AIR Institute, one of the nine technology centers of Castilla y León

The AIR Institute leads innovation in Castilla y León through collaboration with the other technology centers in the community: ITRAGA, ICAMCYL, cesefor, cetece, CTME, ITCL, Cidaut and CARTIF.

These technology centers stand out for being non-profit entities dedicated to promoting applied research and technological development, with the aim of promoting innovation and facilitating technology transfer to industry. These centers are key players in the R&D&I (Research, Development and Innovation) ecosystem, supporting companies to improve their competitiveness through advanced technological solutions.

In more detail, technology centers can be identified by the following features:

- Private, non-profit organization: Technology centers do not seek profit, but rather promote R&D&I for the benefit of industry.

- Innovation and technology transfer: They are the bridge that takes technology from the laboratory to its application in the market, helping companies to innovate.

- Specialized infrastructure: Equipped with advanced laboratories and technical resources, they are capable of conducting cutting-edge research.

- Collaboration with industry: They work closely with companies to develop customized technological solutions.

- R&D&I projects: They actively participate in projects funded by both public and private entities, both nationally and internationally.

- Training and education: They offer specialized programs to train professionals in key technological areas.

- Promoting competitiveness: They help companies to improve their products, services and processes through technology.

- Interdisciplinarity: They integrate knowledge from various scientific disciplines to address complex challenges.

- Support for startups and SMEs: They offer advice and technical support to startups and small and medium-sized enterprises. Intellectual property: They manage and protect the intellectual property derived from their research.

In their mission, technology centers work in conjunction with other entities that have a different role and do not fall into this category. To determine that it is not a technology center, the following aspects must be distinguished:

- Not a commercial company: They do not sell commercial products or services, but support companies that do.

- Not a university: Although they collaborate with universities, they do not engage in formal higher education.

- Not a vocational training center: Although they offer training, it is not their only or main activity.

- It is not a consulting firm: Although they can offer advice, their approach is broader and more technical.

- Not a business incubator: Although they support startups, their role is not to incubate them.

- Not a commercial testing lab: They do not focus exclusively on commercial testing or certification.

- Not an exhibition center: Although they may organize events, they are not dedicated to commercial exhibition.

- Not an IT services company: Although they may develop IT solutions, they are not traditional technology service providers.

- Not a public entity: Although they receive public funding, they are private organizations.

- Not a social innovation center: Although they can generate social impacts, their main focus is technological innovation.

A technology center is an innovation engine that acts in synergy with industry to drive technological development, without being confused with other commercial, educational or service entities.

AIR Institute

The AIR Institute, among its missions in Castilla y León, is responsible for promoting and developing scientific research in the fields of informatics, computing, artificial intelligence and information and communication technologies; fostering technological innovation.