The CERCA Institution held the final of the Pioneer Awards 2026, an initiative dedicated to identifying and recognizing recently defended doctoral theses with significant potential for market and societal transfer. This year's edition honored six researchers for their work in diverse areas including neurotechnology, oncology, regenerative medicine, and quantum technologies.
The Pioneer Awards have established themselves as a key platform for showcasing scientific projects that not only generate new knowledge but also pave the way for applications with social and economic value. This year, the call for entries received 21 proposals from 10 CERCA centers.
“"My experience during the postdoctoral period and the process of protecting and patenting my technology has highlighted some of the challenges researchers face when moving from academic research to applied innovation."
The event featured a contribution from Aina Areny, last year's laureate, who shared her insights on the technological transfer process and research protection, illustrating the challenges of transitioning from academia to practical innovation.
The six award-winning projects this year are recognized for their innovative proposals. Dr. Nicola Ria (ICN2) presented graphene-based brain implants for personalized therapies. Dr. Fikret Taygun Duvan (ICN2) proposes graphene oxide retinal micro-implants to restore vision. Dr. Laura Angelats Company (IDIBAPS) developed a precision diagnosis and immunotherapy against HER2-positive breast cancer.
Other awardees include Dr. Aina Anton Martínez (IDIBAPS) for cellular models to curb liver thrombosis; Dr. Melika Parchehbaf Kashani (IBEC) with a 3D organ-on-a-chip model to combat colorectal cancer metastasis; and Dr. Igor Tyulnev (ICFO) for quantum control of matter with ultrafast lasers for future optical technologies.
The jury, composed of experts in innovation and transfer such as Miquel Gómez (FCRI), Ona Estapé (Mobile World Capital Barcelona), Rafael Gonzalez (Department of Research and Universities), and Núria Martí (Biocat), evaluated both the scientific excellence and the potential for social and economic impact of the theses.
