The BioDonostia Institute and the CIDETEC-IK4 Technology Centre have signed a collaboration agreement in early March. By virtue of this agreement both bodies can share researchers, equipment and installations to promote research, development and innovation in the area of biomedicine.

Collaboration between both R&D&I centres will focus on the development of joint research lines among researchers from both bodies, channelling them in the hospital context or through virtual spaces. Additionally, this cooperation will allow for the shared use of the facilities and research infrastructures or technological platforms.

On a short term basis, research will be focused on obtaining and improving coatings for different prostheses; materials for organic tissue regeneration and gastric pH sensors to solve or improve illnesses related to the digestive apparatus.

The agreement was formalised by the Scientific Director of the BioDonostia Institute, Julio Arrizabalaga, and the General Manager of CIDETEC-IK4, Javier Rodriguez, and it reflects the long-standing cooperation between these two centres. In Julio Arrizabalaga's words, this agreement strengthens "the cooperation between the different stakeholders to reduce the application time-frames of traslational research, pursuing the double goal of benefiting the patient and generating wealth", which is BioDonostia's main commitment.

The BioDonostia Institute was founded in December 2008 by the Osakidetza's (Basque Public Health System) Management Board and the Basque Foundation for Health Innovation and Research (BIOEF), Board of Trustees, focusing on fostering biomedical research. Its headquarters are in the Donostia Hospital, located on the Paseo Dr. Beguiristain in Donostia-San Sebastian.

In turn, CIDETEC-IK4, located in the San Sebastian Technological Park, focuses its main activity in the field of applied research on electrochemical technologies. As regards the topics related to this collaboration, it holds a vast experience in the design, synthesis, characterisation and application of biomaterials and biosensors for the medical and hospital fields.