The CDTI Innovation boosts the participation of companies in the transformation of the ALBA Synchrotron

The Singular Scientific and Technical Infrastructures (ICTS) constitute one of the main instruments of support for scientific research and cutting-edge technological development in Spain. These infrastructures, which are publicly owned and open to competitive access, contribute to the generation of knowledge, the transfer of technology and innovation, while promoting the development of the so-called science industry, composed of companies specialized in the design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of equipment, components and advanced technological systems.

In this area, the CDTI Innovation plays an active role in promoting collaboration between ICTS and the business fabric, favoring the participation of Spanish companies in the development, construction, updating and maintenance of large national and international scientific infrastructures. This activity contributes to strengthening the technological capabilities of companies, generating new business opportunities and increasing their competitiveness in high value-added markets.

One of the most relevant projects currently is ALBA II, the transformation of the ALBA Synchrotron, located in Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona) and considered one of the main scientific infrastructures of Spain and Europe, which will allow its evolution towards a fourth generation infrastructure. The core of ALBA is a complex of electron accelerators that generate light of great intensity that allows to study the structure and properties of materials, molecules and biological systems with a high level of detail. Thanks to its scientific and technological capabilities, each year it serves more than 2,500 researchers in fields such as life sciences and materials science, who use its advanced technologies, detectors and data infrastructures to develop new devices and technologies for an innovative, sustainable, clean and intelligent economy and a more efficient health system.

In addition to its scientific activity, the ALBA Synchrotron maintains a clear vocation of technology transfer to the industry through agreements aimed at promoting innovation and the development of new business models based on the results of its research projects.

ALBA is currently in the early stages of implementing the ALBA II project, a project that will transform the facility into a fourth-generation synchrotron. The action includes the replacement of the elements of the accelerator ring, the renovation of the measuring stations and the implementation of new large-length measuring stations, which will allow the scientific capabilities of the infrastructure to be significantly multiplied and its spatial resolution improved.

The implementation of ALBA II contemplates an investment of close to 195 million euros and opens important opportunities for technological and industrial companies linked to the science industry. The planned actions include the incorporation of nearly 700 new magnets, around 1,000 power supplies and 270 meters of vacuum chambers, as well as the updating of existing light lines, the construction of new experimental stations and significant investments in buildings, air conditioning, electrical systems, information technologies and other associated services.

Opportunities for the industry and information day

With the aim of bringing these opportunities closer to the business community, the CDTI Innovation and the ALBA Synchrotron are organizing an information day dedicated to presenting the opportunities associated with the ALBA II project at the CDTI headquarters in Madrid on 17 June.

In addition, interested companies can consult the tenders of this infrastructure both on the website of the ALBA Synchrotron and on the ICTS tender portal managed by the CDTI Innovation and subscribe to the distribution lists of the CDTI Innovation to receive information on news, tenders and opportunities related to the science industry.

CDTI Innovation

The Center for Technological Development and Innovation, CDTI E.P.E. It is the innovation agency of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, whose objective is the promotion of technological innovation in the business environment. The mission of the CDTI is to ensure that the Spanish business fabric generates and transforms scientific and technical knowledge into globally competitive, sustainable and inclusive growth. In 2025, within the framework of the Strategic Plan 2024-2027, the CDTI provided 2,423 million euros of support to Spanish companies and startups.

 
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