What Tecnalia does

Tecnalia (legal entity: FUNDACIÓN TECNALIA RESEARCH & INNOVATION, C.I.F. G48975767) is a private, non-profit applied research and technology development foundation headquartered in Derio, Bizkaia, Spain. Described as Spain's largest applied research and technology development center, it operates 1,512 staff across 10 technology domains spanning industrial automation and robotics, cybersecurity and blockchain, computer vision and visual interaction, AI and Big Data, metals and surface engineering, nanotechnology, polymers/composites/bio-based materials, embedded electronic systems and power electronics, and software technologies. The organization also maintains specialized accredited laboratory infrastructure covering materials testing, electrical equipment, pharmaceutical development, food and ingredient analysis, mechanical testing, fire safety, plus a Quantum Tech Lab for nitrogen-vacancy quantum sensing and the HarshLab floating marine test platform. It is a member of BRTA (Basque Research & Technology Alliance) and EARTO.

The company generates revenue through four primary streams: collaborative R&D+i projects with enterprises (professional services), accredited laboratory testing and certification services, technology transfer and venture building via TECNALIA Ventures (licensing/royalties), and participation in publicly funded research programs under Horizon 2020/Horizon Europe, CDTI, the Basque Government ELKARTEK programme, and regional development funds. Customer relationships include enterprise anchor partners such as Iberdrola (Grid4Industry, €41M initial / €160M total), Shell (100 MW hydrogen electrolyzer consortium in Germany), Airbus (IMPLICIT composite recycling), BBVA and Repsol (Q-MIND quantum computing), Johnson Matthey (APOLO maritime ammonia cracking), and Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge (SEPI-IA AI prototype), alongside a long tail of 10,700+ client companies and 74 PYME clients across manufacturing, energy, healthcare, aerospace, and offshore/maritime verticals. Pricing is negotiated project-by-project and is not publicly disclosed.

Technically, Tecnalia combines proprietary platforms such as the Ansys Granta MI materials R&D data management system and the ConfIA predictive reliability platform with consortium-funded research outputs in AI-enabled robotic surgery (A4S), generative AI for medical imaging (SEPI-IA), digital twins for building energy modeling, and quantum sensing for industrial deployment. The company commercializes deep tech through TECNALIA Ventures and wholly-owned subsidiaries Certinalia S.L.U. (cybersecurity certification), Laboratorium Sanitatis S.L. (pharmaceutical development), and Octantis Tecnalia Group SL (digital technology services). Its go-to-market is sales-led direct enterprise engagement, complemented by thought-leadership content marketing, events (ENLIT Europe, Navalia), publications repository, and a podcast series ("Tecnología, Pasión y Futuro").

Name

Tecnalia

Legal name

FUNDACIÓN TECNALIA RESEARCH & INNOVATION

Website

https://tecnalia.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Tecnalia is Spain's largest applied research and technology development foundation, delivering collaborative R&D projects, accredited laboratory testing, and technology transfer across 10 technology domains. It serves 10,700+ enterprise and SME clients with 1,512 specialized staff from its Basque Country headquarters.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Applied Research and Technology Development Services

NAICS

Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (54169), Testing Laboratories and Services (54138), Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (541690), Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (54), Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (541)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Testing Laboratories (8734), Services-Computer Programming Services (7371)

akta.pro primary industry

Testing, Inspection, Certification & Commissioning (TICx) Technical Services (BPAHAIAL)

Keywords

• Applied research services
• Technology development consultancy
• Laboratory testing certification
• Industrial R&D collaboration
• Deep tech ventures

Headquarters

HQ city

Donostia-san Sebastián

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Applied Research and Development Services: R&D project collaboration with companies to develop customized technological solutions generating business impact.
2. Laboratory Testing and Certification: Expert teams and laboratories that develop, certify, and validate processes, systems, and products for rapid market entry.
3. Technology Transfer: Through TECNALIA Ventures, building businesses from potential opportunities based on sophisticated deep technologies.
4. R&D Project Funding: Collaboration in publicly funded research projects under EU programs (Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe), CDTI, Basque Government ELKARTEK programme, and regional development funds.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Tecnalia is an applied research and technology development center that develops customized R&D+i projects jointly with companies to deliver business-impacting technology solutions. It runs accredited testing, certification, and validation laboratories for materials, electrical equipment, pharmaceuticals, food, mechanical components, and fire safety, and commercializes deep technologies through its TECNALIA Ventures vehicle. Its work is delivered across ten in-house technology domains (automation/robotics, cybersecurity/blockchain, computer vision, AI/Big Data, metals/nanotechnology, polymers/composites, embedded electronics/power electronics, software) and supported by specialized infrastructure including a Quantum Tech Lab and the HarshLab floating marine test platform.

Product overview

TECNALIA is a European applied research and technology development center offering an integrated platform of R&D services, laboratory testing, and technology transfer. The core offering comprises collaborative R&D+i projects with enterprises, comprehensive laboratory services (covering materials, electrical, pharmaceutical, food, mechanical, and fire safety testing), and technology commercialization through TECNALIA Ventures. These services are delivered through 10 distinct technology domains spanning automation and robotics, cybersecurity and blockchain, computer vision, AI and Big Data, metals and nanotechnology, polymers and bio-based materials, embedded systems and power electronics, and software technologies. The organization operates specialized infrastructure including materials testing laboratories, electrical equipment testing facilities, pharmaceutical and food analysis labs, mechanical testing capabilities, fire safety testing, a Quantum Tech Lab for nitrogen-vacancy quantum sensing, and HarshLab (Europe's only floating marine test platform). TECNALIA's value proposition centers on converting technological anticipation into competitive advantage for client organizations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Collaborative R&D Projects Customized R&D+i projects co-developed with companies to deliver technological solutions generating measurable business impact across Tecnalia's ten technology domains. Targeted at industrial and manufacturing enterprises seeking applied innovation.
• Laboratory Testing and Certification Services Accredited laboratory services that develop, certify, and validate industrial processes, systems, and products to accelerate market entry, spanning materials, electrical equipment, pharmaceutical, food, mechanical, and fire safety testing. Targeted at manufacturers needing certification and validation.
• TECNALIA Ventures (Deep-Tech Technology Transfer) Technology-transfer vehicle that builds new businesses around deep-technology opportunities developed at Tecnalia, commercializing intellectual property and creating spin-offs. Targeted at industrial partners and investors.
• Industrial Automation and Robotics Solutions Applied robotics, automation, and mechatronic control solutions for manufacturing-process innovation and production-quality improvement. Targeted at industrial manufacturers.
• Cybersecurity and Blockchain Solutions Cybersecurity and blockchain solutions for industrial environments, including certification services through the Certinalia subsidiary. Targeted at industrial operators needing secure digital infrastructure.
• Computer Vision and Visual Interaction Solutions Computer vision and visual-interaction technologies for industrial inspection, quality control, and augmented-reality applications. Targeted at manufacturing, healthcare, and mobility clients.
• Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Solutions AI and Big Data capabilities covering predictive analytics, machine learning, and data-driven decision support for industrial use cases (e.g., CONFIA power-electronics degradation prediction, SEPI-IA lung-disease progression simulation). Targeted at industrial and healthcare organizations.
• Sustainable Metals Materials, Processes and Products Applied research on sustainable metals, processes, and metallic products such as aluminum recovery, steel-bridge strengthening, and metal-forming technologies. Targeted at metals manufacturers and infrastructure operators.
• Nanotechnology and Nanostructured Materials Solutions Nanotechnology R&D and nano-structured material development for advanced industrial applications, including work contributing to the FIREFLY project on critical raw materials recovery. Targeted at advanced-materials manufacturers.
• Polymers, Composites and Bio-based Materials Solutions Research and development of polymers, composites, and bio-based materials (e.g., lignin-derived coatings, composite-reinforcement systems, recycled composite manufacturing waste via IMPLICIT). Targeted at materials and composites manufacturers.
• Embedded Electronic Systems and Power Electronics Solutions Embedded electronic systems, power electronics, and control engineering for industrial equipment, with reliability-improvement work for power converters under the CONFIA project. Targeted at power-electronics and industrial-equipment manufacturers.
• Software Technologies Solutions Software-technology R&D covering federated cloud-service brokerage, distributed cognition systems, and industrial software solutions. Targeted at enterprises needing industrial-grade software engineering.
• Materials Testing Laboratory Accredited laboratory for mechanical, thermal, and compositional testing of industrial materials. Targeted at manufacturers needing materials characterization.
• Electrical Equipment Testing Laboratory Accredited laboratory for electrical-equipment testing, including dielectric strength, partial discharge, accelerated thermal ageing, and mechanical-adhesion tests for rotating electrical machines. Targeted at electrical-equipment manufacturers and grid operators.
• Pharmaceutical Development Laboratory Laboratory services for pharmaceutical development and drug-manufacturing process validation, delivered through the Laboratorium Sanitatis S.L. subsidiary. Targeted at pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare companies.
• Food and Ingredient Analysis Laboratory Accredited laboratory for food and ingredient analysis, ensuring safety and quality compliance for the food industry. Targeted at food producers and ingredient suppliers.
• Physical and Mechanical Testing Laboratory Accredited laboratory for physical and mechanical testing of materials and components. Targeted at manufacturers requiring mechanical validation.
• Fire Safety Testing Laboratory Accredited laboratory for fire-safety testing of construction materials and building components. Targeted at construction-materials manufacturers and construction-sector clients.
• Quantum Tech Lab (Nitrogen-Vacancy Centre Quantum Sensing) Leading European facility for nitrogen-vacancy centre-based quantum sensing, operated jointly with QUBIZ.team for industrial applications including magnetic-field-based inspection. Targeted at industrial clients needing quantum sensing capabilities.
• HarshLab Floating Marine Test Platform Floating offshore test platform providing real-sea validation of marine and offshore technologies, used to validate the VICINAY MARINE-TECNALIA corrosion sensor for mooring lines. Targeted at offshore and maritime operators.

Quantifiable outcome

• 10,700+ companies served as clients
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability13 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

51 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core, major and minor.

• QUBIZ.teamflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 January 2026Framework agreement signed in Bilbao to jointly develop and commercialize robust quantum sensors for industrial applications, leveraging TECNALIA's Quantum Tech Lab with QUBIZ.team's ultra-sensitive quantum sensor devices.
• AIMPLAScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnology center partner in IMPLICIT research project for recycling auxiliary composite manufacturing waste, targeting transformation of vacuum bags, release films, and absorbent fabrics into recycled raw materials.
• EurecatcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnology center partner in IMPLICIT research project for developing multimodal recycling strategies for single-use auxiliary waste from composite materials manufacturing.
• LeartikercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnology center partner in IMPLICIT consortium working on recycling strategies for composite materials manufacturing waste.
• AirbusmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partner providing real aerospace manufacturing waste for IMPLICIT recycling research project, validating solutions with actual industrial byproducts.
• SoltecocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCompany partner in IMPLICIT consortium for recycling auxiliary composite manufacturing waste into high-value products.
• BirziplastikcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCompany partner in IMPLICIT consortium transforming manufacturing waste into recycled raw materials for automotive, technical textiles, and urban furniture.
• FaperincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCompany partner in IMPLICIT consortium developing recycling strategies for composite materials manufacturing waste.
• Industrias AlegrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCompany partner in IMPLICIT consortium working on multimodal recycling strategies for auxiliary waste from composite manufacturing.
• IberdrolaflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLead of Grid4Industry project, the fifth Transformative Project under Industry Plan – Basque Country 2030, developing digital electricity grids for industrial electrification with €41M initial investment.
• IkerlancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnology center partner in Grid4Industry project for digital electricity grids, alongside TECNALIA and CIC energiGUNE.
• CIC energiGUNEcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnology center partner in Grid4Industry project developing digital electricity grids for industrial electrification.
• GMVmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic initiative leader for Q-MIND quantum computing project with €5.3M+ budget integrating quantum computing, quantum communications (QKD), and post-quantum cybersecurity (PQC).
• BBVAmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFinancial institution partner in Q-MIND quantum computing consortium applying quantum technologies in strategic sectors including banking.
• RepsolmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnergy company partner in Q-MIND quantum computing consortium targeting energy sector applications.
• CSICcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpanish National Research Council partner in Q-MIND quantum computing consortium.
• GMVmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnology firm partner in SEPI-IA project developing AI prototype for simulating progression of interstitial lung diseases, funded by CDTI and Next Generation EU.
• Hospital Universitario de BellvitgemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRecipient of SEPI-IA AI prototype for simulating interstitial lung disease progression, developed through CDTI's Pre-Commercial Public Procurement mechanism.
• ShellflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLead of 100 MW hydrogen electrolyzer plant at Energy and Chemicals Park Rheinland in Germany, part of Shell's transformation toward net-zero emissions by 2050.
• ITM PowermajorTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner providing PEM electrolyzer technology for Shell's 100 MW hydrogen plant consortium.
• LindemajorTechnology or IntegrationConsortium partner in Shell's hydrogen electrolyzer plant project providing technical expertise.
• ERMcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental resources management partner in Shell hydrogen project consortium.
• SINTEF AScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorwegian research organization partner in Shell hydrogen electrolyzer plant consortium, supported by EU's Horizon 2020 program.
• CONCAWEcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConsortium partner in Shell hydrogen project for refining and fuel manufacturing environmental research.
• H2SITEflagshipTechnology or IntegrationTechnical lead in APOLO project developing ammonia cracking membrane reactor technology for maritime decarbonization, targeting power conversion systems for fuel cells and internal combustion engines.
• Johnson MattheymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey partner in APOLO project for maritime decarbonization through ammonia cracking technology.
• Corvus Energy Fuel CellsmajorTechnology or IntegrationPartner in APOLO project developing fuel cell integration for maritime ammonia cracking systems.
• NuveramajorTechnology or IntegrationPartner in APOLO project for maritime fuel cell technology integration.
• LECcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartner in APOLO maritime decarbonization project.
• FertiberiamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in APOLO project providing ammonia supply expertise for maritime fuel systems.
• Bureau VeritascoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCertification and inspection partner in APOLO project for maritime regulatory compliance.
• VICINAY MARINEflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint development of pioneering electrical resistance measurement sensor for remote monitoring of corrosion on mooring lines for offshore wind farms, validated at HarshLab floating test platform.
• CERTINALIAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-hosted conference on Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) at Euskalduna Conference Centre, presented INGETEAM with first IEC 62443-4-1 and 4-2 accredited certificates.
• RobotekinmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRobotics platform integrating key players in robotics field, reinforcing TECNALIA's position as benchmark in applied research and technological development.
• ZIVcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in VirQA initiative developing test environments for advanced smart grid services deployment.
• OrmazabalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in VirQA smart grid project developing test environments for smart grid technology deployment.
• University of the Basque Country (EHU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in VirQA consortium developing test environments for smart grid services.
• IngeteamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvisory committee member in VirQA smart grid project, analyzing technology transfer opportunities.
• Alliance PrimeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvisory committee member in VirQA smart grid project.
• AclaraminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvisory committee member in VirQA smart grid project.
• Energy ClusterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvisory committee member in VirQA smart grid initiative.
• Surion Wind SystemsflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on wind farm modernization focusing on repowering existing infrastructure to extend lifespan and improve efficiency, including advanced control systems and prototype testing.
• IberdrolamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Smart Grids Academy for training professionals in digital skills related to smart grids, cybersecurity, and Industry 4.0.
• GAIAmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Smart Grids Academy promoting training in smart grids, cybersecurity, and Industry 4.0 digital skills.
• CotecmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative development of practical guide on legal aspects and governance of AI in business, with contributions from TECNALIA staff in digital, legal, and governance roles.
• BRTA (Basque Research & Technology Alliance)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of Basque Research & Technology Alliance, connecting research capabilities across the Basque Country.
• EARTOflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of European Association of Research and Technology Organisations, connecting with European RTO ecosystem.
• EuskampuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCampus and research alliance partner in Basque Country.
• Certinalia S.L.U.coreOthersSubsidiary of TECNALIA with NIF B-20991220, registered in Azpeitia (Gipuzkoa), providing cybersecurity certification services.
• Laboratorium Sanitatis S.L.coreOthersTECNALIA subsidiary with NIF B-01373158, located in Miñano (Alava), providing pharmaceutical development laboratory services.
• Octantis Tecnalia Group SLcoreOthersTECNALIA subsidiary with NIF B-95711800, located in Zamudio (Bizkaia), focused on digital technology solutions.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• CSIC (Spanish National Research Council): Spain's largest public research institution and Q-MIND consortium partner with TECNALIA. Comparable multi-domain R&D+i capability with deep scientific research and industrial collaboration mandate.
• VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland: Finnish state-owned RTO with ~2,200 staff delivering applied research, testing, and innovation services across smart industry, energy, and health. Direct peer given similar mix of project-based R&D, certification, and venture-building activities.
• TNO (Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research): Dutch applied research organization with ~3,500 staff offering contract R&D, testing, and technology transfer across similar domains (energy, industry, health, defense). Most structurally comparable European RTO peer to TECNALIA.
• Eurecat: Catalan technology center and confirmed IMPLICIT consortium partner of TECNALIA. Provides similar R&D, technology transfer, and laboratory services to industrial clients, making it the closest Spanish competitor with overlapping domain coverage.
• SINTEF: Norway's largest independent research organization with ~2,000 staff, active partner in TECNALIA's hydrogen and materials consortia. Closely comparable multi-domain RTO model with strong energy and industrial research focus.
• IMEC: Belgium-based leading RTO in semiconductor and nanoelectronics with ~5,000 staff and the IMEC.xpand venture-building arm. Comparable applied research + tech transfer + venture model, though more specialized in semiconductor/nano domains.
• AIMPLAS: Spanish plastics and composites technology center, IMPLICIT consortium partner with TECNALIA. Comparable RTO model focused on polymer/composite materials research, testing, and industrial application.

Broad incumbents

• Fraunhofer Society: Germany's largest applied research organization with 76 institutes, ~32,000 staff, and similar R&D+i project, laboratory testing, and technology transfer model. Direct counterpart as Europe's flagship multi-domain RTO, but operates at much greater scale.
• CEA (French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission): Major French public RTO with deep capabilities in energy, defense, materials, and digital technologies. Larger and broader scope than TECNALIA but comparable in delivering applied research, testing, and technology transfer to industry.

Emerging players

• Bureau Veritas: Global testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) leader and APOLO consortium partner with TECNALIA. Overlaps in laboratory testing and certification services for industrial clients, though operates as a commercial TIC firm rather than research center.

Market position

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/tecnalia
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/tecnaliaTV
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tecnalia-research-innovation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments2 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Tecnalia