Catalonia Research and Innovation Foundation

What Catalonia Research and Innovation Foundation does

FCRI (Fundació Catalana per a la Recerca i la Innovació) is a private non-profit foundation established in 1986 in Barcelona, Spain, and registered in the Private Foundations Registry of the Generalitat de Catalunya under number 281 (NIF: G-58285784). It functions as the primary institutional vehicle through which the Government of Catalonia's Department of Research and Universities executes science education, research recognition, and public outreach mandates. The foundation serves students, teachers, researchers, and the general public in Catalonia through a portfolio that includes teacher training programs (Petits Talents Científics, Escoles d'Estiu per a Docents), researcher didactics and youth engagement (Joves Talents Científics, Amgen TransferCiència), the Recerca en Acció digital portal hosting 142+ student experiment videos and 46 scientific expeditions in Catalan, school competitions (X(p)rimenta, Tesi en 4 minuts, Monòlegs Club de la Ciència), annual research awards (Premis Nacionals de Recerca in its 37th edition), and event-driven outreach (Setmana de la Ciència, EspaiCiència, Eclipsi per a Tothom). It also manages the Barcelona Knowledge Hub of Academia Europaea.

The foundation's underlying delivery model combines digital content, in-person programs, and event orchestration; its primary "technology" assets are educational content libraries and outreach methodologies rather than proprietary software. Revenue mechanics are dual: core government funding from the Generalitat de Catalunya for mandated programs (e.g., the National Research Awards), supplemented by corporate and foundation sponsorships from Patronat members (La Caixa, Ibercaja, Endesa, BBVA, Telefónica, Esteve, Irestal, Amgen) and project-specific partners (Ercros, Telstar, Fundación Oesia, Fundación Banco Sabadell, Fundació Víctor Grífols). All programs and resources are provided free of charge to participants, with no commercial pricing model; the foundation does not disclose revenue figures publicly.

FCRI's customer base spans educational institutions (450+ primary and secondary schools, all 12 Catalan universities), the research community, corporate sponsors, and the general public. Governance is provided by a Patronat (Board of Trustees) combining public administration bodies and private-sector members. Strategic reach in 2026 includes the Eclipsi per a Tothom program targeting 100,000+ children and youth, with expanded delivery into correctional and juvenile justice facilities alongside traditional school networks.

Name

Catalonia Research and Innovation Foundation

Legal name

FUNDACIÓ CATALANA PER A LA RECERCA I LA INNOVACIÓ

Website

https://fundaciorecerca.cat

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

FCRI is a 40-year-old Catalan non-profit foundation that promotes scientific culture and research through teacher training, school competitions, digital content, awards, and outreach events, serving students, educators, researchers, and the public across Catalonia.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Science education and research promotion services

NAICS

Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (54172)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Arts, Culture & Humanities Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Corporate Foundations & CSR Grantmaking (BPAGAKAC)

Keywords

• Science education programs
• Research promotion services
• Scientific outreach initiatives
• Educational foundation services
• Research innovation awards

Headquarters

HQ city

Barcelona

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Corporate and Foundation Sponsorships: FCRI receives contributions from private companies and foundations seeking to support science education and social return through scientific outreach activities. Benefits include logo placement, communication exposure, event participation, and recognition in annual reports.
2. Government Funding: Core funding from the Government of Catalonia (Departament de Recerca i Universitats) for organizing national research awards, science education programs, and public outreach initiatives.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Fundació Catalana per a la Recerca i la Innovació (FCRI) is a non-profit foundation that promotes scientific culture, research, and innovation in Catalonia. It operates educational programs for primary and secondary school students (Petits Talents Científics and Joves Talents Científics), science communication digital platforms (Recerca en Acció and X(p)rimenta), the National Research Awards (Premis Nacionals de Recerca), public outreach events (Setmana de la Ciència, Ciència al Carrer, guided visits), and the Barcelona Knowledge Hub of Academia Europaea.

Product overview

The Catalonia Research and Innovation Foundation (FCRI/Fundació Catalana per a la Recerca i la Innovació) is a non-profit organization that promotes scientific culture, research, and innovation in Catalonia. Rather than a unified technology product, FCRI operates a broad portfolio of science education and dissemination programs including vocational initiatives (Petits Talents Científics, Joves Talents Científics), digital portals (Recerca en Acció with hundreds of videos and resources), school competitions (X(p)rimenta, Tesi en 4 Minuts), annual awards (Premis Nacionals de Recerca now in its 37th edition), and science outreach events (Setmana de la Ciència, EspaiCiència, Eclipsi per a Tothom). These programs work across educational levels from primary school to doctoral researchers, supported by various public and private partners including the Generalitat de Catalunya, Fundació la Caixa, and biotechnology company Amgen.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Petits Talents Científics: Scientific updating program for primary school teachers structured in three phases: teacher training, classroom research, and a congress where students present their research results.
• Joves Talents Científics
• Ajuts FCRI
• Setmana de la Ciència
• Amgen TransferCiència
• Recerca en Acció
• #científiques
• X(p)rimenta
• Joves, Ciència i Ètica
• EspaiCiència
• Eclipsi 2026
• Premis Nacionals de Recerca
• Tesi en 4 minuts
• Biografies FCRI
• Monòlegs Club de la Ciència
• Projectes europeus
• Premis Ciència Oberta de Catalunya
• Informe Estat de la Ciència
• Compàs
• CAPCIT

Products and services

• Petits Talents Científics Educational program from FCRI targeting primary school children (educació primària) in Catalonia to stimulate scientific talent and inquiry-based learning through hands-on activities and contests.
• Joves Talents Científics Educational program from FCRI targeting secondary school students (educació secundària) in Catalonia to nurture scientific talent through research projects, mentoring, and competitions.
• Recerca en Acció Digital portal operated by FCRI that communicates research, scientists, and scientific advances to the general public and educational audiences in Catalonia.
• X(p)rimenta Science communication platform run by FCRI that publishes articles, interviews, and multimedia content explaining scientific concepts and research to a broad Catalan audience.
• Premis Nacionals de Recerca National research awards operated by FCRI that recognize the scientific trajectory of researchers and research-performing institutions in Catalonia.
• Premi Fundació Catalana per a la Recerca i la Innovació Annual award given by the FCRI itself to recognize contributions to science and innovation in Catalonia.
• Gestió del Barcelona Knowledge Hub (BKC) de l'Academia Europaea Management by FCRI of the Barcelona Knowledge Hub (BKC) of Academia Europaea, providing the operational and institutional support for Academia Europaea's activities in Barcelona.
• Co-Organitza: Debats FCRI Debate series convened by FCRI that brings together researchers, policymakers, and citizens to discuss the role of science, research, and innovation in society.
• Curs d'estiu "Repensant les fronteres" Summer course organized by FCRI that brings together experts and students to discuss frontier topics in science, research, and innovation.
• Programa de Ciència Ciutadana Citizen science program run by FCRI that engages non-specialist citizens in scientific research and data collection alongside professional researchers.
• Setmana de la Ciència Annual Science Week organized by FCRI across Catalonia featuring talks, workshops, and open days that bring science closer to the general public.
• Ciència al Carrer Street-level science outreach initiative run by FCRI that brings scientific demonstrations and activities to public spaces in Catalonia.
• Visites Guiades Guided tours offered by FCRI to research centers, laboratories, and other scientific facilities in Catalonia for students, teachers, and the general public.
• Steam4Future / Women4IT Program delivered by FCRI as part of the European Commission's Women4IT project, focused on promoting STEAM education and digital skills, particularly among women and girls.
• Patrocini / Programa Mecenes Corporate sponsorship and patronage program managed by FCRI that channels private-sector funding toward the foundation's science promotion activities in Catalonia.

Quantifiable outcome

• 32,000 students from 450 educational centers have participated in Petits Talents Científics since 2013
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Government of Catalonia - Departament de Recerca i UniversitatscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary institutional partner. The Department of Research and Universities uses FCRI as its primary vehicle to organize National Research Awards, science education programs, and public outreach initiatives. This is a core operational relationship spanning 40 years.
• Fundació La CaixacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor funding partner supporting FCRI programs including Petits Talents Científics. Contributes to science education initiatives and educational collaborations.
• Departament d'Educació de la Generalitat de CatalunyacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates with FCRI to systematize science presence in schools, support Science Day at Schools, and increase STEM vocations through joint educational programs.
• Ajuntament de BarcelonamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBarcelona City Council collaborates with FCRI on educational and science outreach programs within the city.
• AmgenmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBiotechnology company supporting the Amgen TransferCiència Program, which brings researchers to secondary schools to improve science education, particularly in genetics and biotechnology.
• All 12 Catalan UniversitiesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with all Catalan universities for the Tesi en 4 minuts competition, National Research Awards, and various research promotion activities.
• Academia Europaea Barcelona Knowledge HubmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFCRI manages the Barcelona Knowledge Hub of Academia Europaea, promoting European academic excellence and organizing scientific events.
• Ercros, Telstar, Fundación OesiaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsors for the X(p)rimenta 2026 school video competition, providing prizes and support for science education outreach.
• FundesplaimajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeisure education organization collaborating on the 'Eclipsi per a tothom: Lleure' program to bring solar eclipse education to 100,000+ children through summer activities.
• Institut d'Estudis Espacials de Catalunya (IEEC)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates on the 'Eclipsi per a tothom' initiative, providing astronomical expertise for the 2026 solar eclipse education program.
• Institut de Ciències del Cosmos de la UB (ICCUB)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the 'Eclipsi per a tothom' initiative, contributing scientific knowledge for the solar eclipse outreach program.
• Associació Catalana de Comunicació Científica (ACCC)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organizer of the X(p)rimenta school science video competition, the largest audiovisual science contest in Catalan.
• Fundació Víctor Grífols i LucasminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupports the Young Scientific Parliament (Parlamento Científico Joven) program for youth science engagement.
• Fundación Banco SabadellminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupports the Young Scientific Parliament program, supporting science and democracy education for Catalan youth.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• NESTA: UK innovation foundation with portfolios in education, science innovation, and public-interest programs. Comparable to FCRI in operating grant, challenge, and public-engagement programs that bridge research ecosystems and society.
• Fundació La Caixa: Major Spanish/Catalan foundation running large-scale social, educational, and scientific programs including CosmoCaixa and STEM outreach. Directly comparable mission and operating model to FCRI; also a current core FCRI partner via Petits Talents.
• Science Foundation Ireland (SFI): Ireland's national science-promotion agency, combining government-mandated research funding, STEM education outreach, and public engagement. Highly comparable to FCRI in combining a government-anchored mandate with public-facing science communication programs.
• Fundación Española para la Ciencia y la Tecnología (FECYT): Spain's national government-affiliated foundation for science promotion, technology, and innovation. The most direct structural counterpart to FCRI at the national level, performing analogous outreach, grant administration, and science-communication functions across Spain's autonomous communities.
• BBVA Foundation: Spanish corporate foundation supporting scientific research, cultural education, and knowledge dissemination. Comparable to FCRI's role as a grantmaking foundation for research recognition and public-private collaboration in science.

Broad incumbents

• Wellcome Trust: UK-based global charitable foundation funding science research and public engagement at massive scale. Overlaps with FCRI's science-promotion and education mandate, but at a vastly larger scale and with an international research-grant portfolio that FCRI does not operate.
• Khan Academy: Global nonprofit educational platform providing free STEM and other instructional content. Overlaps with FCRI's Recerca en Acció portal in offering free digital science-education resources, though Khan Academy operates at global scale and across all subjects.
• Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI): Large US nonprofit biomedical research organization with significant science-education and public-engagement programming. Comparable in combining research recognition, teacher resources, and student science opportunities, though with a narrower biomedical focus.

Regional players

• Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB): Barcelona-based cultural institution hosting exhibitions, debates, and educational programs on contemporary themes including science and technology. Operates in FCRI's same geography with overlapping cultural/educational programming but a broader cultural remit.

Others

• European Science Foundation (ESF): Pan-European association supporting research collaboration, science policy, and researcher mobility. Comparable to FCRI's role in research-promotion infrastructure, but at a continental rather than regional level; ESF is an enabling/coordination body rather than a direct program operator.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/fundaciorecerca
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@fcri_cat
• Facebookfacebook.com/fcricat
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fundacio-catalana-per-a-la-recerca-i-la-innovacio
• Instagraminstagram.com/fcri_cat

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Catalonia Research and Innovation Foundation