The Government of Catalonia joins the BETA Foundation Board of Trustees and reinforces its commitment to applied research

The Government of Catalonia has joined the Board of Trustees of the BETA Foundation (Centre for Biodiversity, Ecology, Environmental and Food Technology – UVic-UCC), marking a new stage of institutional collaboration to strengthen applied research, innovation and knowledge transfer in strategic areas for the country.

Approved by the Government of Catalonia, this decision recognises the BETA Technological Centre as a leading organisation in circular bioeconomy, sustainable agri-food systems, biodiversity, sustainability and the ecological transition. The incorporation of the Government into the Board of Trustees reinforces collaboration with the Centre to address some of Catalonia’s most pressing environmental, agri-food and economic challenges.

The Government will be represented on the Board through the Departments of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food; Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition; and Research and Universities. Its representatives will include the Directors General responsible for agriculture and livestock, research, environmental policies and natural environment, as well as the Director of the Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies Foundation (I-CERCA).

A new boost for the Centre’s growth

As part of this agreement, the Government of Catalonia will provide €875,000 in funding during 2026 to strengthen the activities of the BETA Foundation and support new research, innovation and knowledge transfer projects in strategic areas.

The agreement also supports the development of the Centre’s new facilities in Soses, located at the FERTIEBRO site. This pioneering hub brings together applied research and industrial production, accelerating the development and validation of innovative solutions for the agri-food sector.

A strategic project for Catalonia

With more than 140 professionals and active participation in over 60 European projects, the BETA Technological Centre has established itself as one of the leading applied research centres in bioeconomy, agri-food systems and sustainability in Catalonia and Spain.

The Government’s incorporation into the Board of Trustees represents a significant step forward in consolidating the BETA Foundation and strengthens a model of shared governance involving public administrations, the university and regional stakeholders. Together, they work to generate knowledge, turn it into innovation and accelerate the transfer of solutions to industry and public policy.

Through this agreement, the Government of Catalonia reinforces its commitment to an applied research model that delivers tangible impact for society and contributes to positioning Catalonia as a European leader in bioeconomy, innovation and sustainability.