Tekniker achieves a record turnover of 32 M € thanks to R&D and technology transfer

50% of the technology centre’s revenue in 2023 came from contracts with more than 200 companies in sectors such as aeronautics, hydrogen and health.

The turnover of the Tekniker technology centre, a member of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), took off in 2023 with a growth of 18% compared to 2022 and a record turnover of 31,942,975 million euros thanks to the work in R&D and the direct transfer of cutting-edge technology to the industrial fabric.

Of the revenue, 49.2% came from contracts with more than 200 companies in sectors such as aeronautics, health and hydrogen through research and development of high-value solutions to pave the way towards a smarter and more sustainable industry.

The centre addresses this challenge through the integration of new materials, processes, means and systems to facilitate a model based on competitiveness, sustainability and circular economy. To this end, it collaborates with companies offering solutions in automation and robotics, sensors and actuators, surface and material design, improvement of mechanical components and tribological systems, development of mechatronic systems, digitalisation of production processes and industrial metrology.

The participation and leadership of R&D&I projects within the framework of competitive programmes of the Basque Government (24.5%), the State (5.4%) and the European Union (17.1%) generated the other half of the income.

Strategic commitment

Within the framework of its 2021-2024 strategic plan, Tekniker reinforced its commitment in 2023 in areas such as the aeronautics industry, which accounted for 23% of the industrial activity projects. Collaboration with leading companies was key to boosting the electrification of aircraft, developing new materials or fine-tuning new production means for on-site quality control, as well as new manufacturing tools such as laser or additive technologies.

At the same time, thanks to its specialisation in the different phases of the hydrogen value chain (from generation to application), the technology centre has become a key partner in the energy transition demanded by both industrial companies and the main European administrations.

In addition, healthcare was the focus of Tekniker’s efforts last year, with 5% of revenues coming from this sector through collaborations with hospitals, start-ups, medical device development companies and their suppliers.

The technology centre has several certifications for its management system, including ISO 13485 certification for the design and development of medical devices. This certification allows it to work on miniaturised and optimised applications at both hardware and software levels, robotic rehabilitation technologies that enable natural interaction between equipment and people, and digital solutions to enhance the management of patient data.

In total, in 2023 Tekniker took part in 193 industrial projects and 53 projects with administrations. This high level of research activity generated 5 new patents and the creation of a new European start-up focused on tribology, i-Tribomat.

Commitment and talent at the core

Tekniker, an organisation focused on multidisciplinarity, technical excellence and the commitment of its professionals, relies on talented people to transfer knowledge and, ultimately, contribute to a better and kinder world.

At the end of 2023, 279 people were employed at the centre. In addition, 33 trainees completed their TFG and TFM in the various technology units as part of Tekniker’s objective of educational cooperation and talent transfer.

More than 80% of the staff have a university degree and 24% have a doctorate, which is a fundamental basis for specialisation and scientific excellence, in addition to the maintenance and promotion of stable relations with universities and centres of reference.

The efforts in health and safety and environmental management are noteworthy, with very good results in the main management indicators. Last year Tekniker renewed its 14001 and 45001 certifications and calculated its carbon footprint, obtaining the MITECO seals for the years 2019-2020-2021-2022.

As a result of its commitment to reducing emissions, it took critical measures such as installing photovoltaic panels on the building to reduce external energy consumption by 7% and updated its mobility plan to encourage more sustainable transport practices among people.

In addition, the technology centre invested nearly 2 million euros last year to improve its facilities and equipment. Of particular note is the commitment to a new specific space for printed electronics that has been supported by the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa, as well as the opening of a laboratory to develop and characterise high-temperature corrosion-resistant coatings with the help of the Basque Government’s Department of Economic Development.

Adhered since 2014 to the UN Global Compact, Tekniker reinforced in 2023 its involvement in this global initiative to adopt a strong sustainable model. The organisation regularly reports its actions in corporate social responsibility in accordance with the Global Compact guidelines, thus demonstrating a proactive attitude in this area. The 10 principles and 17 SDGs are integrated into the centre’s Strategic Plan 2021-2024, guiding the actions and setting the key objectives for the organisation.

Finally, the centre maintains a strong commitment to its environment through donations and collaborations with local organisations, contributing to the development and integration of people with functional diversity, promoting health, education and sustainability.