‘Entrepreneurship in science isn't science fiction’ is the slogan chosen for the 7th National Congress of Entrepreneurial Scientists, which was inaugurated at the UCAM HiTech innovation and business acceleration hub this morning. This is the first time that this event, organised by the Damián Rodríguez Olivares Foundation and the Universidad Católica de Murcia, has been held in Murcia, turning the city into the largest meeting point for entrepreneurial scientists and their innovation ecosystem in Spain. Approximately 300 people, representatives from 16 Spanish universities, and more than 30 scientific-technological start-ups are attending the event. The new feature of this edition is that the participants, in addition to listening to the testimony of researchers who have already undertaken projects and experts in technology transfer, hold work meetings with experts of the ecosystem.  

The Congress was inaugurated by María Inmaculada Rodríguez, president of the Damián Rodríguez Olivares Foundation; María Dolores García, president of the UCAM, and Juan María Vázquez, regional minister for the Environment, Universities, Research and the Mar Menor of the Autonomous Region of Murcia (CARM). 

The president of the Damián Rodríguez Olivares Foundation emphasised that this event arose from the Association of Entrepreneurial Scientists: ‘For a long time it was believed that entrepreneurship was not possible in science, but I am convinced, and this Congress is an example of it, that it is indeed possible’. The regional minister for Universities congratulated UCAM for holding this congress, ‘a great place to talk about how to transform knowledge from universities and institutes or public research bodies into a business asset’.

For her part, the UCAM president highlighted the magnitude of this event ‘aimed at scientists who want to turn their research into a business and who deserve to be supported’, pointing out that ‘the IUNE Observatory, in its 2022 report, has concluded that UCAM is the second university in Spain that attracts most private funds per lecturer for research. The launch of the UCAM HiTech Sport & Health Innovation Hub three years ago has fostered a culture of entrepreneurship and research applied to the world of health, sports and nutrition. 

Among the scientific startups present are Mendel Brain and Health In Code, specialising in the early identification of pathologies through genetic analysis; Biocardio, for the creation of cardioprotective therapies; Bioprocesia, specialising in the production of natural protein obtained by fermentation; Fixtoe, focused on the manufacture of biomechanical devices, and Integra Therapeutics, paving the way in the health applications of gene editing. 

The congress is sponsored by INVENTIUM, a company specialising in connecting private investors with ideas that share the same concerns, FEDER through the Instituto de Fomento de la Región de Murcia and the Incyde Foundation. E2IN2, ABIOMUR (Association of Biocompanies of Murcia), Emuri and Telefónica are also collaborating.  

The congress will continue tomorrow with further meetings between scientists, entrepreneurs and agents of the ecosystem, as well as with a start-up contest.