The University of Barcelona and Worldsensing sign an agreement to create a Chair for the technological development in the area of IoT
Innovation and technology transfer to the industrial sector will be the priorities of the new Chair on industrial IoT, created by the University of Barcelona and Worldsensing with the aim of promoting research and thus contributing to the progress and dissemination of technology.
This new chair consolidates the collaboration that Worldsensing has maintained since its foundation in 2008 with the University of Barcelona (UB) and will allow the joint development of teaching, knowledge and research activities.
The main purpose of this alliance between university and company is to stimulate and strengthen innovation. “The university environment is an excellent reinforcement to help us nurture innovative technology in the industrial sectors we serve. With this chair, we will jointly promote research, development and innovation (R&D&I),” said Ignasi Vilajosana, CEO and co-founder of Worldsensing.
To achieve this goal, different initiatives will be implemented, including joint research projects addressing key technological challenges in the IoT field, a technical laboratory with experts from the company in the facilities of the Faculty of Physics and the joint organisation of national and international meetings with experts in the area of IoT, among others.
Strong educational support to increase student competitiveness
The Chair establishes a 3-year timeframe during which Worldsensing will play a prominent role also in the educational field. The company will host final projects and internships in order to improve the training of UB students and help align the contents with the current and real needs of the sector. In addition, it will also hold specialised seminars for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The Chair will also award prizes for the best final projects related to the subject, a prize programme that will be open to students from all the courses in which the Faculty participates. Worldsensing will also provide financial support to postgraduate students through a scholarship programme.
“We want our support to be tangible and visible in order to inspire and attract young talent, particularly women, to pursue careers in Physical Sciences, Geophysics, and Engineering” Ignasi Vilajosana, Worldsensing CEO
Presentation ceremony at the Aula Magna of the Universitat de Barcelona
The presentation ceremony took place at the Aula Magna of the historical venue of the University of Barcelona on the 21st June, where the collaboration agreement was signed. The event was attended by the rector of the University of Barcelona, Dr. Joan Guàrdia Olmos, the Chair Director, Dr. Manuel López de Miguel, and Dr. Ignasi Vilajosana, accompanied by a significant representation of Worldsensing staff.
During the ceremony, the rector, Dr. Joan Guàrdia Olmos, highlighted that “Worldsensing is a good example of how the university should generate talent, drive projects and pass on knowledge.”
The UB Worldsensing Chair of Industrial IoT will be housed at the Faculty of Physics of the University of Barcelona. “One of the chair’s objectives is to foster the development and dissemination of knowledge in order to become an innovation leader in Catalonia, Spain and Europe”, said Dr. Manuel López, Chair Director.
From right to left: Ignasi Vilajosana, CEO, Worldsensing // Mercè Segarra Rubí, Vice-Rector Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Knowledge Transfer, University of Barcelona // Joan Guàrdia Olmos, Rector, University of Barcelona // Xavier Lacasta, Head of Chairs, University of Barcelona // Manuel López de Miguel, Chair Director, University of Barcelona (Physics)
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