Noticias Pitalmeria

Nine 'prize-winning' ideas at the 5th IDEAS Fair

nine-prize-winning-ideas-at-the-5th-ideas-fair- — 2012-04-26 14:04:47

A total of 83 business ideas and 135 entrepreneurs participated in the 5th IDEAS Fair organized by PITA in conjunction with the University of Almer�a (UAL) and the Regional Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Science. Nine ideas were awarded prizes and are described in detail in the PitaExpr�s Newletter.

The IDEAS Fair is an initiative that seeks to favor innovation in both productive and social spheres while also promoting the entrepreneurial spirit among university students. This year’s edition was quite successful in achieving its objective. The event saw the participation of 83 companies taking part in three categories: project-ideas, new companies (those functioning for less than a year but that had participated in previous IDEAS Fairs) and UAL Technology-Based Companies. Last year, there were 47 stands displaying the project-ideas of new companies, and there were 34 more that participated through the website; though many of these entrepreneurs attended the fair. Out of the 127 entrepreneurs participating, 34 percent were women.

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Andalusian tech centres collect 10.5 million euros following announcement of Feder-INNTERCONECTA programme

2012-04-25 14:01:31

Andalusian science and technology parks, all of which form part of the Andalusian Technology Centres Network (RETA), closed 2011 employing 36,959 workers. This figure reveals that companies and institutions based at the various tech centres in Andalusia have created 2,900 jobs, which translates to a 9% increase with respect to the previous year.

This fact is also one of the main indicators that stands out among the statistics compiled for 2011 by RETA. Said statistics were presented by RETA president, Felipe Romera, during the entity’s executive board meeting today at the main building of the Health Foundation Technology Park (PTS) in Granada.

Job growth at science and technology parks in Andalusia has been on the rise in recent years, and the figures speak for themselves - between 2008 and 2011, these tech centres have generated 17% more jobs.

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PITA stand at Expo Agro displays Coworking offices available in its main building

2012-04-18 09:00:34

The Almer�a Science and Technology Park (PITA) was once again present at the Expo Agro-Almer�a Fair, where it had its own stand in order to promote the facilities and services available at the park itself. In addition to the offices and laboratories for rent, with the ‘Pit�goras’ business centre now up and running, PITA could also offer its attractive new coworking areas. Promotion of this shared work space concept was carried out during the International Almer�a-Model Fair, a portion of Expo Agro.

Out of the 12 types of work spaces that PITA offers at its main building, Pit�goras, four were on display at the stand. The coworking concept, which was on exhibit, represents a solution that provides office space with a work station and shared expenses. PITA offers anyone starting a new business project the possibility to share work space with other entrepreneurs/business people, which includes equipment and services and costs merely 125 euros per month.

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Ja�n Chamber of Commerce learns about facilities offered by PITA

jaen-chamber-of-commerce-learns-about-facilities-offered-by-pita — 2012-04-16 09:07:23

Top representatives at the Ja�n Chamber of Commerce have learned first-hand about the facilities that the Almer�a Science and Technology Park (PITA) now offers to business people and entrepreneurs at its two locations: the Science Centre and the technology park itself.

PITA Science Centre hosts launch of Ecomemi International Project for mine restoration

2012-04-02 09:22:34

The Andalusian Technological Centre for Stone (CTAP) has chosen the PITA Science Centre to present the Ecomemi International Cooperation Project, whose members include Andanatura Foundation and the Moroccan Ministry of Energy, Mines, Water and Environment; among others.

This is an international cooperation project that is co-financed by the European Union, specifically by the European Fund for Regional Development, and the Spain Beyond Borders Cooperation Programme (POCTEFEX). The initiative is focused on the restoration of existing mines.

The Ecomemi Project (whose initials in Spanish stand for Economy, Environment and Mining) was approved at the end of 2011 and will be active until 2013. It intends to bring mining sector experts from both Andalusia and Morocco together on a stage where environmental sustainability is the common goal. Said project was launched at the Almer�a Science and Technology Park’s (PITA) Science Centre during the Economic, Environmental and Mining Conference. Present at the event were all of the top company directors from the entities that will lead and collaborate in this venture: CTAP, Andanatura, and the Moroccan Ministry of Energy, Mines, Water and Environment.

Hundred business people show interest in PITA financing and advanced resources

hundred-business-people-show-interest-in-pita-financing-and-advanced-resources — 2012-03-26 13:07:10

About one hundred business people attended today’s technical presentation on ‘Financing and advanced resources for business development in Andalusia.’ The event was organized by PITA in collaboration with Agencia IDEA. Two workshops were held which addressed a number of financial aid tools available to companies.

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PITA participates in conference - 'Knowledge on Creating a Business'

pita--participates-in-conference---knowledge-on-creating-a-business — 2012-03-22 12:52:18

PITA participated in the conference ‘Knowledge on Creating a Business,’ which was inaugurated by UAL Rector Pedro Molina and the General Secretary of Universities Francisco Triguero. During his address, Mr. Triguero highlighted that Almer�a leads among Andalusian universities in the creation of technology-based companies, with thirty established in recent years.

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PITA and LAB accept Social Involvement Awards in Malaga

pita-and-lab-accept-social-involvement-awards-in-malaga — 2012-03-22 09:22:17

PITA Managing Director, Alfredo S�nchez, accepted the Social Involvement Award among Andalusian Public Universities on behalf of the Almer�a Science and Technology Park (PITA) at what was the fourth edition of the event. The organization won in the category for ‘Platforms for University-Business Cooperation.’ The company LAB also received an award in the category for SMEs.

Agriculture Minister proposes Brussels create European agri-food research centre at PITA

2012-03-15 11:16:25

egional Agriculture and Fishing Minister Clara Aguilera has proposed to Brussels the creation of a European agri-food research centre at the Almer�a Science and Technology Park (PITA). Minister Aguilera made this announcement to those present during her visit to the Pit�goras Building at the Almer�a technology park.

In this regard, the minister highlighted that, “the new direction of future Common Agri-food Policy to promote research and innovation as an element of differentiation logically calls for the opening of this future European centre, whose headquarters should be established in Almer�a, without question.”
Minister Aguilera continued by emphasizing that, “through innovation and research, differentiation is increased, along with competition in the agri-food sector; and, it is precisely this which the Province of Almer�a is actively pursuing.”

Course on Food Safety

The Agriculture and Fishing Minister also presented a food safety course during a brief conference at the PITA Science Centre. The course will be organized by Minister Aguilera’s own office in conjunction with the Agriculture and Fisheries Research and Training Institute (IFAPA), receiving collaboration from the Almer�a Chamber of Commerce. Said course will be an added event at Expo Agro XXVII, which will take place from 18 to 20 April in Aguadulce (Roquetas de Mar).
Minister Aguilera explained that training initiatives like this one seek “to share important knowledge with the sector so that both farmers and fruit and vegetable sales companies may efficiently handle innovative processes which allow them to differentiate themselves from their competitors, while also guaranteeing food safety and improving the quality of their products.”

This course, which will be held from 18 to 19 April as part of Expo Agro, will include the participation of various experts in the field. The speakers will provide in-depth looks at different agricultural practices that are suitable for fruit and vegetable production and commercialization. Added emphasis will be placed on the need to maintain strict hygienic conditions and appropriate handling practices, both in the field or greenhouse and in the packing facility. In addition, a portion of the course will discuss the inclusion of steps in the production process, such as washing and cleansing utilizing disinfectant products in order to retard microbial growth and minimize food safety risks. The specific topics that will analyzed during the two-day course are food safety and alert systems, new fruit and vegetable conservation and cleansing technologies, application of NIRS technology to fruit and vegetable control, recommendations on cleansing and washing operations, waste management of phytosanitary products, microbiological control in fruit and vegetables, and the impact of mass media on consumers. There will also be two workshops, one on food safety in vegetable-growing greenhouses and another on consumers and mass media.

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Team Turabot Alfa finishes fifth at First Lego League National Robotics Championship

2012-03-14 09:47:25

Team Turabot Alfa, from Turaniana Secondary School in Roquetas de Mar, has finished in fifth place at the First Lego League (FLL) National Robotics Championship held in Navarre, Spain this past Sunday. The team, which had won the Almer�a provincial championship organized by PITA on 3rd March, also received the Innovative Solution Award for the brilliant science project that it presented.��

As for the runner-up from the Almer�a provincial championship, Team Cardenal Cisneros from Albox finished in 22nd place out of a total of 34 teams. The teams representing Almer�a, therefore, did quite an outstanding job. “It’s been an incredible experience. We were the best in Spain in terms of the innovation of our science project. We’ve also won the distinction of placing fifth in the overall ranking,” stated the Turabot Alfa coach, Mr. Gabriel Oca�a.

Cold Chain Label

This edition of the First Lego League was based on the theme ‘Food Factor,’ which meant that the boys and girls participating had to conduct research on food safety and quality. The project presented by Turabot Alfa was called ‘Cold Chain Label,’ for which the team won the Innovative Solution Award. Their project consists of a chip which keeps a log of the entire cold chain process and indicates current status. Said technological solution transmits information from an object via signal, creating a system which can detect humidity, vibration, light, radiation, and temperature. Furthermore, the product is small and inexpensive.
The ‘Cold Chain Label’ presented by Turabot Alfa covers the entire cold chain, provides highly-accurate temperature measurements; as it uses an electronic circuit, and; thanks to its size, each individual food product can carry one.

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Company LAB receives Social Involvement Award among Andalusian Public Universities

2012-03-14 09:19:12

The company Laboratorio Anal�tico Biocl�nico (LAB), or, in English, Bio-Analytical Laboratory, was awarded the Social Involvement Award among Andalusian Public Universities at what was the fourth edition of this event. It won in the category for ‘SMEs that have best coordinated and consolidated relationships or collaboration projects with a Public University in Andalusia.’ These awards are presented by the Social Councils Forum of Andalusian Public Universities.

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PITA receives Social Involvement Award among Andalusian Public Universities

pita-receives-social-involvement-award-among-andalusian-public-universities — 2012-03-12 10:21:11

The Almer�a Science and Technology Park (PITA) was awarded the Social Involvement Award among Andalusian Public Universities at what was the fourth edition of this event. It won in the category for “Platforms for University-Business Cooperation with the most efficient and innovative management in the area of University-Society Collaboration in Andalusia.’ These awards are presented by the Social Councils Forum of Andalusian Public Universities.

The Social Councils Forum of the 10 Public Universities in Andalusia agreed to give the Social Involvement Award among Andalusian Public Universities to the Almer�a Science and Technology Park (PITA). The Almer�a-based park was informed of the news by Forum President-Coordinator Carmen Calleja de Pablo.

PITA puts management of caf�-restaurant out to tender

pita-puts-management-of-cafe-restaurant-out-to-tender — 2012-03-07 09:50:10

The Almer�a Science and Technology Park (PITA) has officially put out to public tender Batch 13, related to the management of the caf�-restaurant located in the Pit�goras Building at the technology park. The submission deadline for offers is Thursday, 22nd March.

Information on conditions and technical instructions for PITA contracting can be found at the PITA website, www.pitalmeria.es, within the ‘Perfil de Contratante’ (Contracting Profile) menu. The corresponding documentation also includes an e-mail address for any inquiries.

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Teams Turabot Alfa and Cardenal Cisneros will represent Almer�a at FLL Spain

teams-turabot-alfa-and-cardenal-cisneros-will-represent-almeria-at-fll-spain — 2012-03-03 12:55:54

Team Turabot Alfa, from Turaniana Secondary School in Roquetas de Mar, and Team Cardenal Cisneros, from Cardenal Cisneros Secondary School in Albox, will represent Almer�a in the First Lego League National Championship, which will be held on 11th March in Pamplona.

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200 students from Al �ndalus Secondary School to take part in First Lego League robotics competition

2012-02-21 12:40:11

Participants will present projects to make a “healthier” world at this tournament, which PITA is organizing for the second time with the backing of the Regional Ministries of Economy and Education.

This coming 3rd March, 200 students – 170 participants and 30 volunteers lending organizational assistance- will come together in the city of Almer�a at this qualifying tournament of the First Lego League (FLL). 16 teams from secondary schools throughout the Almer�a province will be competing at the event. Awards will be presented for team spirit and for the most innovative scientific and technological projects. This competition will take place on 3rd March at Al �ndalus Secondary School, from 10am to 3pm.

PITA to participate in TTAndaluc�a Conference for food and agriculture sector at ExpoAgro Almer�a 2012

2012-02-21 12:35:59

April will see the celebration of XIII National Conference of Horticultural Sciences, organized by the Spanish Horticultural Sciences Society and IFAPA. In attendance will be researchers from all fields of the food and agriculture sector in Spain. To take advantage of this occasion, a Technology Transfer Conference – TTAndaluc�a – will be held for the Food and Agriculture sector. The event will be part of the ExpoAgro Almer�a 2012 Agriculture Fair, which will take place from 18th to 20th April. The Almer�a Science and Technology Park (PITA) has confirmed its presence at the conference.

The main objective of the TTAndaluc�a Conference is to create a single meeting point for companies, groups and research centres in the sector; where they can hold bilateral meetings with the goal of establishing technological cooperation agreements related to the latest innovations in the field.

Medal of Andalusia for Antonio P�rez Lao, PITA vice president

medal-of-andalusia-for-antonio-perez-lao-pita-vice-president — 2012-02-21 09:43:20

The Andalusian Regional Government Council has chosen Antonio P�rez Lao, President of Cajamar and Vice President of PITA, to be the recipient of the 2012 Medal of Andalusia. The Council has also named painter Luis Gordillo and filmmaker Josefina Molina as Favourite Son and Daughter of Andalusia. These distinctions were announced at the council’s weekly meeting held at San Telmo Palace, the Regional President’s office.

Antonio P�rez Lao, native of Do�a Mar�a (Almer�a), where he was born in 1943, has presided over Cajamar Caja Rural since 2006, the main cooperative banking group in Spain. His professional career dates back to 1971 when he started working for Caja Rural Provincial of Almer�a. Subsequently, he held such positions as Director of the General Manager’s Office and Assistant Director of the Social Affairs Department. In 2000, when the entity merged with Caja Rural of Malaga to become Cajamar, P�rez Lao was selected as a member of the Board of Directors and Vice President of the entire organization.

PITA attends Transfiere, demonstrates potential as vehicle for tech transfer

pita-attends-transfiere-demonstrates-potential-as-vehicle-for-tech-transfer- — 2012-02-17 09:11:10

PITA, along with 21 other science and technology parks from around Spain, participated in the Transfiere Forum in Malaga this past 8 and 9 February. This event constituted the first European forum for Science, Technology and Innovation - a gathering that few representatives from the Spanish innovation community wanted to miss.
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The Spanish Association of Science and Technology Parks (APTE), of which PITA is a member, accounted for 43% of the total business participating in the forum; which facilitated 2,500 bilateral meetings among those in attendance. The Almer�a delegation attended the event in Malaga under the coordination of the Andalusian Network of Technological Centres (RETA). Its Business Development Manager Juan Antonio D�az participated directly in a portion of the conference programme entitled ‘Speaker Corner.’ The PITA executive laid out the different activities, services, programmes and events offered by the Almer�a park.

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President of Andalusian Government visits PITA main building

president-of-andalusian-government-visits-pita-main-building — 2012-02-02 10:37:28

The President of the Andalusian Regional Government, Jos� Antonio Gri��n, has paid a visit to the PITA main building and business centre – Pit�goras. The works on this structure are in their final phase and represent a total investment of 14.5 million euros. President Gri��n stated, “We must support growth based on research and development, and I believe that PITA embodies just that.”

�“The Almer�a Science and Technology Park, is perhaps one of the key business centres that will boost the innovation, technology transfer, and knowledge coming out of the Province of Almer�a and Andalusia as well. I believe this park also serves as an example to once again state, during times like these when the looming threat of a new economic recession seems to be strangling all activities, two ideas prove crucial: fiscal consolidation is not enough, it must be achieved but is not the only answer; second, if we stimulate the economy, we must do so with enough good sense to ensure that what we do will have its rewards in the future,” stated Mr. Gri��n at the PITA main building. He also emphasized that it is time to back both a new model for growth and a new approach towards economic activity based on research, development, and innovation; in which equal opportunity is fundamental. “I believe that PITA embodies just that,” he added.

The Andalusian president, after having toured the facilities with PITA Managing Director Alfredo S�nchez, offered some data related to the new building. “The Pit�goras building is the product of 14.5 million euros worth of investments and will be the nucleus for knowledge, knowledge transfer, and innovative business in Almer�a. It boasts 15,000 square metres of space, 11 laboratories, a training room, offices... There have already been eight requests for admission, seven companies and one private entity that will support business development. This building also represents a step towards creating a strategy for a sustainable economy.”

IDEAS Fair will be on 25 April

ideas-fair-will-be-on-25-april — 2012-01-30 09:16:12

Economy, Innovation and Science Regional Delegate Adriana Valverde has announced, along with University of Almer�a Rector Pedro Molina and PITA Managing Director Alfredo S�nchez, the fifth edition of the IDEAS Fair. The event will be held on 25 April on the UAL Campus.

This well-established event has become an important date in the province for exchange and collaboration between entrepreneurs. It represents the ideal setting for presenting the most innovative ideas of the day and for finding financial, commercial and logistical support through businesses and other institutions. The Economy, Innovation and Science Delegate highlighted that this event “demonstrates the Andalusian Regional Government’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurial spirit among the young people of the province.”