model Following the example of other European universities, the University of Navarra has promoted the "UN research and development+i Technology Transfer" fund, with more than 8.5 million euros. This initiative, led by the Navarre-based management company core topic Mayor, has attracted, together with the public contribution from high school de credit Oficial (ICO), another 5 million euros of private capital from companies in different industrial sectors: pharmaceuticals, energy, ICT, aeronautics, capital goods, foodstuffs, etc.

The presence of a specialized management company and investors with businesses in various sectors will allow the promoters of business projects linked to the University of Navarra to have market contrast, a matter of special relevance in the start-up of new businesses.

This fund, promoted by the University of Navarra and the management company core topic Mayor, was selected by the ICO, through Axis Sociedad Gestora de Capital Riesgo del ICO, in the third call of FOND-ICO Global to promote the transfer of knowledge and incubation of companies. The award involves a contribution of 3.5 million euros.

Spin offs and other entrepreneurial initiatives

The University of Navarra and its associated centers have promoted, directly or through its knowledge and activity, numerous and relevant entrepreneurial initiatives in recent years.

In Gipuzkoa, it is worth mentioning the 12 spin-offs of the programs of study and Technical Research Center (CEIT), which employ more than 250 people and have a turnover of almost 30 million euros.

In Navarra, 3PBio stands out, which emerged in 2006 as result from the research activity of CIMA (research center Applied Medicine) and as a business opportunity in Spain, since there were no companies offering recombinant proteins, cell therapy products and gene therapy. Likewise, Ojer Pharma, Lev2050 or InnoUp Farma are companies that have been possible thanks to the know-how developed or generated in the environment of the University of Navarra.

In 2000, IESE, the business school of the University of Navarra, set up FINAVES, which has participated in the launch of more than 30 companies promoted by alumni from this school. Investing a total of 9 million euros through the different funds managed by the IESE center, it has generated more than 1,500 jobs and 70 million euros in sales. FINAVES investees include Aïta, Advance Medical, Kubi Wireless and Nexenta. 

project to create quality employment

The new impulse that the University of Navarra wants to give to entrepreneurship is one of the axes of the H2020 strategy. The objectives pursued are directed towards the market orientation of research and the creation of new innovative companies around the University of Navarra. There are currently projects in the analysis phase that have been submitted for evaluation by the fund's experts.

In addition, students are expected to develop entrepreneurial competencies through programs that focus on the concept of learning by doing. Finally, another goal is the generation of an optimal ecosystem that favors entrepreneurship and has an impact on Navarra.

The President, Alfonso Sánchez-Tabernero, emphasizes that "the aim is to support the projects of students, professors and researchers, from the ideation phase to the start-up of companies, with the ultimate goal of creating quality employment ".