The Cátedra SAMCA de Nanotecnología is organising the REAL competition, which aims to add value to research transfer by creating functional prototypes and proof of concept that can support the commercialisation of a product through the possible future creation of a spin-off or technology-based enterprise (EBT). The competition is open to researchers at different stages of their research careers, with a special incentive for young researchers leading the idea.

The prize will consist of €1,000 awarded by the SAMCA Chair of Nanotechnology, together with a commemorative gift. In addition, the winning project will receive €20,000 in funding to support the development of the prototype over a period of 10 months. Of this amount, €15,000 will be contributed by the SAMCA Chair of Nanotechnology and €5,000 by the Aragon Nanoscience and Materials Institute (INMA) to carry out work at the UTIM.

Who can apply?

Researchers from the University of Zaragoza led by a researcher are eligible for the award. The requirements to be met by the research leader are as follows:

a. Young researcher with between 1 and 10 years of postdoctoral experience since obtaining their PhD and without a permanent position. This period may be extended in the case of researchers who have been caring for dependent children or relatives during that time. The development of the prototype will be linked to the project or projects that the researcher is carrying out, within the scope of their research activity and in which the development of prototypes is not included in the budget. The researcher must have a postdoctoral contract at the University of Zaragoza, which is non-permanent and has a maximum duration of 36 months and a minimum duration of 12 months from the date of application.

b. Researchers with a statutory link to the University of Zaragoza. In this case, the prototype will be the result of previous research activity with promising results for commercialisation.

c. The following may form part of the research:

• Teaching and research staff at the University of Zaragoza
• Staff belonging to other organisations, subject to authorisation from the corresponding legal representative.
• Under no circumstances may trainees who are not under the supervision or responsibility of the PI, postgraduate students or administrative and service staff at the University of Zaragoza take part in the research.
• No member of the research team may appear on more than one application.At least one of the researchers must be affiliated with INMA.

Deadlines?

Applications must be submitted using the form available on the Chair’s website between 5 November and 12 December 2025. Only applications received within the established deadline will be accepted.

https://forms.gle/yHjVt52VsVrnnAwi8

The jury will announce its decision before 30 January 2026 on the Cátedra SAMCA de Nanotecnología website.

The terms and conditions of the call for applications are attached.

The terms and conditions of the call for applications are attached:

• Attachment 1 (pdf)
• Attachment 2 (jpg)