The Government of Catalonia has recognized the talent and innovation of researchers and CERCA centers with the announcement of the Premis Nacionals de Recerca 2024, as announced on Friday, March 21st, by the Minister of Research and Universities, Núria Montserrat. These awards aim to highlight research excellence in Catalonia across seven categories, including the Premi Nacional d’Innovació 2024 for the creation of a Science-Based Company, granted to Ecomemb. The award seeks to promote the creation of science-based enterprises, emphasize the value of research transfer to society, and encourage the socioeconomic and well-being impact of spin-off companies.

The award acknowledges the capacity of the University of Girona (UdG) and ICRA to bring to market innovative research in water management and circular economy, through their support in founding ECOMEMB. Ecomemb’s regeneration processes are based on technology developed by the LEQUIA research group at UdG in collaboration with ICRA, within the framework of several R&D projects. These efforts led to patented technology with the support of the Knowledge Transfer and Valorization Unit of the Research and Technology Transfer Office (OITT) of both institutions.

Founded in December 2022, Ecomemb S.L. is the first European company specialized in regenerating reverse osmosis membranes for reuse in their original applications. The company’s proprietary technology allows for the regeneration of membranes while minimizing resource use and maximizing process efficiency. As a result, regenerated membranes prevent up to 100 times less CO₂ emissions per unit and reduce the consumption of fossil resources needed for producing new membranes. It is estimated that over 1.5 million such membranes (equivalent to 25,500 tons of plastic annually) are discarded each year worldwide, even though approximately 70% could be refurbished to extend their lifespan. Ecomemb aims to positively impact both environmental sustainability and the circular economy in industrial water treatment.

Using Ecomemb® membranes enables:

– Up to 60% savings on membrane replacement costs.

– Lower energy use in filtration while maintaining water quality standards.

– Longer membrane lifespan (in most cases, the second life is equivalent to the first).

– Avoiding over 100 kg of CO₂ emissions and 12 kg of plastic waste per regenerated membrane.