialized training on R&D&I.
• Promote the dissemination of science and innovation through the organization of popularization activities and also giving specialized information in science and innovation through the website www.madrimasd.org and the daily newsletter, Notiweb.
• Foster scientific vocation and entrepreneurial spirit among young students without gender barriers.
• Promote Madrid as a place of international excellence for higher education, science, technology and innovation.
• Carry out other activities that are necessary to achieve the above objectives.

Fundación madri+d won in 2007 the IRE Award for Best European Regional Innovation Scheme.

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CEIN (Centro Europeo de Empresas e Innovación de Navarra) is a public, non-profit organization created by the Government of Navarra to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and the creation of high-impact companies. It supports startups through incubation, mentoring, and acceleration programmes, focusing especially on innovative and technology-based ventures. CEIN is part of European innovation networks such as EBN, operates facilities like its Vivero de Innovación in Noáin, and runs sector-specific initiatives in areas such as health, cybersecurity, and agrifood.

SOMMa is the alliance of Severo Ochoa Centres and María de Maeztu Units to promote Spanish Excellence in research and to enhance its social impact at national and international levels.

SOMMa’s mission is to internationally promote, strengthen and maximise the value of the ground-breaking research produced by the Spanish ‘Severo Ochoa’ Centres and ‘María de Maeztu’ Units of Excellence and the scientific, social and economic impact it generates.

The Fundación Parque Científico de Madrid (FPCM) is a non-profit organization established in 2001 by the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) and the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) to promote scientific and technological entrepreneurship and facilitate technology transfer. It is supported by leading research institutions such as the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), the Community of Madrid, and the City of Madrid.Located in the Cantoblanco campus, the FPCM offers over 8,400 m² of laboratories and office spaces designed for deep-tech startups. Since its inception, more than 320 companies have developed their innovative projects at the FPCM, with approximately 64% achieving successful outcomes. The foundation provides comprehensive support services, including acceleration programs, internationalization, and specialized assistance in areas like genomics, metabolomics, and proteomics.The FPCM is also a member of the Enterprise Europe Network and collaborates with various institutions to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.

The Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) is a public institution established in 1499, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. Located in the heart of Madrid, UCM offers a diverse array of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs across various disciplines. The university is renowned for its research excellence, particularly in fields such as humanities, social sciences, health sciences, and natural sciences. UCM maintains a strong international presence, participating in numerous exchange programs and collaborations with institutions worldwide. With a vibrant campus life and a commitment to academic excellence, UCM continues to be a leading institution in higher education.

The University of Alcalá (UAH) is a public institution located in Alcalá de Henares, Spain, approximately 35 km northeast of Madrid. Founded in 1499 by Cardinal Cisneros, it is one of the oldest universities in Spain and boasts among its former alumni some of the major figures of Spanish history and culture. The university is renowned for its annual presentation of the highly prestigious Cervantes Prize. UAH offers a wide range of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs across various disciplines, with a strong emphasis on the humanities. The university is also known for its commitment to research and international collaboration, participating in various exchange programs and partnerships worldwide.

The Rey Juan Carlos University (URJC) is a public institution established in 1996, located in the southern area of the Community of Madrid, Spain. With campuses in Móstoles, Alcorcón, Fuenlabrada, Vicálvaro, and Aranjuez, URJC is one of the largest universities in the region, serving approximately 46,000 students. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs across various disciplines, including law, social sciences, health sciences, engineering, and humanities. URJC is known for its commitment to interdisciplinary research and innovation, collaborating with national and international institutions to address contemporary challenges. The university also emphasises internationalisation, hosting students from over 80 countries and offering programs in multiple languages.

The Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) is a public institution established in 1971 through the merger of various technical schools of engineering and architecture. Located in Madrid, Spain, UPM is the oldest and largest technical university in the country. It comprises 21 schools and faculties, covering disciplines such as engineering, architecture, computer science, geodesy and cartography, sports science, and fashion design. The university is renowned for its research excellence and innovation, with over 200 research groups and 17 research centers. UPM is committed to sustainability and has been recognized as a Campus of International Excellence. It maintains strong international collaborations, offering programs in English and participating in various global academic networks.

The Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) is a public institution established in 1989, located in the southern area of the Community of Madrid, Spain. It is one of the seven public universities in Madrid and is recognized for its excellence in research, teaching, and innovation. UC3M offers a wide range of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs across various disciplines, including social sciences, humanities, engineering, and health sciences. The university is known for its strong international presence, with nearly 20% of its student body comprising international students. UC3M is committed to providing high-quality education and fostering global perspectives among its students.

The Universitat de Barcelona (UB) is a public research university founded in 1450, making it one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Spain. It has a large academic community, around 60-65,000 students plus thousands of teaching and research staff, and offers a broad range of degree, master’s and doctoral programmes. The UB is structured across multiple campuses in Barcelona and its metropolitan area, structured into about 16 faculties and 9 affiliated centres. Strong in research, innovation and knowledge transfer, the UB is regularly ranked among the top universities in Spain and Europe, and is committed to academic excellence, internationalisation, and social responsibility.

The Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) is a leading public university in Catalonia, Spain, founded in 1968. Its main campus is in Bellaterra, near Barcelona; it also has centres in places like Sabadell, Sant Cugat del Vallès and Barcelona city. The UAB offers a wide range of academic programs, including many undergraduate, master’s, continuing education diplomas, and doctoral degrees, combining multidisciplinary teaching with strong research involvement. The university is highly ranked nationally and internationally for its research output and academic quality, and promotes internationalisation, sustainability, and social responsibility as part of its mission.

The Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) is a major public technical university in Catalonia, Spain, with campuses in Barcelona and other cities (such as Terrassa, Castelldefels, Sant Cugat, Manresa, etc.). It offers a wide range of degrees in engineering, architecture, science and technology, along with many master’s and doctoral programs. UPC has a strong emphasis on research, innovation and technology transfer, has numerous research centres, patents, and substantial R+D+i income. It also provides continuing education, professional development and multimedia/digital media study programs through its associated foundation.

The Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) is a public research university in Barcelona, founded in 1990, known for its high academic quality, competitive admission, and strong performance in both national and international rankings. It operates on three campuses in Barcelona (Ciutadella, Poblenou, and Mar), specialising in areas like medicine and life sciences; communication, information & languages; economics & business; political/social sciences; law; humanities; and engineering/TICs. It is highly international: many programmes are offered in English, and it has a large proportion of international faculty and students, with wide participation in exchange programmes and international alliances. Its mission emphasises research excellence, innovation, societal impact, and meeting the challenges of the 21st century including global wellbeing.

The Universitat Ramon Llull (URL) is a private, non-profit university in Catalonia, Spain, with a humanist and Christian inspiration, established in 1990 and officially recognised in 1991 by the regional Parliament. It functions as a federation of several higher education and research institutions, including IQS, Blanquerna, La Salle, Esade, the Faculty of Education Social & Trabajo Social Pere Tarrés, various affiliated and university institutes (e.g. Observatorio del Ebro, Salud Mental Vidal i Barraquer, Borja de Bioética), plus a design school (ESDi). URL offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs across many disciplines, emphasises internationalisation, ethical and integral training, strong links with research and with social responsibility, and strives to excel in teaching quality, innovation, employability, and global engagement.