Driving the Development
of High-Tech Solutions
for Sustainable Genetic Control
of Insect Pests

Technology-Based

CICINDELA is a technology-based private start-up headquartered in Valencia, Spain

Core Expertise

Development of customised, field-ready tools to support environmentally responsible pest management programmes, such as those integrating a Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) component.

Background

Over 20 years of hands-on experience implementing SIT in operational programmes targeting fruit flies, tsetse flies, and mosquitoes.

Technological Capabilities and Expertise

  • Artificial Intelligence & Vision

    Real-time image processing, computer vision, and AI-driven solutions. We provide a complete solution, from the design and implementation of AI-based systems to the training and optimization of models.

  • Advanced Electronics & Custom PCB Design

    Development of high-integration electronic systems and tailored printed circuit boards. We cover the entire process, from electronic system design to full production, offering both short and long production runs to meet specific customer needs.

  • Embedded Systems

    Microcontroller-based solutions for automation and control. NVIDIA platforms (Jetson Orin, AGX, etc.), Raspberry Pi, ESP32 family, and Arduino. Additionally, we design and produce our own embedded solutions for specific applications.

  • Software Development

    Programming in C, C++, C#, Python, Java, among others. Database management. Mobile APPs.

  • Precision Laser Systems

    Design and development of high-speed, high-accuracy laser technologies.

  • Mechanical Design & Mechatronics

    Mechanism design and integration of mechatronic systems. Design and implementation of servo and stepper motor systems, among others. Design and implementation of hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

  • Robotics

    Design and programming of robotic systems based on commercial platforms (manipulator arms, delta robots, etc.) and mobile robotics solutions.

  • Engineering Tools & Prototyping

    CAD, CAM, CAE, and rapid prototyping for efficient product development. We own advanced laser cutting systems for multiple materials, including metals, CNC milling machines, and various 3D printing technologies. This comprehensive set of tools enables us to design and develop highly advanced prototypes with exceptional precision and quality.

  • Communication Technologies

    LAN, WAN, IoT networks and wireless systems (RFID, LORA, ZIGBEE, UWB).

  • Data Management

    Design, development, and exploitation of robust databases, including relational and time-series databases. Full integration within IoT environments for seamless data management and connectivity, enabling complete traceability throughout the production process.

Commitment to Scientific Research, Technological Development, and Innovation (R&D&I)

CICINDELA is founded on a strong commitment to the R&D&I philosophy, focusing on the development of proprietary technology (hardware and software) for the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). The research dedication of its founders is evidenced by an average of 4 to 5 publications per year in high-impact scientific journals and the registration of several international patents.

The company maintains excellent relationships with leading R&D and technology transfer centers worldwide. This includes internationally renowned organizations such as the Joint FAO/IAEA Division of the United Nations, CIRAD (France), and IRD (France).

At the national level, the company collaborates closely with research departments involved in active SIT projects, notably with TRAGSA (Spain), and with universities such as the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV), with which it has signed several research agreements.

Recently, the company received a grant from the Spanish Centre for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI) under the NEOTEC 2023 program to support the project “AUTOMOS: Automation of Mass-Rearing Processes for Sterile Mosquitoes” (more information…).