CIC energiGUNE has been awarded the 2026 Arizmendiarrieta-Anitua Prize for its humanistic and collaborative management model

CIC energiGUNE has been recognised at the 2026 Arizmendiarrieta-Anitua Awards for its humanistic, participatory and collaborative management model, which places people at the heart of the organisation

The jury particularly praised its multicultural and diverse nature, with a team of around 200 people from 27 nationalities and a female workforce of nearly 48%, as well as its contribution to the Basque R&D&I ecosystem in the energy sector

CIC energiGUNE – a Basque research centre specialising in electrochemical and thermal energy storage and conversion – has been honoured at the fourth edition of the 2026 Arizmendiarrieta-Anitua Awards, a recognition that distinguishes companies and organisations in the Álava region that integrate the values of the Inclusive and Participatory Business Model (MIPE) into their management.

The Arizmendiarrieta Kristau Fundazioa Foundation, a non-profit organisation linked to the Mondragón Cooperative Experience and the promotion of a people-centred economy, has awarded this prize to CIC energiGUNE alongside Sarkis Lagunketa and the Hazi Foundation, in recognition of its commitment to an open, diverse organisation based on shared responsibility in decision-making.

The jury highlighted that CIC energiGUNE has a team of 200 people of 27 nationalities from across five continents, reflecting its multicultural character and its openness to professionals from different cultural backgrounds. Furthermore, the fact that 48% of the workforce is made up of women was noted, as was the way in which the centre promotes the active participation of staff in decision-making processes and day-to-day management.

This award also recognises CIC energiGUNE’s scientific excellence in the field of electrochemical and thermal energy storage, as well as its model of collaboration with universities, research centres and companies at various levels. The organisation has developed research projects that combine scientific rigour with industrial application, which has strengthened its position as a key player in the European R&D&I ecosystem.

The Arizmendiarrieta-Anitua Awards are presented to organisations that embody the principles of cooperation, shared responsibility and participatory management, inspired by the figures of Mr José María Arizmendiarrieta, promoter of the Mondragón cooperative movement, and Mr Pedro Anitua, founder of the Diocesan Schools of Vitoria-Gasteiz.

In the words of its Director of Human Resources, Asier Urzelai, “this recognition serves as an incentive to continue strengthening an organisational model that combines scientific excellence, global openness, diversity and internal participation, aligned with values that put people at the centre”.