The BETA Technology Centre for Biodiversity, Ecology, Environmental and Food Technology (CT BETA), affiliated with the University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), has officially joined the CERCA system. The incorporation recognises the centre’s track record in areas such as sustainability, the circular bioeconomy, agri-food systems and environmental management.

The announcement was made by the Minister for Research and Universities, Núria Montserrat, during the accreditation ceremony held at the UVic-UCC Assembly Hall. According to the Minister, BETA Tech’s entry into the CERCA system strengthens a research model that is deeply rooted in the local territory and focused on transforming knowledge into practical solutions for the agri-food sector and rural communities.

€800,000 to drive the green and digital transitions

The Ministry of Research and Universities will provide €800,000 to support the project Strategic Infrastructures to Promote Sustainability and Innovation in Rural Areas during the 2026-2027 period. The aim is to consolidate an ecosystem of scientific and technological infrastructures capable of accelerating the green and digital transitions of rural regions.

The investment will support the deployment of an environmental genomics platform to monitor biodiversity and pathogens; an innovation hub with open pilot plants for validating circular bioeconomy technologies; a digital experimentation laboratory equipped with artificial intelligence tools for sustainability applications; and a soil ecotoxicology laboratory based on the One Health approach.

Enhanced research and knowledge transfer capacity

Joining the CERCA system will give BETA Tech access to CERCA Institution support programmes in areas such as open science, knowledge transfer, internationalisation and specialised training. It will also strengthen the centre’s capacity to collaborate with businesses, public administrations and other research organisations.

Based in Vic, BETA Tech works to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the productive sector through applied research and innovation. Its integration into the CERCA system consolidates a scientific project focused on generating local impact and contributing to the sustainable development of agri-food systems and rural areas.