FUNDACION CIDETEC

CIDETEC is a private applied research organization established in 1997, dedicated to the development and implementation of high-value, economically sustainable technological solutions. Its mission is to generate, capture, and transfer technological knowledge to enhance the competitiveness of its clients, contribute to the development of the local industrial ecosystem, and promote global sustainability.

Headquartered in Donostia-San Sebastián (northern Spain), CIDETEC comprises three internationally recognized technology centers specializing in Energy Storage (CIDETEC Energy Storage), Nanomedicine (CIDETEC Nanomedicine), and Surface Engineering (CIDETEC Surface Engineering).

With a team of approximately 300 highly qualified professionals—more than half of whom hold a PhD—CIDETEC brings nearly three decades of experience in research and innovation. Over its 27-year trajectory, it has participated in hundreds of R&D projects. Within the European research framework, CIDETEC is currently involved in 89 projects (Horizon Europe and Horizon 2020), coordinating 24 of them.

Since its inception, CIDETEC has been dedicated to developing technologies that promote environmental sustainability. Among these, hydrogen technologies hold a central position, as evidenced by CIDETEC’s active involvement in regional, national, and European research and innovation (R&I) projects, as well as collaborations with industry partners. This focus is supported by a well-established and recognized track record in the field.

Currently, CIDETEC Surface Engineering leads the organization’s efforts in hydrogen technologies, addressing a wide range of activities that span nearly the entire hydrogen value chain. In particular, the line of hydrogen production through water electrolysis is the outcome of a strategically designed and executed plan, informed by a thorough analysis of market needs and technological trends, and it is developed within the framework of industrial R&I projects with companies and complemented by activities aimed at generating basic-oriented knowledge.

In this context, CIDETEC Surface Engineering’s participation in the SWEETHY project will further strengthen its scientific, technological, and commercial positioning, ultimately driving value for companies interested in or likely to adopt hydrogen technologies.

CIDETEC’s main role in the project will be the development and characterization of PGM-free electrocatalysts for the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions, HER and OER, including their integration in the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and its validation at single cell level. In addition, CIDETEC will study the corrosion behavior of bipolar plates, catalyst coated substrates and porous transport layers and will also participate in the assessment of the risk of galvanic coupling and crevice corrosion.