Two out of every three Eurecat technology innovation projects are with small and medium-sized enterprises which it supports in enhancing their processes and services and also in developing new products by pinpointing opportunities for market-oriented applied digital, industrial, biotech and sustainability innovation.
In almost all cases the starting point for new product development is tapping disruptive technology and proof-of-concept design and testing plus building new innovative concepts in European consortiums.
Eurecat additionally delivers applied R&D and innovation services through access to facilities for all kinds of lab testing, handles complete multi-technology engineering development and also helps with pre-series and mass production.
The technology centre “works alongside businesses to enable them to innovate in their products and move forward in their challenges by harnessing technological knowhow,” says Irene Ràfols, director of Eurecat’s Product Development Unit.
“Innovation means turning knowledge into tangible value for businesses and also brings benefits for society by unlocking fresh opportunities.”
“We promote and fast-track new product design and development by conducting technology feasibility studies and proofs-of-concept, mainly for rolling out technology which is disruptive or adds to a company’s in-house expertise,” points out José Antonio Gago, Eurecat’s Product Innovation & Design Thinking Services Market Manager.
“Our customers are businesses across a range of industries,” notes Guillem Quintana, Eurecat’s Industrial Business Development director. “They choose us because we can help them right from the idea or concept and the technical and economic viability of the project to manufacturing, prototyping, conducting first runs, testing in our laboratories, performing simulations where necessary and bringing on board industrial partners that can handle production when required by the project.”
One product recently developed with Eurecat’s support is the PocketPiano, a portable professional piano made with electronics and designed in modules which fits in a backpack and has just been released onto the market. Eurecat has also partnered other ventures including with TwoNav to develop state-of-the-art compact satnavs for cycling and hiking equipped with high-precision software.
