UDIT teams up with Secpho to boost deep tech innovation

UDIT, University of Design, Innovation and Technology, reinforces its commitment to technological innovation by becoming a new partner of Secpho (Southern European Cluster in Photonics and Optics), a leading European cluster dedicated to connecting companies, technology centres and research groups to transform disruptive ideas into real solutions.

Founded in 2009, Secpho leads the promotion of cutting-edge technologies such as photonics, microelectronics, quantum computing, blockchain and robotics. With more than 1,000 deep tech experts, the cluster, which can only be accessed by invitation, facilitates collaboration in R&D&I projects, fosters talent and channels access to funding for technological initiatives.

Its activity supports more than 2,965 scientific publications and 165 patents per year, generating a combined turnover of more than 5,800 million euros per year.

A key ecosystem for Industry 4.0
Secpho is a European benchmark in advanced technologies applied to Industry 4.0, including areas such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, cloud computing and artificial intelligence. Thanks to its multi-sectoral approach, the cluster has been the driving force behind innovative initiatives such as:

• SECLUREFA project: miniaturised and scalable LiDAR sensors that can be encapsulated in industrial robots, favouring the automation of all types of processes.
• Dronstore II project: development of an autonomous drone designed for indoor logistics, with integration of 5G technology, advanced vision capabilities and artificial intelligence.
• Optienergy: digital platform to provide control and flexibility in the management of renewable energy production and consumption.

The incorporation of UDIT into Secpho represents a strategic synergy that links the university's research capabilities with the more than 150 organisations that make up the cluster.

As Javier Pascual Soriano, Director of the International Campus of Technology, Innovation and Applied Sciences at UDIT, points out, this new partnership opens up "important opportunities for collaboration in a unique Deep-Tech ecosystem, together with leading Spanish and European companies, allowing our students and professors to participate in real projects that are transforming society through innovation and technology".

On the other hand, Javier emphasises that "its exclusive job bank, to which our students will have preferential access, allows us to guarantee them job opportunities in cutting-edge technology and applied sciences companies".

Deep Tech Talent: how to attract and retain talent

On 13 December, Javier Pascual will participate in the event "Deep Tech Talent: how to attract and retain talent", a webinar organised by Secpho in which he will discuss best practices in the technology sector to attract (and above all retain) the best professionals in the industry.

Anina Ruiz (Talent Acquisition Specialist at UDIT), Crina Cojocaru (Master in Phononics BCN), and Gloria López Yuste (PIC-UPV Chair) will also participate in the event. Sandra Morente and Elisabeth Torralba will also speak on behalf of Secpho.

Together they will reflect on how to overcome some of the main challenges that most concern the sector, such as the shortage of qualified professionals or the global competition for talent, through good practices such as promoting collaboration between universities and industry or implementing motivating career plans.

If you are interested in attending the session, you can do so by requesting your access in the following form: Deep Tech Talent | Best Practices.