The second edition of HiTech CEO Academy, the benchmark training programme for leaders of scientific and technological start-ups, has come to an end after six intense weeks of learning, mentoring and collaboration. Organised by UCAM HiTech, the business innovation and acceleration hub of the Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM) integrated into the Fundación Incyde Network of High Technology Incubators, in collaboration with Santander Universities, concluded with the eagerly awaited pitch competition, where the start-up INTECC won the €6000 prize.

Health innovation

The programme concluded with a round table discussion at UCAM HiTech, moderated by Chema Nieto, CEO of Socialnius. The session featured Isabel Portero, CEO and Founder of BIOHOPE, and Ángela Pérez Pérez, Director of BioHub VL. The students had the opportunity to interact directly with them, asking questions and receiving valuable answers based on the mentors' experience.

The most eagerly awaited moment was the pitch competition, where the CEOs presented their projects to a jury made up of the aforementioned mentors and Carolina Pola, an expert in Tech Transfer, Biotech Investment and Business Angel at WA4STEAM. 

The winner of the 6000 euros prize was Julián Aguilera Campillos, CEO of INTECC, a start-up that has developed the Raquis app, the first application based on scientific evidence that allows an assessment of the spine using a smartphone and obtaining a complete diagnosis with personalised clinical guidelines. Back pain is the main cause of physical disability worldwide, hence the significance of this application.

Innovation and excellence: the participating start-ups

In this edition, 30 science and technology-based start-ups from all over Spain have had the opportunity to hone their skills in key areas such as investment, leadership, communication and technology transfer. The initiatives presented included quantum simulation projects for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, biotechnological solutions for sepsis and advances in the encapsulation of Mediterranean diet compounds for the food and pharmaceutical industries.

The participating start-ups were: Lizcore, Agrodit, UNIK COFFEE, MIOBIO, IBIONS, Dendron Neurotechnologies, Bioquochem sl, Circular Powder, Yesh³, Ostras, Kanara, Prottech, Alga.e, Neovolt Dynamics, Nexterra Agrotech, FITENIUM, LEVPROT BIOSCIENCE, Poseidona, SUSPOL Polímeros Sostenibles SL, Nucaps Nanotechnology, Talentum Gaudium, INTECC, LifeD Lab, Aerofybers Technologies SL, Pharmamel Drug discovery, XR WELLNESS, SISTAGRO, NuBu and Biotasmart.

The role of mentors 

One of the cornerstones of the programme was the participation of prestigious mentors in entrepreneurship and scientific innovation, such as Carolina Pola (WA4STEAM), Isabel Portero (Biohope), Daniel Oliver (Capital Cell), Ángela Pérez Pérez (BioHub VLC), Julio Sánchez (CINFA), Natalia Rodríguez (Saturno Labs), David Potolski (GearHeart Law LLC), Francisco Muñoz (AstraZeneca), Coco Newton (Schmidt Science Fellow 2023), Cristóbal Alonso (Startup Wise Guys), María José Herrero (Universidad Carlos III de Madrid), Andrea Martos (Cambridge Biocapital) and Stuart Medina (AseBio). These experts offered training and personalised mentoring while facilitating strategic connections in the sector, contributing significantly to the success of the programme.

A programme that consolidates leaders

The HiTech CEO Academy reaffirms its position as an essential programme for the training of managers in the field of science and technology, promoting the growth of start-ups that transform ideas into real solutions. With this success, UCAM HiTech and Santander Universities continue to support entrepreneurial talent and innovation as motors of change in society, creating a space for the development of leadership skills and the creation of synergies between emerging companies.