GAIKER

About GAIKER

GAIKER is a private, non-profit technology centre based in Zamudio, Bizkaia, Spain. Founded in 1985, it provides research and innovative technological services to companies, with a strong focus on transferring knowledge and technology into industrial practice.

Its work is organised around four main fields of specialisation: Biotechnology, Sustainable Composites, Functional and Sustainable Polymers, and Recycling and Circular Economy. GAIKER serves a wide range of industrial sectors and combines in-house and collaborative R&D, advanced technological services, laboratory analysis, and certification testing to help companies improve competitiveness and develop more sustainable solutions.

Core Values

• Innovation and creativity: GAIKER emphasises developing new technological solutions and continuously improving its methods and capabilities.
• Excellence and agility: The organisation highlights high-quality work, responsiveness, and the ability to adapt to customer needs.
• Collaboration: It values close cooperation with customers, allies, and other R&D organisations to deliver stronger solutions.
• Sustainability and social responsibility: Sustainability, environmental care, gender equality, occupational health and safety, and ethical R&D are presented as core commitments.
• Confidentiality and trust: GAIKER stresses strict confidentiality in its collaborations and a relationship of trust with client companies.

Unique Aspects

• Broad technical scope in four specialisation areas: GAIKER combines biotechnology, composites, functional polymers, and circular-economy/recycling expertise under one centre, allowing it to address complex industrial challenges across materials and processes.
• Accreditations and certifications: The centre states that it holds numerous accreditations and certifications, including ENAC accreditation for several tests and GLP compliance for selected toxicology and metabolism studies.
• Strong international project activity: GAIKER has participated in European projects since 1991 and works in international consortiums, reflecting long-standing involvement in cross-border R&D collaboration.
• BRTA membership and foundation model: It is a member of the Basque Research & Technology Alliance (BRTA) and operates as a private non-profit foundation with trustees from industry and public institutions.
• Specialised facilities and equipment: GAIKER maintains advanced laboratories and pilot plants for areas such as 3D printing, recycling, chemical recycling, coatings, fire testing, mechanical testing, and material identification.