The European InnoVamos project, led by the Canarian Science and Technology Park Foundation of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (FCPCT-ULPGC), will boost knowledge transfer and innovation capacity in the ecosystems of the participating regions of Madeira, Azores, and the Canary Islands (MAC), including partners from third countries like Ghana, Cape Verde, and São Tomé and Príncipe.
hold the kick-off meeting for this ambitious project. It’s led by the Canarian Science and Technology Park Foundation of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (FCPCT-ULPGC) and funded under the INTERREG VI-D Madeira-Azores-Canary Islands (MAC) 2021-2027 Programme. InnoVamos aims to strengthen collaboration and technology transfer between academic and business entities, fostering the adoption of innovative processes and technologies to improve the competitiveness and adaptability of SMEs in the global market.
“InnoVamos will allow us to strengthen the relationship between participating universities and businesses at a regional level, facilitating knowledge exchange and promoting the adoption of innovative technological solutions by SMEs. This will bolster the innovation ecosystem in our regions and contribute to more sustainable economic and social development,” explained Sebastián López, Vice-Rector for Research, Transfer, and Entrepreneurship at ULPGC.
During the InnoVamos kick-off meeting, the partners defined the initial steps for project implementation. The first day was dedicated to institutional and technical presentations, with information crucial for the second day’s discussions. These discussions coordinated the final deliverables, project indicators, partner responsibilities, and activity timelines. Aspects such as the partnership’s collaboration structure and project management and governance were also extensively addressed.
The project, which has a budget of 4.06 million euros, co-financed by the European Commission at 85%, will implement specific activities to support SMEs in adopting innovative technologies and processes. This includes training and advisory actions aimed at strengthening businesses’ innovation capabilities and facilitating their connection with universities and research centres.
The project also includes a focus on social innovation, ensuring that knowledge generated in universities has a direct impact on society and helps address current social and economic challenges. To achieve this, the project will work closely with innovation ecosystem stakeholders, including representatives from the public and private sectors, and civil society.
InnoVamos represents a strategic opportunity for the participating regions to reinforce their innovation capacities and establish new synergies between the academic and business worlds, consolidating their role as drivers of economic and social transformation.