Digital Innovation Hub of Catalonia (DIH4CAT)

Promoting the uptake of advanced digital technologies in Catalonia

The adoption of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine vision, robotics, supercomputing, 3D printing, photonics, cybersecurity, advanced connectivity and other technologies linked to advanced manufacturing remains a challenge for many European companies.

As a key part of the ProACCIÓ 4.0 program, the Digital Innovation Hub of Catalonia (DIH4CAT) is introducing these technologies to Catalan companies, making it easier for them to test them before investing in them while providing information and training and identifying the most suitable suppliers.

This is a regional non-profit innovation ecosystem made up of the main players supporting the digitization of Catalonia, seeking to promote the uptake of advanced technologies among companies (with a specific focus on industrial sectors and technology providers), technological startups and public entities. With a particular focus on the industrial sectors and technology providers, the DIH4CAT is positioning Catalonia at the forefront of the technological revolution, opening up new opportunities for innovation, growth and sustainability.

The DIH4CAT encourages use of the technological infrastructures and knowledge of the main research centers and universities in Catalonia.

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Services

The services provided by the DIH4CAT include:

Testing before investing: Technological testing with the infrastructures of the technological centers and universities of Catalonia. With their expert support, companies can perform proofs of concept, make prototypes and conduct advanced diagnostics before investing in the purchase of advanced technologies.
Technological training: Training programs to increase the digital skills of SMEs. The topics covered in the training are wide-ranging thanks to the expertise of each of the partners, ranging from artificial intelligence to photonics. The training includes pathways ranging from basic digital skills to an advanced qualification for higher digital competences in advanced technologies. Generic Industry 4.0 courses for non-technical personnel are included, as well as customized training in keeping with customers’ demands.
Access to funding: Dissemination, advice on seeking funding for digital innovation projects and support for the creation of European consortia or connections with funding sources in third countries outside the EU.
Open innovation and business mentoring: Activities run by IESE Business School to support SMEs and promote their uptake of emerging technologies through open innovation and mentoring. Development of the appropriate set of managerial skills to drive the transformation and accompany SMEs in the processing of adopting technologies, as well as startups in the development of innovative products and services.

Digital Innovation Hub of Catalonia website

Who is it for?

The DIH4CAT can provide services to companies of all sizes in different sectors. However, it proactively targets:

SMEs and mid-caps in the industrial sector.
Suppliers and technological startups.
Public administrations.

Members

The DIH4CAT is a project led by ACCIÓ. At the same time, it operates as a dynamic community made up of 11 agents with complementary capacities, such as research and technology organizations, universities, business schools and industrial and business associations.

It’s divided into seven technological areas, each led by a research and technology organization or a university with advanced infrastructures and a great deal of experience in the field.

Specifically, the driving partners of the project are as follows:

Agency for Business Competitiveness (DIH4CAT project coordinator)
i2CAT Foundation (Leader of the Smart Connectivity technological node)
Eurecat Foundation (Leader of the Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing and Artificial Intelligence technological node)
Barcelona Supercomputing Center (Leader of the Supercomputing technological node)
Computer Vision Center (Leader of the Artificial Intelligence technological node)
Institute of Photonic Sciences (Leader of the Photonics technological node)
Leitat Technological Center (Leader of the Additive Manufacturing technological node)
Polytechnic University of Catalonia (Leader of the Cybersecurity technological node)
IESE Business School (Business School and Open Innovation Strategy)
PIMEC, Petita i Mitjana Empresa de Catalunya (Cross-disciplinary business association)
Foment de Treball Nacional (Cross-disciplinary business association)