CINTECX OPEN DAYS 2025 – Research that connects
On October 16 and 17, 2025, the Cintecx Open Days were held with an expanded program that, for the first time, included activities specifically designed for the general public, in addition to the usual ones aimed at educational institutions. In this 6th edition, in addition to being supported by funding from the Xunta de Galicia, the Open Days also receive contributions from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Cintecx – Innovation that connects with all ages
The first day, held on October 16, was aimed at the general public, bringing together more than 60 people of all ages. After receiving a welcome kit and being divided into groups, participants were guided through the center to follow one of the four available routes, where different activities awaited them.
Participants engaged in environmental processes full of color, experimenting with adsorption and remediation of contaminated water, as well as hydrogen generation, where science revealed its most visual side.
In the infrared thermography activity, they observed thermal images in real time and learned how different materials respond to radiation.
For their part, the high-speed camera allowed participants to discover image recording processes at speeds beyond the capacity of the human eye, while in Corrosion: a problem, an opportunity they experimented with the effects of corrosion on different materials.
One of the most innovative spaces was dedicated to bioprinting, where participants explored the field of biomedical engineering and biomaterials, learning about the potential uses of marine resources for biotechnological and environmental purposes.
The Dracarys workshop offered a striking experience with combustion demonstrations based on highly visual and engaging experiments that captured the attention of both children and adults.
At the end of the routes, attendees were able to continue experimenting with more workshops and activities: from drawing their own designs with 3D printing pens, getting into the UM25 Formula 1 car of the UVigo MotorSport team, to immersing themselves in Beyond reality using virtual reality headsets.
Around 170 secondary and high‑school students took part in the scientific treasure hunt through the Cintecx facilities
On Friday, October 17, it was the turn of the following educational centers: IES CARLOS CASARES (Vigo), IES de BEADE (Vigo), IES CASTRO DE VIGO, IES Valadares (Vigo), IES Rosalía Castro (Santiago), and IES Mendiño (Redondela).
Divided into groups of 10–15 people, they toured the center following a fun itinerary made up of three treasure‑hunt routes, each lasting approximately two hours. This interactive tour through the Cintecx facilities brought them closer to different aspects of scientific research, with various challenges and activities they had to complete in order to continue along the route.
In addition to taking part in workshops such as thermography, high‑speed camera, and environmental processes and combustion, the students also faced new challenges.
In “Eyes of Stone”, they identified different types of ornamental rocks and minerals, learning about their extraction methods and everyday applications, while in the reverse engineering and 3D scanning area they discovered how to redesign existing objects using three‑dimensional digitization technology.
They also experimented with mixed‑reality glasses in an interactive virtual environment and put their technical skills to the test by assembling an engine using real components.
The route concluded with a knowledge challenge and an awards ceremony for the winning teams, recognizing their engagement, creativity, and enthusiasm throughout the activity.
More images from the activity
