Where science, innovation and emerging talent meet

Internationally recognised physicist specialising in condensed matter physics, with more than 400 scientific publications and 27 supervised doctoral theses. His distinctions include the Prince of Asturias Award and the Max Planck Physics Prize, and he has helped establish leading research institutions.

Mikel Sánchez earned his degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Bordeaux in 1978. In 1984, he specialized in Traumatology and Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and began working at Santiago Hospital in Vitoria-Gasteiz. In 2017, he was awarded his PhD by the University of the Basque Country. Since 2000, he has served as Medical and Scientific Director of the Arthroscopic Surgery Unit and is the founder of MiKS Hospital.

As a surgeon, he was a pioneer in the advancement of arthroscopic surgery in Spain. He has also participated in international working groups, contributing to the development of surgical device prototypes for anterior and posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, as well as for the treatment of chronic shoulder instability.

In the field of biological therapies, he was the first physician to recognize and apply the therapeutic potential of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and its applications in traumatology and orthopaedic surgery. He continues to develop new PRP protocols, surgical techniques, and regenerative medicine approaches. Since 2012, he has also been a pioneer in Spain in the use of 3D printing technology for orthopaedic surgery.

As a result of his work, he has authored more than 200 scientific publications and has been included in Stanford University’s list of the top 2% most cited and influential scientists in his field. In 2024, he was appointed a member of the Royal Academy of Medicine of the Basque Country.

Internationally recognised pioneer in nanomedicine, specialising in vaccination, transmucosal drug delivery and precision oncology. She has authored more than 335 publications and 27 patent families and received over 50 distinctions, including Spain’s National Research Award.

Expert in stimuli-responsive polymeric materials for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. He leads the Responsive Polymer Therapeutics group and coordinates the Polymers for Health research area at POLYMAT. He has published more than 220 scientific works, filed six patent applications and secured over €10 million in competitive research funding.

Expert in scientific strategy, technological innovation and knowledge transfer. As founder of i+Med, the world’s first cooperative of scientists, he promotes the integration of science, technology and industrial capabilities to develop high-value solutions. His work connects scientific research with the market through cooperation, excellence and a long-term vision.

Diego Delgado obtained a degree in Pharmacy from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the UPV/EHU, where he was awarded his PhD in 2012. He is currently Head of the R&D Department at MiKS Hospital in Vitoria-Gasteiz. The translational research carried out in this department encompasses preclinical research, independent in-house clinical research, and clinical trials sponsored by pharmaceutical companies. As a result of this work, he has authored more than 100 scientific publications, delivered more than 30 presentations at medical and scientific conferences, and is co-inventor of several patents. In addition, he serves on expert committees and working groups within scientific societies (such as ESSKA), patient associations (such as the Osteoarthritis Foundation International), and governmental institutions (such as the Spanish Ministry of Health).

Expert in polymer chemistry, biomaterials and advanced drug delivery systems. Her research covers hydrogels, nanoparticles, biomedical coatings and ophthalmic products. A former Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow, she has authored more than 30 scientific publications and currently promotes strategic collaborations to develop innovative therapeutic solutions.

He has extensive experience in biomedical research, specializing in toxicology, dermatology, nanomedicine and in vitro and ex vivo models.

Since joining GAIKER Technology Centre in 2008, he has focused on evaluating product safety and efficacy for the pharmaceutical, chemical and cosmetic industries. He currently leads the Biotechnology Area, contributing to national and European R&D projects.

He is also a lecturer at the University of the Basque Country and the University of Deusto and has authored several scientific publications.

Researcher and innovation professional with over a decade of experience in human genetics, biomedicine and healthcare innovation. He has co-authored more than 50 scientific publications and a patent and specialises in collaborative R&D&I projects and public-private partnerships.

Kevin Las Heras is a pharmacist and holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Technology, with extensive experience in biomedical research and drug delivery systems. He currently leads pharmaceutical formulation and innovation projects at Tecnalia Research & Innovation, collaborating with international companies. His work includes competitive research projects, scientific publications, and contributions to national and international conferences.