GAIKER contributes to the development of new technologies for the detection of and protection against chemical and biological hazards through the ATALAYA project
The ATALAYA project forms part of the CERVERA Network of Excellence and promotes research into technological solutions aimed at the detection of and protection against nuclear, radiological, chemical and biological (NRCB) threats.
GAIKER Technology Centre, a member of the Basque Research & Technology Alliance (BRTA), is participating in the Cervera ATALAYA Network of Excellence, a strategic project focused on the development of advanced technologies for the detection, identification, monitoring of and protection against NRCB threats.
The project aims to consolidate a network of technology centres with scientific and technical excellence in the field of protection against NRCB threats. In particular, it focuses on the development of technologies capable of preventing, detecting and responding to crisis situations arising from the intentional or accidental use of such threats.
In the current European security environment, characterised by the increasing complexity of threats and the use of indirect methods that are difficult to anticipate, the need for advanced technological solutions is more pressing than ever. The detection, identification, monitoring, protection against and decontamination of NRCB threats require a multidisciplinary approach that integrates advances in sensor engineering, biotechnology, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and communication systems.
Within this context, the ATALAYA network is driving a programme of work aimed at generating knowledge and technological capabilities that can be transferred to industry, addressing five key challenges: detecting and identifying threats, protecting infrastructure and people, decontaminating affected environments, and improving emergency response capabilities.
The network, established within the framework of the Cervera funding programme for Centres of Technological Excellence in strategic areas linked to the Industrial and Technological Plan for Security and Defence, is led by ITENE Technology Centre and includes the participation of GAIKER, LUREDERRA, NAITEC and INESCOP technology centres, creating a scientific cooperation ecosystem focused on transferring technology to industry.
GAIKER’s role
With extensive experience in the development of biodetection and water treatment technologies, GAIKER Technology Centre is participating in the ATALAYA network by leading and contributing to the development of new solutions for the detection of biological agents and the decontamination of environments affected by chemical compounds.
In the field of detection, GAIKER is leading the design, development and validation of a new generation of biosensors based on advanced genetic technologies, capable of detecting biological agents rapidly and accurately directly within affected environments. These devices combine advanced genetic analysis techniques (LAMP and CRISPR-Cas) for the specific identification of biological agents, enabling reliable results to be obtained quickly and efficiently.
In the field of decontamination, GAIKER is working on advanced technologies for the treatment of contaminated water and environments through efficient and sustainable solutions aimed at neutralising biological and chemical agents. To this end, the application of advanced oxidation processes is being investigated for the degradation of contaminants present in water, including bacteria, pharmaceutical compounds, herbicides, pesticides and persistent organic pollutants such as PFAS.
In addition, the Technology Centre is researching complementary technologies based on membrane systems, electro-oxidation and adsorption, with the aim of designing a compact, modular, transportable and rapid-response system for water decontamination in critical infrastructures.
Finally, these developments will be evaluated against particularly relevant chemical and biological agents, helping to strengthen response capabilities in NRCB scenarios.
