Barcelona, January 16, 2026 – The Catalonia Additive Manufacturing Reference Network – XaRFA, led by CIM UPC, begins 2026 with the renewal of its accreditation under the 2025 R&D&I Network Grants programme of the Department of Research and Universities. This renewal allows XaRFA to continue consolidating its role as a key infrastructure in applied research, innovation, valorisation and technology transfer, in collaboration with the Directorate-General for Transfer and Knowledge Society of the Government of Catalonia and AGAUR.
Collaboration between research and industry
In the last few years, XaRFA has worked as a space for constant collaboration and learning, showing that the success of a network depends on listening, sharing, and moving forward together. The network has encouraged interaction between research and industry, creating an environment of trust and a context that has allowed scientific results to be turned into applications with real impact, focused on the needs of people and the productive fabric.
During this period, a technical community of more than 40 research groups and various committed entities and companies has been consolidated, sharing knowledge, experience and strategic vision, establishing XaRFA as a reference point in additive manufacturing in Catalonia. This renewal reinforces the network’s commitment to generating tangible value for companies, institutions and agents in the sector and for society.
In addition, the renewal of the accreditation allows for the launch of a new phase aimed at strengthening coordination between the different nodes and promoting high-impact collaborative projects in Catalonia and internationally.
Conclusions and outlook for the future
Lastly, XaRFA would like to express its gratitude to all the organisations and professionals who have contributed, are contributing and will continue to contribute to making possible a network based on collaboration, learning, growth and mutual trust. With a clear vision for the future, XaRFA renews its commitment to continue consolidating its position as the leading additive manufacturing network in Catalonia, serving technological progress and the economic and social development of the region.
