From the Lab to the Market: six IMB-CNM technologies in strategic sectors

The technologies developed at the Institute of Microelectronics of Barcelona (IMB-CNM-CSIC) reflect the versatility of its research, which ranges from environmental monitoring and security to water quality and smart aquaculture. Through the application of micro- and nanotechnologies, the institute tackles technological challenges in a wide variety of contexts, always with a focus on real-world implementation.

On Tuesday in Barcelona, the CSIC presented the CSIC Technology Portfolio 2026, which compiles 102 cutting-edge designs and prototypes developed at the institution. Six technologies from the IMB-CNM stand out, spanning areas as diverse as electronics, materials, the environment, and agriculture. The diversity of the developments, their Technology Readiness Level, and their ongoing transfer activities highlight the IMB-CNM’s capacity to generate key knowledge and technologies with an impact on strategic sectors.

In addition, IMB-CNM researcher Gonzalo Murillo participated in the roundtable discussion “Science with Impact: Public-Private Partnerships and Knowledge-Based Innovation Policies,” moderated by CSIC Vice President for Innovation and Technology Transfer, Ana Castro.

Rapid radon detection system

• CATEGORY: Electronics
• TRL: 6
• IMB-CNM
  • Manuel Lozano, Celeste Fleta and Salvador Hidalgo (RDG)

Competitive advantage over other technologies: A radon sensor with an outstanding ability to provide real-time response times within minutes, thanks to the combined analysis of ²¹⁸Po and ²¹⁴Po decays, enabling reliable measurements without waiting for secular equilibrium. Additionally, it incorporates energy discrimination to separate radon and thoron in real time, avoiding false positives and surpassing the reliability of inexpensive sensors or the slowness and cost of current professional equipment.

Application and benefits: The developed technology addresses the growing need to monitor radon in older buildings, underground spaces, and areas with limited ventilation, where prolonged exposure poses serious health risks. Its speed, accuracy, and ability to differentiate isotopes enable more reliable monitoring, facilitating on-demand ventilation decisions and remote monitoring via IoT. All of this offers an accessible, robust, and suitable solution for improving air quality.

Anti-counterfeiting inks with embedded microchips

• CATEGORY: Electronics
• TRL: 3
• IMB-CNM
  • Jose Antonio Plaza, Juan Pablo Agusil, and Marta Duch (MNTL)

Competitive advantage over other technologies: A unique authentication system based on fully customizable microchips that can be integrated into almost any type of ink, from conventional formulations to security inks. Unlike current methods based on optical effects or chemical markers—which are vulnerable to advanced counterfeiting—these microchips provide identifiers that are impossible to clone and are compatible with existing industrial processes, offering a superior level of protection.

Application and benefit: Inks with integrated microchips enable the authentication of documents, packaging, and products using unique optically readable information, providing true traceability at the item level. Their simple integration into commercial inks and industrial coatings facilitates their use in sectors requiring protection against
increasingly sophisticated counterfeits. The solution enhances security without altering printing processes, reduces risks, and improves control in sensitive, high-value industries.

A non-invasive procedure as the standard for high-precision optical calibration

• CATEGORY: Materials
• TRL: 4
• IMB-CNM
  • Jose Antonio Plaza, Juan Pablo Agusil, and Marta Duch (MNTL)

Competitive advantage over other technologies: A non-invasive alternative for high-precision optical calibration that overcomes the limitations of conventional rigid standards, which do not allow for calibration under real operating conditions. By integrating different types of standards into a single structure, it enables the simultaneous evaluation of critical parameters without interfering with the sample or requiring system modifications, extending its utility beyond standard techniques.

Application and benefit: This procedure enables real-time calibration of optical systems in scientific, biomedical, industrial, or forensic processes where metrological precision is essential. Its non-invasive approach eliminates the need for specific preparations and facilitates quality control in regulated environments, such as digital histology, biobanks, automated screening, or multichannel 3D reconstruction. This improves image reliability and ensures traceability without altering the operation of the equipment

Sustainable production of γ-valerolactone via photothermal chemical catalysis

• CATEGORY: Materials
• TRL: 3
• IMB-CNM
  • Borja Sepúlveda (MNTL)

Competitive advantage over other technologies: A sustainable and efficient method for producing γ-valerolactone from biomass via photothermal catalysis, eliminating the need for H₂ and significantly reducing energy consumption, temperature, and reaction time compared to conventional processes. The use of scalable, low-cost nickel catalysts, combined with their compatibility with solar synthesis, reduces costs and improves safety. This clearly distinguishes it from current methods, which are more expensive, resource-intensive, and less sustainable.

Application and benefit: This process enables the synthesis of γ-valerolactone in a safer, faster, and more sustainable manner, meeting the demand from sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and polymers, which are seeking renewable alternatives to petroleum derivatives. By using biomass and reducing energy consumption, it increases the process’s competitiveness and facilitates the production of high-value-added products. This approach reduces costs and promotes circular economy models.

Portable electrochemical sensor for the direct detection of contaminants in water

• CATEGORY: Environment
• TRL: 4
• IMB-CNM + ICMAB
  • César Fernández (GTQ), Martí Gich

Competitive advantage over other technologies: The sensor allows personnel without specialized training to detect contaminants in the area where the sample was collected. The sample does not require any preliminary processing and can be placed directly on the sensor. This eliminates the need for sample handling steps and the use of contaminating reagents.

Application and benefits: A versatile device validated for chemical oxygen demand (COD) measurement, enabling the detection of organic contaminants, and which has also been tested for the detection of heavy metals. It can be applied to water discharged from a wastewater treatment plant to reduce its environmental impact, in industries such as meat processing to detect the release of contaminants, as well as in the environmental monitoring of rivers and lakes. 

FISHBIT: Monitoring the behavior of farmed fish

• CATEGORY: Agriculture and sea science
• TRL: 5
• IMB-CNM + IATS + Universidad de las Palmas de Gran Canarias
  • Manuel Lozano (RDG), Enric Cabruja, Jaume Perez and Josep Calduch

Competitive advantage over other technologies: FishBIT is a small device that stands out for its ability to directly and continuously monitor the behavior and well-being of farmed fish by measuring respiratory rate and physical activity. Its reusable and reprogrammable design, validated for sea bream, sea bass, salmon, and trout, enables accurate assessments of metabolism and adaptation. Compared to traditional methods, it provides objective data for genetic improvement, farming systems, and feed formulations, ensuring evidence-based decisions and production optimization.

Application and benefits: FishBIT is used in aquaculture to evaluate pilot programs for genetic improvement, new farming systems, and functional feed formulations. By monitoring fish metabolism, behavior, and adaptation, it enables the detection of necessary adjustments in real time, reduces production risks, and improves efficiency. This translates to healthier fish, higher yields, compliance with animal welfare standards, and adaptability to environmental changes, thereby strengthening the sector’s profitability and sustainability

According to a report by BioCat, the IMB-CNM ranks second in Catalonia in terms of investment raised by spin-offs over the past decade in the fields of health and biomedicine. Over the last five years, the institute has launched five technology-based companies and currently has eleven active spin-offs. Among them are INBRAIN Neuroelectronics, Sweanty, Arrays for Cell Nanodevices (A4CELL), Alibava Systems, FlexiiC, Energiot, and Fuelium, which were also highlighted in the CSIC’s Spin-off Catalog.