The Castellón Chamber of Commerce (Spain) has formalised a cooperation agreement with the University of Aveiro (Portugal), reinforcing the international standing of IGNITE (the International Congress on Ceramics Innovation) scheduled for 28-29th September 2026 in Castellón, Spain.

The agreement was signed by the Chamber President Dr. Mª Dolores Guillamón and João Veloso. At the heart of the partnership is CICECO, represented by its Director, João Coutinho, alongside DEMaC (Department of Materials and Ceramic Engineering), led by Rui Silva.

Castellón, located in the north of Valencia, is the largest producer of ceramic tiles not only in Spain but across Europe. The IGNITE congress broadens its scope to encompass other ceramic sectors where Portugal holds significant expertise, including tableware, sanitary ware, and aggregates. The Agenda will also address the new challenges facing industry, including decarbonisation, sustainability, robotics, and artificial intelligence.

A platform to bridge research and industry

João Labrincha, full professor and a leading researcher at CICECO, will coordinate Topic 4 of the congress, dedicated to integral circularity, life cycle analysis, and the sustainability of the ceramic sector. 

In conversation ahead of the congress, Dr. Labrincha outlined the significance of this type of platform: "This event aims to be a platform that strengthens the ties between applied research and industry, in the search for new opportunities and to respond to the new challenges of ceramic production, such as decarbonisation, sustainability, the use of resources, new forms of production, artificial intelligence, robotics, etc. In a changing world, we have to be prepared and willing to change and adapt accordingly. And together with companies, we can more easily find answers."

On the broader value of international cooperation, he added: "We are talking about institutions that are very well recognised by national companies, but also by some international ones. The companies involved in this event, some as organisers and sponsors, are among the best in the world in ceramic production. We are trying to bring together excellence in research institutions with excellence in ceramic manufacturing. If we now do this by aggregating very good international partners, it is clear that our prospects of succeeding in European projects will be much greater."

Dr. Labrincha also noted that the Spanish side's decision to approach the University of Aveiro was no coincidence: "The Spanish recognise in the University of Aveiro the technological and research partner that is fundamental to be part of the organisation, particularly for ceramic sectors beyond tile, where they are champions, but in all others, Portugal effectively has greater competence. And recognising this, they want us present to establish that dialogue and those partnerships."

A growing international panel

With this agreement, IGNITE further consolidates its network, bringing together the University of Aveiro, CICECO, and DEMaC alongside the already confirmed support of the Spanish Society of Ceramics and Glass, the Generalitat Valenciana, the Castellón Provincial Council, the city councils of Castellón, Vila-real and l'Alcora, PortCastelló, and leading firms including Porcelanosa, Errece, Iberdrola, and Banco Sabadell.