Key data
| Regulation | Resolution of November 3, 2026, from the Presidency of the CSIC, M.P., publishing the Agreement with the CSIC General Foundation for the development of the ComFuturo Program in its fourth edition ("ComFuturo iAGE") |
|---|---|
| BOE Publication | November 13, 2026 |
| Entry into force | October 28, 2026 |
| Direct stakeholders | Selected researchers, CSIC centers and private co-financing entities |
| Category | Education / R&D+i |
| Number of positions | 10 researchers |
| Funding per researcher | Up to €76,200 annually |
| Maximum duration | 36 months per researcher |
| European co-financing | Marie Skłodowska-Curie Program (Horizon Europe), agreement no. 101217423 |
| Management | CSIC General Foundation (FGCSIC) |
| Employer | CSIC (State Agency) |
| BOE Reference | BOE-A-2026-23818 |
Ten new researchers will join CSIC centers in autumn 2026 thanks to the fourth edition of the ComFuturo program, now called ComFuturo iAGE. The agreement between the CSIC and the CSIC General Foundation (FGCSIC), published in the BOE on November 13, 2026 (reference BOE-A-2026-23818), formalizes the economic, operational and responsibility conditions of each party.
For companies, this is not just science news: it is a signal of where public research talent will be concentrated over the next three years, with guaranteed European financing and explicit orientation toward technology transfer to the private sector.
What does this regulation establish?
The agreement regulates the fourth edition of the ComFuturo program, which on this occasion focuses on two thematic axes: aging and digitalization. The key points of the agreement are:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of positions | 10 researchers |
| Planned incorporation | Autumn 2026 |
| FGCSIC economic contribution | Up to €76,200 annually per researcher |
| Maximum contract duration | 36 months |
| CSIC role | Employer: hiring, training and program visibility |
| FGCSIC role | Program management and economic contribution |
| Co-financing | Marie Skłodowska-Curie Program of Horizon Europe (agreement no. 101217423) |
| Thematic areas | Aging and digitalization |
| Transfer objective | Projects with high potential for transfer to the Spanish productive sector |
The CSIC acts as formal employer and assumes commitments for hiring, training and program visibility. The FGCSIC manages the program and channels financing, including European funding. This dual-structure model—public organization as employer, foundation as manager—is common in programs co-financed by the European Commission under the MSCA (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions) scheme.
Economic and operational impact
The maximum total funding of the program, considering the 10 researchers for 36 months, amounts to €22,860,000 in cumulative terms (10 × €76,200 × 3 years). This figure includes European co-financing from the Marie Skłodowska-Curie program.
For companies in the Spanish productive sector, the operational impact is indirect but relevant:
- Selected projects have high potential for technology transfer, which opens the door to collaboration agreements, licenses or spin-offs.
- The areas of aging and digitalization are priorities in the European R&D+i agenda, which facilitates access to complementary financing for companies collaborating with these researchers.
- Companies co-financing the program have direct visibility of projects under development from the start.
Who does it affect?
- Scientific researchers applying for the 10 positions called by the CSIC in autumn 2026.
- CSIC centers hosting selected researchers.
- Private entities co-financing the ComFuturo iAGE program.
- Technology companies and active aging sector interested in collaborating or transferring research results.
- R&D+i managers in companies seeking projects co-financed with Horizon Europe European funds.
Practical example
An assistive technology company for seniors ("aging tech" sector) detects that one of the 10 researchers hired by the CSIC works on a digitalization project for elderly care with high transfer potential. The company can:
- Contact the CSIC center where the researcher is assigned to explore a collaboration agreement or R&D contract.
- Access project results under license, reducing its own R&D investment.
- Participate as a co-financing entity in future editions of the program, gaining visibility of projects from the selection phase.
With funding of up to €76,200 annually per researcher for 3 years, the cost of access to that talent for the company is significantly lower than directly hiring an equivalent profile in the private market.
What should companies do now?
- Identify if your company operates in aging or digitalization: these are the thematic areas of ComFuturo iAGE. If so, this program is directly relevant to your R&D+i strategy.
- Contact the CSIC General Foundation (FGCSIC): to explore co-financing or collaboration pathways in the current or future editions of the program.
- Review calls from CSIC centers: the 10 researchers will join specific CSIC centers in autumn 2026. Identifying which centers work in your area can open direct collaboration opportunities.
- Assess alignment with Horizon Europe: the program is co-financed by Marie Skłodowska-Curie (agreement no. 101217423). Companies collaborating with these researchers can access complementary European financing.
- Consult your R&D+i manager or innovation advisor: to assess whether collaboration with ComFuturo iAGE can count as R&D expense for tax deduction purposes.
Frequently asked questions
How much money does FGCSIC contribute per researcher in ComFuturo iAGE?
The CSIC General Foundation contributes up to €76,200 annually per researcher, for a maximum of 36 months. This funding includes co-financing from the Marie Skłodowska-Curie program of Horizon Europe (agreement no. 101217423).
How many positions does the 4th edition of ComFuturo offer and when do researchers join?
ComFuturo iAGE offers 10 researcher positions. Incorporation is planned for autumn 2026, according to the agreement published in the BOE on November 13, 2026.
Can a private company collaborate or co-finance the ComFuturo iAGE program?
Yes. The agreement expressly mentions the participation of private co-financing entities. Interested companies should contact the CSIC General Foundation (FGCSIC), which is the program management body.
What thematic areas does ComFuturo iAGE cover?
The fourth edition of the program focuses on two axes: aging and digitalization. Selected projects must have high potential for transfer to the Spanish productive sector.
Who is the employer of researchers hired in ComFuturo iAGE?
The CSIC (State Agency Superior Council for Scientific Research) acts as formal employer. Its commitments include hiring, training and program visibility. The FGCSIC manages the program and provides financing.
Official source
Consult complete regulation in official source
Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-23818
