IE University Launches IEX Research Xcelerator to Tackle Key Challenges in Health, Climate, Energy, and Finance

Madrid/New York, 27 February 2025. – IE University announced today the launch of the IEX Research Xcelerator, a groundbreaking multi-million-dollar initiative aimed at accelerating technological research and tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Operating from a non-profit entity in New York City, the IEX Research Xcelerator will focus on advancing critical applications in health, climate & energy, and financial systems through exponential technologies, including data, artificial intelligence, cryptographic algorithms, and robotics. This global research platform reinforces IE University’s bridge from NY to Madrid, accelerating tech research in collaboration with academic institutions, global corporations, startups, and government entities worldwide.

Building upon the IE School of Science & Technology’s Impact Xcelerator, this new initiative introduces a paradigm shift in the research process by embedding impact-focused, entrepreneurial behaviors to activate real-world applications and solutions. As a hub for research impact, this global platform will foster collaboration between leading academic institutions worldwide, including Rise Europe members, and key institutions in Silicon Valley. The IEX Research Xcelerator will fund high-impact global faculty research and invite corporations, ventures, and government entities worldwide to drive innovation.

This global research platform will also support and develop a state-of-the-art global lab space dedicated to:

• Sci-Tech Financial Systems Lab – Advancing fintech, digital assets, and financial regulation.
• Sci-Tech Health & MedTech Lab – Driving innovation in biotechnology, precision medicine, and healthcare systems.
• Sci-Tech Climate & Energy Lab – Harnessing AI, data science, and cryptographic algorithms for climate solutions.
• Robotics and AI Lab – Pioneering automation, machine learning, and human-machine collaboration.

The IEX Research Xcelerator will support IE University Ph.D programs to conduct new research for impact, alongside new labs specializing in exponential technologies. At the same time, IEX will advance innovation in teaching programs in Data, Computer Science, AI, Industrial Engineering, Robotics, Applied Mathematics, Environmental Sciences, Clean Energy, and Financial Systems.

Students participating in this global research platform will have learning opportunities with faculty and industry leaders through the Student Gateway Programs, gaining a pathway into emerging fields, collaborative research projects, and exposure to entrepreneurial and hands-on experiences.

Santiago Iñiguez de Onzoño, Executive President of IE University, said: “We are thrilled today to introduce IEX. With this global initiative, we are committed to creating a unique, worldwide ecosystem that maximizes the positive impact of emerging technologies. Now, more than ever is the time for a new model of global collaboration in tech research – one that generates breakthroughs to benefit all.”

Ikhlaq Sidhu, Dean of IE School of Science & Technology, commented: “The IEX Research Xcelerator moves beyond the use-inspired research exemplified in Pasture’s Quadrant by championing a new research model – one driving impact and an entrepreneurial mindset. With this approach, we aim to break traditional silos, giving researchers and industry the space to address some of the world's most significant industry and societal challenges collaboratively.”

“Our recent collaborations with firms such as Boehringer Ingelheim (BI Pharma-X) and Ripple (Virtual Asset Regulation) show there are models for industry to participate along with academic researchers in these types of collaborations”, Sidhu added.

The IEX Research Xcelerator is advancing research by integrating technical expertise with IE University’s business perspective and entrepreneurial mindset. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, this global platform enables collaboration among top researchers worldwide. With a focus on measurable impact, this initiative marks a new chapter in how research is conducted, shared, and applied.

About IE University 

IE University promotes positive change through education, research, and innovation. The institution offers a technology-based learning ecosystem for leaders with a global vision, an entrepreneurial mindset, deep respect for diversity and sustainability, and a unique focus on the humanities. IE University is comprised of six schools: IE Business School, IE Law School, IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs, IE School of Architecture and Design, IE School of Science and Technology, and IE School of Humanities. IE University has a faculty of more than 500 professors who produce high-quality research and teach students from 160 countries in Bachelors, Masters and Executive Education programs. IE University's platform of more than 82,000 alumni is present in 185 countries.

About IE School of Science & Technology

As a forward-thinking polytechnic institution, IE School of Science & Technology integrates deep technical expertise with a strategic business perspective. Unlike traditional tech schools focused solely on scientific discovery, the School builds on IE University’s entrepreneurial heritage, approaching innovation through a technological and business lens.