This call for applications, which has 7,400 euros more than the previous year, aims to facilitate the integration of students into R+D+I projects. The increased funding will particularly strengthen support for research projects linked to the official master's degrees at EPSEM – UPC Manresa, raising the grant per project from 1,500 to 2,000 euros, with a maximum of 14,000 euros allocated to this first phase.
Projects must be led by Teaching and Research Staff (PDI) from EPSEM – UPC Manresa and have the formal collaboration of a company, preferably located in Bages. The goal is for university research to address real challenges faced by the region's industrial sector.
The second phase of the call will allow students enrolled in the official master's degrees at EPSEM – UPC Manresa to join selected projects, receiving a grant of 2,400 euros each, with a maximum allocation of 16,800 euros for this phase.
Following the first two editions, which supported nine research projects with an investment exceeding 36,000 euros, the InnoBages Grants have helped expand the relationship between academia and business. Five companies have collaborated with UPC projects for the first time, and five students have continued their academic careers as doctoral candidates.
The deadline for submitting projects for the first phase is from September 1st to 25th. The second phase, for master's students, will open in October, with the final resolution expected in November. Applications can be submitted at the Registry of the Consell Comarcal del Bages, either in person or online, via [FormaBages.](https://www.formabages.cat/ca/home)
The InnoBages Grants are financially supported by the Diputació de Barcelona and actively collaborate with regional stakeholders such as PIMEC Catalunya Central and the Col·legi d’Enginyers Tècnics Industrials de Manresa. Through this third edition, the initiative reinforces knowledge transfer to local industry and contributes to the economic and technological development of Bages.
