- The alliance, which begins with a joint chair, will promote innovation and training in technologies inked to green molecules, such as biofuels and synthetic fuels, which foster the energy transition in sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as heavy industry, aviation, or maritime transport
During an event held today at Moeve's headquarters, the company and the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) signed an agreement to create the first Green Molecules Innovation Chair, a pioneering collaborative space created with the aim of exploring solutions that contribute to the energy transition by promoting science, innovation, and young talent.
The chair will work on developing projects to produce sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) through two complementary pathways: second-generation biofuels derived from organic waste and used cooking oils and synthetic fuels (e-fuels) generated using green hydrogen. It will cover areas of knowledge promoted by Moeve, such as CO2 capture and transformation and green hydrogen production technologies, as well as other projects related to the field of chemicals and sustainable mobility.
The agreement, which is the first related to the study of green molecules in the business and university environment, promotes the creation of joint training programs, support for the university's teaching activity, and specialized training on the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition, putting technology at the service of people. In addition, forums, workshops, and initiatives will be developed to promote knowledge sharing and strengthen the innovation ecosystem.
During the signing ceremony, José Manuel Martínez, Executive Vice President of Technology, Projects and Services at Moeve, stated: "The collaborative ecosystem created between our company and the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid generates a synergy that we are very proud of. Through this chair, we aim to continue making progress in the energy transition by decarbonizing industry and heavy transport." Bettina Karsch, Executive Vice President of People, Organization, and Culture at Moeve, added: "This chair represents our steadfast commitment to talent development and collaboration between the business and academic sectors. We are committed to innovation and specialized training as key drivers for moving towards a sustainable energy transition."
Óscar García, Rector of the UPM, said: "This chair is an excellent opportunity for us to contribute to the great challenge of the sustainable energy transition through new research projects and training, not just for the sector's future professionals but also for those who are already in the labor market, helping them adapt to new, emerging technologies." Juan Manuel Muñoz Guijosa, Director of the chair and Vice-Rector for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Transfer of the UPM, stated that the new chair is "an example of the success and commitment of public-private partnerships that are entirely positive for both parties."
The signing ceremony was also attended by Miguel Rodrigo, Managing Director of IDAE; Ignacio García Fenoll, Deputy Director-General of Innovation Policies at the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities; and various representatives from Moeve and the Polytechnic University of Madrid, as well as students from the center. The closing remarks were held by Francisco García Pascual, Secretary General of Universities at the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.
The chair will also promote the deployment of disruptive technologies, such as artificial intelligence, digital twins, and advanced robotics as part of strategic partnerships with startups and emerging companies, promoting the implementation of practical solutions and committing to collaboration between the public, private, and academic sectors. This agreement with the UPM is part of Moeve's Positive Motion strategy, through which it is forging several partnerships with universities to promote technologies that enable progress in the energy transition.
