The University of La Laguna (ULL) has taken a significant step in its knowledge transfer strategy by approving the creation of three new technology-based companies. This decision, made by the university’s Governing Council on 3 June, is noteworthy as these new spin-offs will join the six that are already operational within the university.

With these additions, ULL raises the total number of companies established from its research activities to nine. Furthermore, the institution is working on five additional initiatives that could materialise in the coming months.

Objective of the New Companies

The aim of these companies is to transfer scientific and technological results developed by research teams at the University of La Laguna to the productive sector. According to Antonio Aparicio Juan, Vice-Rector for Research and Transfer, spin-offs are one of the most important tools for transforming university knowledge into projects with economic and social impact.

What Are University Spin-Offs?

Spin-offs are companies that emerge from research conducted within the university. In this instance, they stem from years of work by various teams at ULL. When a technology or product attains sufficient maturity, a business plan is developed, and procedures are initiated to establish the company.

The three new entities will be established in accordance with new regulations regarding this matter, and, at least in the initial phase, they will be located within the university itself.

To commence operations, their activities must be linked to the exploitation of knowledge generated within the institution. For the three approved companies, The University of La Laguna will participate with 5% of the share capital of each.

Tenet LightKey: Anti-Counterfeiting Technology

The first of the new spin-offs is Tenet LightKey, led by Jorge Méndez Ramos, a professor in the Department of Physics. The company will focus on the development of anti-counterfeiting technologies to protect documents, technological products, certificates, and other materials requiring secure verification systems.

To achieve this, it will utilise luminescent inks based on rare earths, a line of work that has received the Canary Islands Innovation Award. This technology is applicable in sectors where guaranteeing the authenticity of documents, products, or certifications is necessary.

Robotserv: Mobile Robots for Repetitive Tasks

The second company approved by the Governing Council is Robotserv, led by Jonay Tomás Toledo Carrillo, a professor in the Department of Computer Engineering and Systems.

Its focus will be the development of mobile robots capable of executing repetitive tasks in environments that have yet to be automated. One potential application field is the primary sector, where robotics can assist in tasks requiring repetition, technical support, or partial automation.

This initiative falls within a growing innovation trend in the productive economy: the use of autonomous systems to enhance processes in traditional sectors.

Zona 1: Coatings Against Metal Oxidation

The third spin-off is called Zona 1 and is driven by Gonzalo García Silvestro, a permanent professor in the Department of Chemistry.

The company will focus on generating nano-structured mechanical coatings that inhibit the absorption of certain molecules. This technology presents a pathway to reduce metal oxidation, a significant issue in various industries.

The innovation is based on a patent that has been extended to several Asian countries and is believed to have development potential in sectors where the protection of metallic materials is particularly crucial.

Two New Institutional Chairs in Medicine

The Governing Council of ULL also approved the proposal to create two institutional chairs linked to the healthcare sector, both with a focus on assistance and research.

The first will be the Chair of Functional Imaging Diagnosis and Neurocomputing IMETISA-University of La Laguna. The second will be the Chair of Telemedicine, Artificial Intelligence, and Clinical and Teaching Innovation in Medicine and Surgery IMETISA-University of La Laguna.

These chairs will be related to areas of health innovation such as functional imaging, neurocomputing, telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and the improvement of clinical teaching.

New Appointments at ULL

During the same session, two internal appointments were announced. Noa Real García, assistant professor, will be the new Director of the Student Support Secretariat within the Vice-Rectorate for Students.

In addition, Paula Fernández will assume the position of Director of Social Outreach in the Vice-Rectorate for Culture and University Extension.

Increased Presence in Adeje and La Palma

The Governing Council also discussed a specific modification of the Teaching Organisation Regulation to clarify the situation regarding so-called distant campuses.

The measure affects the studies in Tourism in Adeje and Nursing in La Palma. The aim is to advance towards full in-person attendance. In La Palma, the rollout will occur gradually, year by year, while in Adeje, it will be fully implemented from the next academic year.

With this change, the so-called mirror classes will be eliminated in both degree programmes, with plans for increased recruitment of specific faculty for these campuses.

Changes in the Double Degree in Nautical Studies

ULL also agreed to modify the number of places offered in the double degree in Nautical Studies, Maritime Transport, and Marine Technologies.

The intention is to facilitate the incorporation of students from the two original programmes into the double degree, provided they meet the established academic requirements.

Electricity Supply for University Buildings

Lastly, the Governing Council approved the multi-year expenditure for the supply of electricity across all buildings of the University of La Laguna.

This agreement now requires ratification by the Social Council of the university institution.