Once more, the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) will be attending the 4 Years From Now (4YFN) start-up fair, taking place from 2 to 5 March as part of the activities programmed under the Barcelona Mobile World Congress (MWC). The stand will be giving visibility to spin-off companies and entrepreneurial projects launched by researchers, students and alumni.
The UAB will showcase its entrepreneurial and innovative capacity with its own stand (8.1C43), located in the University & Spin-offs area, in which two spin-offs and 13 entrepreneurial projects will be on display:
- BioEclosion, a spin-off company specialising in the development of advanced diagnostic devices based on next-generation biosensors, with applications in the biomedical and healthcare fields.
- Distinkt, a knowledge-based company that develops high-security fluorescent inks with patented nanoparticles aimed at fighting counterfeiting and protecting sensitive products and documents.
- Balux, an industrial artificial intelligence company founded by UAB students, specialising in the implementation of data and computer vision systems in real-world manufacturing environments.
- BitSpace, an app created by UAB students that promotes a healthier relationship with technology. The project transforms excessive mobile phone use into a wellness tool through gamification strategies, digital psychology, and activities that encourage quality screen-free time, especially among young people.
- BrainMapp, a project that drives a new era in neurosurgery by digitising brain mappings obtained through electrical stimulation and automatically recording neuropsychological tests (NPS), thereby improving the precision and efficiency of surgical procedures.
- Counter View, an artificial intelligence system that analyses the veracity of posts combining text and images. The technology, developed by UAB researchers, compares the information with reliable sources to determine whether the content is coherent, false, or lacks sufficient evidence, thereby contributing to the fight against disinformation.
- ECAI 19 Urbanity, a student-created solution consisting of smart bollards which, through the use of computer vision and artificial intelligence, analyse cyclists' behaviour in the urban environment with the aim of improving sustainable mobility and enhancing road safety.
- Hefesto, an entrepreneurial project developing a new generation of electrochemical biosensors using sustainable 3D printing, thereby eliminating the use of highly polluting solvent-based conductive inks. This technology enables parametric three-dimensional designs, the direct integration of microelectronics, microfluidics, and wireless connectivity, as well as the automation of data analysis with artificial intelligence.
- Lopako, a multisensory therapy platform for people with Alzheimer's that integrates proprietary technology with Olmo Therapy, a validated clinical methodology. It is the first standardised, robotic, and data-driven solution for cognitive therapeutic intervention.
- Noctua has developed a system of thermal sensors that can be installed in rooms to non-invasively monitor older people and anticipate situations of risk such as falls, thereby improving safety and preventive care.
- Nova proposes the creation of an autonomous quadruped robot designed for intelligent home surveillance. The initiative, created by students at the UAB, combines computer vision and artificial intelligence to detect intrusions and risky situations, thereby providing an additional layer of security and support for vulnerable people, even when there is no one home.
- Omniwave, dynamic wireless charging technology for electric vehicles and heavy-duty trucks that allows the vehicle to recharge while in motion. The system solves the alignment and synchronisation issues of current systems, and reduces the size, weight, and cost of batteries, and is especially suitable for long-haul transport.
- OPTICmizing, a project that drives the digitalisation of the food industry through optical sensors and optimisation algorithms for online process control. Its most mature technology, pHotoYOGURT, enables real-time monitoring of yogurt pH during fermentation, improving quality and efficiency in the dairy sector.
- Tecous, legal technology platform developed by UAB alumni that simplifies the understanding of digital terms and conditions. Through an intuitive interface based on universally recognised icons, it makes key information easily accessible to users, thereby promoting transparency and trust in the digital environment.
The BKA, an alliance promoting university innovation
The UAB also takes part in the 4YFN as a member of the Barcelona Knowledge Alliance (BKA), which brings together Barcelona's four public universities (UB, UAB, UPC and UPF) in the promotion of research, innovation and education in benefit of social and economic progress.
The alliance sponsors the University & Spin-offs track, with the slogan "Deep tech's infinite impact: From campus labs to market-shaping innovation". This space at the 4YFN fair is dedicated to innovative projects launched by the university campuses and their potential to transform society through technology, scientific knowledge and entrepreneurship.
The event will include conferences, networking sessions and pitching activities organised by the BKA to foster connection between the academic and entrepreneurial ecosystem and facilitate the transfer of technology.
Round table: "The Sovereignty Frontier: Scaling Europe's Strategic Tech"
On 3 March at 10:00 a.m., Ángeles Vázquez Castro, lecturer of the UAB and researcher of the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia, will take part in this session focused on the challenges and opportunities of transforming scientific research in scalable projects with a real impact in the market.
Conference: "Barcelona's University Ecosystem: Where Academic Excellence Meets Startup Ambition"
The rectors of the four BKA member universities, Javier Lafuente (UAB), Joan Guàrdia (UB), Francesc Torres (UPC) and Laia de Nadal (UPF), will be participating on 3 March at 1:15 p.m. in a talk on Barcelona's university ecosystem as a driving force of innovation and creation of start-ups.
On Tuesday 3 March, from 5:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the BKA will also be organising the Networking & Drinks session at the 4YFN Networking Hub. This gathering will facilitate connections between representatives of academia, entrepreneurs, investors, and key players in Barcelona's innovation ecosystem. The session will provide a space for strategic conversation and exchange to highlight Barcelona as a global reference in research, innovation, and knowledge transfer.
Startup Pitching Sessions
On 2 and 3 March, several UAB start-ups and spin-offs will be at the BKA Pitch Corner. The UAB projects Distinkt, BioEclosion, BrainMapp, Hefesto, Tecous and OPTICmizing will be presenting their solutions in this space in front of investors, entrepreneurs and sector professionals.
