AiQuos Takes Top Prize
AiQuos, a technology startup based in the Vallès region and linked to the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, won the Demo Day of the Impulsa Startup 2026 programme on Thursday 15 October 2026. The event, organised by the Chamber of Commerce of Sabadell, awarded AiQuos first place for its project to develop intelligent electrochemical probes that analyse water quality in real time. The company will receive a prize of €4,800 and the opportunity to present at 4YFN 2027, the international startup event held alongside the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
Real-Time Water Analysis Technology
AiQuos has developed a system that integrates a full analytical laboratory into a microchip, which is then embedded into a water probe. By combining microchips, sensors, and artificial intelligence, the technology aims to reduce reliance on traditional laboratory testing in industrial settings. "We want to replace or reduce the industry's dependence on lab analysis. We have managed to put an analysis laboratory inside a microchip, and this microchip inside a probe," said a team member. The innovation could significantly speed up water quality monitoring in sectors such as brewing and wastewater treatment.
Next Steps: Investment and Pilot Projects
AiQuos plans to use the prize money to strengthen its technical team, hiring specialists and working with consultants to further develop the technology. The company is currently finalising an investment round with deep tech investors. In 2027, AiQuos will launch pilot projects with several Catalan industrial firms, including a multinational in the brewing sector and a company involved in water management and treatment plants. The Impulsa Startup programme, funded by the European Social Fund Plus and the Chamber of Commerce of Spain, provides mentoring, business validation, and scalability training to tech-based startups with high growth potential. AiQuos was originally spun off from the Institute of Microelectronics and Nanotechnology (IMB-CNM), part of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), and continues to develop its work in the region.
Reported by radiosabadell.fm, diaridesabadell.com, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, ARTBLAU, uab.cat, UAB - Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, eb.sabadell.cat, imb-cnm.csic.es, Ràdio Sabadell.
