Annual Report 2024: NEIKER boosts agri-food innovation with strategic solutions and renewed commitment

In 2024, NEIKER has reaffirmed its commitment to the sustainable development of the Basque agri-food and forestry sector, consolidating its role as a key player in facing current and future challenges. The technology center has continued to generate value solutions based on scientific knowledge, with the aim of contributing to social welfare and strengthening the competitiveness of companies and public administrations.

During the past year, NEIKER recorded a total volume of activity of €15,634,606 in revenues and an investment of €3,241,362.

Within the framework of its strategic axes, NEIKER has driven significant advances. It has consolidated its position as a driver of innovation, actively participating in national and international projects focused on climate change, soil health and emerging diseases. A notable milestone has been the launch of the BALTSAN network, an initiative for long-term agricultural trials in strategic crops such as cereals, fruit trees, vineyards and pastures, which seeks to position the Basque Country as a European benchmark in agricultural R&D&I.

The commitment to agritech and circular bioeconomy has been fundamental. NEIKER has advanced in the knowledge of carbon sequestration in soils, updating the carbon map and modeling its potential. In addition, it has deepened in precision agriculture to optimize agricultural inputs (fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation) and model greenhouse gas emissions. Vertical Farming have been developed to optimize sustainable food production and keys to establish a carbon farming market have been identified. In the context of the ‘One Health’ strategy, vaccines have been designed for animal health and comprehensive strategies have been implemented for the prevention and control of zoonoses. Excellence has materialized in the application for two new patents: a method for predicting resistance of cattle to paratuberculosis and a virus-resistant variety of bell pepper, INDARTSU. NEIKER also participated in the Bioeconomy Regions Summit 2024 in Brussels, presenting the Basque Country’s commitment to the forest bioeconomy.

In line with its commitment to sustainability, NEIKER has managed to reduce its energy consumption by 14% between 2015 and 2023, with 31% of the total coming from renewable energy by 2024. It was also recognized as a Knowledge Transfer Office (KTO) by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, reinforcing its role as a bridge between science and industry.

A growing team with a vision for the future

Todo este progreso ha sido posible gracias al equipo humano de NEIKER, compuesto por 203 profesionales, de los cuales el 57% son mujeres. El centro ha invertido significativamente en el desarrollo y bienestar de su personal, ofreciendo 5.622 horas de formación a través de 128 acciones formativas, lo que representa un aumento del 38% respecto a 2023 y una inversión total de 92.530 euros. Destaca también la equidad salarial, con una brecha favorable a las mujeres del 3.3%, y una notable presencia femenina en puestos de liderazgo (55%) y como ponentes en jornadas de transferencia (67% de ponentes de NEIKER). Investigadores como Carlos Garbisu, Inma Estevez y Ramón Juste continúan figurando en el prestigioso ranking de Stanford.

All this progress has been possible thanks to NEIKER’s team of 203 professionals, 57% of whom are women. The center has invested significantly in the development and well-being of its staff, offering 5,622 hours of training through 128 training actions, representing an increase of 38% over 2023 and a total investment of 92,530 euros. Also noteworthy is the salary equity, with a favorable gap for women of 3.3%, and a notable female presence in leadership positions (55%) and as speakers at transfer conferences (67% of NEIKER speakers). Researchers such as Carlos Garbisu, Inma Estevez and Ramón Juste continue to appear in the prestigious Stanford ranking.

For further information, we invite you to consult NEIKER’s Corporate Report 2024.