Navarra moves forward with its strategy in advanced biotechnology and synthetic biology by engaging the Navarrese R&D&I System
This Monday, May 25, the IRIS Hub hosted a working session with stakeholders from the Navarrese R&D&I System (SINAI) to review and discuss the IRIS Navarra Master Plan for Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology, promoted by the Department of University, Innovation and Digital Transformation. This plan is part of the commitment by the Government of Navarra to synthetic biology and biotechnology in the region, complementing the business-driven initiatives led by the Department of Industry and Business Ecological and Digital Transition.
Opening the session, Juan Luis García, Minister of University, Innovation and Digital Transformation and President of the IRIS Hub, emphasized that “synthetic biology and biotechnology represent a major opportunity to strengthen an economic model based on knowledge, innovation, and collaboration between science, business, and institutions.”
“Navarra has distinctive capabilities, and we must collectively build an ecosystem that fosters its development and its impact across the region,” the minister stated. The closing remarks were delivered by Agurtzane Martínez, Director General for Science, Technology and Innovation, who highlighted that “the Navarrese R&D&I System has the knowledge and capabilities that provide a strong foundation to position Navarra in Europe as a reference point for generating excellent science in this field.”
The working session was organized by the IRIS Navarra Digital Innovation Hub in collaboration with ADItech and was based on a draft proposal outlining the scientific development of synthetic biology and biotechnology in Navarra. In preparing this proposal, it was considered essential to review and enrich its contents together with SINAI stakeholders working directly in this area.
An emerging discipline
Synthetic biology is an emerging discipline that combines biology, engineering, and technology to design and develop new biological systems or improve existing ones. Its applications span fields such as health, food, sustainability, energy, and industry, and it represents one of the scientific areas with the greatest potential for economic and social transformation in the coming years.
To support this, a participatory process was developed in two phases. In the first stage, SINAI stakeholders completed a questionnaire aimed at identifying capabilities and strengths, mapping unique infrastructures, validating strategic opportunities, and preparing the working panels for the in-person session.
The session held today represents the second phase, conducted as a collaborative workshop at the IRIS Hub headquarters. During the session, participating entities shared the results of the questionnaire, worked collaboratively on different sections of the Master Plan, and validated capabilities, research lines, infrastructures, and technology transfer mechanisms.
The session created a shared workspace among scientific, technological, and institutional stakeholders, reinforcing a common vision to advance Navarra’s positioning in strategic areas related to synthetic biology and biotechnology.
About the IRIS Navarra Hub
The IRIS Navarra Innovation Hub is an initiative promoted by the Government of Navarra and managed by the public company NASERTIC. IRIS Navarra brings together the 40 most relevant public and private entities in Navarra’s innovation ecosystem and acts as a one-stop shop for digital transformation in the region. It serves as a reference space to support, guide, and advise companies, professionals, and the general public in their innovation and digital transformation projects.
The best way to explore all its services is by visiting its catalogue or contacting the Hub team directly.
Source: navarra.es
