ICIQ and BASF Announce the fourth edition of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Awards

The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) and BASF Group have launched the call for the fourth edition of the BASF-ICIQ Innovation and Entrepreneurship Awards. These awards aim to recognize and reward the talent of individuals driving innovative scientific projects and entrepreneurial initiatives in the field of chemistry in Spain and Portugal.

 Awards for Doctoral Theses, Patents, and Entrepreneurs

This year’s edition will feature three main categories:

> Best Doctoral Thesis Award (€2,500): Recognizes outstanding doctoral theses in applied sciences or solutions to industrial challenges within the field of chemistry. To be eligible, candidates must have publicly defended their thesis at a Spanish or Portuguese university within the last three years and must have published at least one relevant scientific article derived from their thesis.

> Best Patent Award (€2,500): This award will recognize significant scientific and technological advancements that have demonstrated knowledge transfer activities and are patented in the Iberian Peninsula. To be eligible, patents must focus on a specific technological area and must have been published and filed within the last 10 years (for public research organizations and universities) or within the last 5 years (for company patents).

> Best Entrepreneurship Project Award (€4,000): Recognizes business initiatives in the fields of chemistry and technology that stand out for their ability to transform innovative ideas into scalable commercial solutions.

These awards aim to give visibility to projects that make a difference while fostering the development of new technological solutions that contribute to social progress and sustainable development.

Boosting talent and scientific collaboration

Professor Emilio J. Palomares, Director of ICIQ, highlighted the importance of these awards as a platform to stimulate creativity and entrepreneurial spirit within the scientific community:

“The BASF-ICIQ Awards are a benchmark in promoting cutting-edge research and entrepreneurial talent. This fourth edition reaffirms our commitment to innovation and the development of scientific solutions that can transform the chemical industry and other key sectors for society.”

Meanwhile, Carles Navarro, Managing Director of BASF Española, noted: “We are very proud to support these awards once again, which recognize excellence in research and entrepreneurship. At BASF, we strongly believe in partnerships, and we are convinced that collaboration with researchers and entrepreneurs is essential to addressing global challenges. These awards are an excellent example of how we can move forward together towards a more sustainable future.”

Applications open until 4th April 2025

Interested candidates can submit their applications through the official ICIQ and BASF website until 4th April 2025.

A jury composed of experts from various fields will evaluate the projects based on their level of innovation, potential impact, and feasibility, among other criteria. The winners will be announced at an award ceremony to be held in June at ICIQ’s facilities in Tarragona.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The BASF Group has over 112,000 employees who contribute to the success of our customers in almost all sectors and countries around the world. Our portfolio is organized into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care, and Agricultural Solutions. In 2023, BASF generated sales of €68.9 billion. BASF shares are traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Find more information at www.basf.com.