The Combinatorial Chemistry Unit (UQC-PCB) and the Experimental Toxicology and Ecotoxicology Unit (UTOX-PCB) have been accepted as members of the Network of Support Centres of Technological Innovation (Xarxa IT). This network seeks to promote the transfer of knowledge and technology from universities and public research centres to the private sector through providing R+D services. The network is characterized by the quality and excellence of research performed by its members, who conduct advanced research and activities of high added value.

To be admitted into the Technological Innovation Network, the quality of service provided by the Combinatorial Chemistry Unit and UTOX has been certified by the Centre for Innovation and Business Development (CIDEM) on the basis of parameters concerning R+D outsourcing, established by Catalan enterprises. The staff of these two units, supported by their experience and technological facilities, develop projects that increase business competitiveness. The admission of these two units into the network has been supervised by the Innovation Centre (FBG-UB) and the Scientific Division of the Parc Científic de Barcelona(PCB, Barcelona Science Park).

The UQC-PCB, coordinated by the researcher Míriam Royo, focuses its activity on the design and synthesis of libraries of organic compounds and of products of high added value, particularly directed at drug discovery. In this regard, this unit provides research support services for the chemical-pharmaceutical, biomedical, biotech and veterinary sectors. In addition, it conducts its own lines of research in search of new work models in combinatorial chemistry to ensure high scientific standards in all its projects.

Coordinated by the researcher Miquel Borràs, UTOX-PCB has been granted membership of the Technological Innovation Network through the Toxicology Research Centre (CERETOX), in which it performs joint research activities with the Toxicology Unit, managed by Joan Llobet, of the University of Barcelona (UB). This new centre offers industry in Catalonia its know-how and experience in toxicology studies conducted in the laboratory (in vivo and in vitro) and in the field, which address activities that range from screening prior to the development of new drug candidates to the characterization of chemical compounds or cosmetics and risk evaluation of exposure, toxic effects and environmental toxicology and ecotoxicology.

The Technological Innovation Network is promoted by CIDEM, the Dept. of Universities, Research and the Information Society (DURSI), ten universities in Catalonia, including the UB, the Spanish Council for Scientific Research, and the Institute for Food and Agricultural Research and Technology. At present, the network includes 73 centres working in the fields of chemistry, health, biotechnology, food technology, electronics, material science, design and energy, and information and communication technology.