CIAGRO-UMH

What CIAGRO-UMH does

CIAGRO-UMH is a public university research institute within Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH), headquartered at the UMH Agri-food Campus in Orihuela, Alicante, Spain. It conducts scientific and technical research, technology transfer, specialized training, and advisory services across the full agri-food and agro-environmental value chain, organized into 12 research groups covering food markets and safety, innovative food technologies, sustainable primary production, biodiversity and ecosystem services, climate change, and socio-ecological sustainability. The institute counts 67 tenured researchers, 24 associate researchers, and a Senior Research Staff of 66, producing 700+ scientific articles over five years and 155 JCR articles in 2022 alone (102 in Q1 journals).

The institute's technology portfolio is anchored in patented and proprietary assets: the PROBIOJELLY probiotic gelled-matrix technology for plant-based dairy alternatives; the Agroresources OPTIFANGS tool using NIRS fingerprinting to characterize WWTP sludge; electronic nose and eye sensor prototypes developed under the Telenatura EBT-UMH chair; adhesive-free particle boards from plant residues; compost bricks for soil water retention; and the largest known date palm germplasm bank. It operates research infrastructure including the COMPOLAB-EPSO Living Lab at the UMH composting plant.

Revenue mechanics are characteristic of a public research institute rather than a commercial entity. In 2022, total research funding was €5,112,087, composed of €3,931,161 (79.6%) from EU, national, and regional competitive research projects, and €1,180,926 (23.1%) from 86 technology-transfer contracts under Article 83 of Spain's Organic Law of Universities, supplemented by specialized training services. Customer segments span agri-food producers, agricultural cooperatives, regional/national/EU government agencies, and academic networks. The go-to-market is sales-led for industry contracts and community-led for academic collaborations, with no commercial product distribution.

Name

CIAGRO-UMH

Legal name

Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental de la UMH

Website

https://ciagro.umh.es

Company type

Public

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

CIAGRO-UMH is a public university research institute at Universidad Miguel Hernández in Orihuela, Spain, conducting agri-food and agro-environmental research, technology transfer, and specialized training for agri-food producers, public agencies, and academic partners across 12 research groups.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Agricultural and Food Science Research Services

NAICS

Fertilizer and Compost Manufacturing (32531)

SIC

Agricultural Production-Crops (100), Agricultural Services (700)

akta.pro primary industry

Nutrient Management Planning & Fertility Programs (AFACABAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cultures, Probiotics & Fermentation Ingredients (Starter Cultures, Yeast, Adjuncts) (CRADAOAI), Digestate Processing, Nutrient Recovery & Fertilizer Products (Struvite, Ammonia, Compost) (EUAAAEAL), Training & Competency Programs (Food Safety, HACCP, PCQI, Internal Auditor) (AFALANAF), Agriculture & Food Production (EDABALAA)

Keywords

• Agricultural research services
• Food technology innovation
• Agro-environmental consulting
• Technology transfer services
• Agri-food R&D

Headquarters

HQ city

Orihuela

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Competitive Research Project Funding: EU, national, and regional research project grants. In 2022, €3,931,161 (79.6%) of total €5,112,087.18 funding came from competitive research projects.
2. Technology Support Contracts (Article 83 LOU): Contracts and agreements with public and private entities under Article 83 of the Organic Law of Universities (LOU), providing technology transfer and consulting services. In 2022, generated €1,180,926 (23.1%) of total funding from 86 contracts and agreements.
3. Training Services: Specialized training courses for professionals in agro-industrial waste management, milking machine inspection, plant biotechnology, and other agri-food topics.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

CIAGRO is a public university research institute that conducts scientific and technical research, technology transfer, consulting, and specialized training in agri-food and agro-environmental disciplines. It commercializes patented technologies (e.g., PROBIOJELLY probiotic gels, OPTIFANGS NIR-based sludge analysis, particle boards from plant residues), coordinates EU and national research projects (AGROALNEXT GVA, RAINS, AlProSos, VALORACV), and offers professional training courses in composting, milking machine inspection, and plant biotechnology.

Product overview

CIAGRO-UMH is a research institute at Miguel Hernández University (UMH) in Orihuela, Spain, focused on agri-food and agro-environmental research. The institute comprises 67 tenured and 24 associate researchers organized into 12 research groups covering disciplines from agricultural production to food processing. The portfolio includes patented technologies like PROBIOJELLY (plant-based probiotic gels), digital tools like OPTIFANGS (AI-powered sludge composition analysis), and multiple European/international research projects including AGROALNEXT GVA, RAINS, and AlProSos. The institute also provides professional training services in areas like composting, milking machine inspection, and plant biotechnology. Research infrastructure includes Living Labs (COMPOLAB-EPSO) and technology prototypes such as electronic nose/eye sensors developed through Telenatura EBT-UMH.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• PROBIOJELLY Patented technology for probiotic gelled products manufactured from plant-based drinks (juices, vegetables, legumes) that maintains high probiotic survival rates (over 10 million bacteria per gram) at consumption and targets consumers with dairy allergies, lactose intolerance, vegans, and dysphagia.
• OPTIFANGS (Agroresources Tool) AI- and chemometrics-powered digital tool that uses Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), FT-IR and thermal analysis to estimate the agronomic and environmental composition of WWTP sludge via NIR fingerprinting, enabling real-time optimized dosage decisions in agricultural soils.
• AGROALNEXT GVA Complementary Plan Multi-sub-project research program on innovation and transfer in the Spanish agri-food sector, coordinated by CIAGRO under NextGenerationEU funding. Includes sub-projects such as ValoraCV for date palm valorization.
• RAINS Project (EU) European research project demonstrating 10 solutions to improve EU agriculture's resilience to water scarcity (drought and flood). CIAGRO contributes via the GIAAMA group, including two patents validated in Living Labs; total consortium budget of nearly €5M with CIAGRO contribution of €444,000+.
• ALProSos Iberoamerican Network (CYTED 125RT0165) Iberoamerican CYTED network coordinated by CIAGRO's IPOA group that brings together 50 research groups from 14 countries to consolidate scientific-technological capabilities for improving the nutritional quality of Iberoamerican foods through local protein resources.
• VALORACV Project Research project for the integral valorization of traditional Valencian agri-food resources, developing new products from Elche dates including juice, paste, and date flour. Sub-project of AGROALNEXT GVA directed by José Ángel Pérez Álvarez.
• Electronic Nose and Eye Sensor Prototypes (Telenatura EBT-UMH) Technology prototypes from the Cátedra Telenatura EBT-UMH: an electronic nose with 8 sensors providing unique aromatic fingerprints (used to discriminate olive oils) and an electronic eye device generating wavelength-based signals, with an integrated system demonstrated for disease detection in urine samples.
• Particle Boards from Plant Residues (GICOMVEG) Patented technology producing construction particle boards from plant residues without toxic chemical adhesives (e.g., urea formaldehyde), with lower energy consumption and improved recyclability. Developed by CIAGRO's GICOMVEG group.
• Specialized Training Course — Agro-industrial Waste Management via Composting 15-hour semi-presential specialized training course on agro-industrial waste management through composting, covering waste characterization, recycling methods, compost quality evaluation, and regulatory framework. Targeted at agri-food industry professionals.
• Specialized Training Course — Milking Machine Technical Inspection 20-hour theoretical and practical course on milking machine inspection aligned with ISO and UNE standards, delivered in hybrid format combining videoconference and in-person sessions. Targeted at dairy industry technicians and inspectors.
• Specialized Training Course — Plant Biotechnology Applications for Plant Improvement 100% videoconference postgraduate course covering plant biotechnology applications for plant improvement, including molecular markers, transgenesis, in vitro culture, and marker-assisted selection. Targeted at researchers and agronomy professionals.
• COMPOLAB-EPSO Living Lab First OPTIFANGS Living Lab located at the UMH Composting Plant in Orihuela, equipped with sensor systems to monitor wastewater-treatment emissions (CO2, NH3, H2S, temperature, humidity, pressure, wind) and greenhouse gases for real-time predictive emission modeling.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduction of excess nutrients from WWTP sludge by 25% (OPTIFANGS target)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Universidad de PanamáminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 March 2025Visit from Ricardo Sousa Gómez (Full Professor, Food Technology) to exchange knowledge and explore collaboration with CIAGRO and IPOA research group.
• Tongji University (China) - IWTR GroupminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 February 2025Meeting with IWTR group (Prof. He Pinjing) at College of Environmental Science and Engineering in Shanghai. Discussed AI applications in solid waste management and potential joint research.
• RAINS Project Consortium (16 institutions, 6 countries)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025EU-funded project with nearly €5M budget over 4 years. CIAGRO contributes €444,000+ for developing solutions to improve agricultural water efficiency and reduce drought/flood impacts. Partners from 6 countries working on 10 solutions for water resilience.
• Universidad Autónoma de MadridminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Co-organizer of S4i (Science for Industry) platform alongside BeAble Capital, hosting Europe's largest patent fair.
• Juzgado privativo de aguas de Guardamar del SeguraminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Participating in RAINS project as key validation point for water management solutions in Guardamar del Segura, Alicante.
• AGROALNEXT GVA (Plan Complementario de Agroalimentación)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024CIAGRO coordinates this Complementary Plan under Spain's Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, funded by EU NextGenerationEU. Multiple sub-projects including ValoraCV for date palm valorization.
• ALProSos Iberoamerican Network (CYTED)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Iberoamerican Network for Sustainable Protein-Rich Foods (125RT0165) led by IPOA group. 50 research groups from 14 countries coordinated by CETECA (Galicia). Focus on alternative protein development.
• Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences (UPWr)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2023International Double Master in Technology and Agri-food Quality between UMH and UPWr. Erasmus+ teacher exchange for coordination and joint seminars.
• Agricultores de la Vega de Valencia (SAV)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023OPTIFANGS project partner providing agricultural expertise for optimizing WWTP sludge dosage in soils. Coordinates Living Lab at UMH composting plant.
• Telenatura S.L.coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2023OPTIFANGS partner designed and built low-cost emission and odor control stations for composting plants and wastewater treatment facilities. University spin-off (EBT-UMH).
• GIAAMA Group (UMH)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Research Applied in Agrochemistry and Environment group within CIAGRO, contributing innovations including two patents for RAINS project (compost bricks system). Led by CIAGRO Director Raúl Moral.
• Universidad de São Paulo (FAPESP)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023UMH-FAPESP cooperation for joint international research on sustainable meat product development. Visit from Dr. Carmen S. Favaro-Trindade and Dr. Marco Antonio Trindade.
• Centro Tecnológico de la Carne de Galicia (CETECA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Coordinates ALProSos CYTED network (50 groups, 14 countries) focused on sustainable protein-rich foods from regional resources.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• IFAPA (Instituto Andaluz de Investigación y Formación Agraria, Pesquera, Alimentaria y de la Producción Ecológica): Andalusian regional public research and training institute for agriculture, fisheries, and food production. Comparable in that it operates a public institute with multiple research areas, competitive grants, and corporate technology-transfer contracts, though it focuses on the Andalusian regional agenda.
• CITA (Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón): Aragonese regional agri-food research center delivering applied R&D, technology transfer, and training. Similar to CIAGRO in public-institute structure, multi-disciplinary food/environment scope, and reliance on a mix of public and private funding.

Broad incumbents

• INRAE (Institut national de recherche pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement): France's national public research institute for agriculture, food, and environment. A much larger incumbent operating broadly across the same agri-food/agro-environmental research domains as CIAGRO, including soil, water, food quality, and circular economy.
• Tecnalia: Spanish private applied research center with food and agri-environmental divisions. Comparable in offering industry contract R&D, training services, and patenting activity in Spain, though its portfolio spans multiple industries beyond agri-food.
• Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging (IVV): German Fraunhofer applied-research institute specializing in food processing, packaging, and quality. Comparable as a public-contract-research model combining competitive grants with corporate R&D contracts, and operating NIR/sensor technologies for food quality similar to CIAGRO's electronic nose/eye work.
• Wageningen University & Research: Dutch university and research institute widely regarded as Europe's leading agri-food research organization. Comparable in combining academic research with applied technology transfer, industry contracts, and training across the agri-food chain, though operating at a far larger scale.
• CSIC (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas): Spain's largest public research institution with broad agricultural and food science capacity. Comparable as a public research organization competing for the same national R&D grants and providing technology-transfer and training services, though significantly broader in scope.

Direct peers

• CETECA (Centro Tecnológico de la Carne de Galicia): Galician meat/food technology center that already partners with CIAGRO on the AlProSos CYTED network. Highly comparable as a Spanish food-technology research center coordinating multi-country R&D networks and corporate contract research.
• IRTA (Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries): Catalan public agri-food research institute conducting applied research across plant production, animal production, food technology, and agro-environment. Directly comparable in scope (12+ research groups, food and environmental focus), public funding model, and technology-transfer activities.
• AINIA: Spanish food technology center headquartered in Valencia providing applied R&D, technology transfer, and training services to agri-food companies. Closely comparable to CIAGRO in mission, customer base (Spanish CPG and agri-food firms), and revenue model (competitive grants plus private contracts).

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ciagro_umh
• Facebookfacebook.com/100070151197413
• Instagraminstagram.com/ciagro_umh
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ciagro-umh

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about CIAGRO-UMH