SMARTMOVE | Research and Development of Advanced Control Systems and Technologies for Sustainable Hydrogen-Based Mobility Solutions
Galicia Commits to Hydrogen with the Launch of the SMARTMOVE Joint Research Unit
Three Galician Organizations Join Forces to Accelerate the Decarbonization of Transportation Through Hydrogen
O Porriño, June 9, 2026. The Galician Automotive Technology Center (CTAG), BeGas, and Kinergy have unveiled SMARTMOVE, a new Joint Research Unit focused on developing advanced technologies for sustainable hydrogen-based mobility. The initiative aims to accelerate the decarbonization of transportation through innovative solutions that integrate energy efficiency, digitalization, and new technological capabilities for the automotive and mobility sectors.
The launch event, held at CTAG’s facilities in O Porriño, was attended by representatives from the three sponsoring organizations and by Carmen Cotelo, director of the Galician Innovation Agency (GAIN), the body supporting the project.
SMARTMOVE was created with the goal of developing a certifiable electronic control platform capable of integrating and managing a hydrogen engine and a PEM fuel cell in a coordinated manner. This technology will optimize the joint operation of both systems and pave the way for a hydrogen-based hybrid powertrain architecture for industrial and urban applications.
The research will focus on developing a new-generation dual ECU/VCU that will act as the vehicle’s “brain,” coordinating the various propulsion systems and improving energy efficiency. The project will address key aspects such as defining the electronic architecture, developing advanced embedded software, ensuring functional safety in accordance with ISO 26262, and ensuring cybersecurity in accordance with ISO 21434.
In addition, intelligent algorithms for energy management, advanced operating modes, and predictive diagnostic systems will be developed. The technology will be validated through MIL, SIL, and HIL testing, as well as through real prototypes.
The consortium brings together complementary capabilities that span the entire innovation value chain. CTAG contributes its expertise in research, development, validation, and technology transfer for the automotive industry; BeGas contributes its knowledge of internal combustion engines powered by alternative energy sources; and Kinergy brings its expertise in PEM fuel cell systems and emission-free electricity generation.
The consortium brings together complementary capabilities that span the entire innovation value chain. CTAG contributes its expertise in research, development, validation, and technology transfer for the automotive industry; BeGas contributes its knowledge of combustion engines powered by alternative energy sources; and Kinergy brings its expertise in PEM fuel cell systems and emission-free electricity generation.
SMARTMOVE has a budget of 2.1 million euros and will run from 2025 to 2028. The project will involve 26 researchers and is expected to create four new specialized jobs, three at BeGas and one at Kinergy.
During the presentation, Luis Moreno, CEO of CTAG, emphasized that “SMARTMOVE represents an opportunity to strengthen advanced technological capabilities in control electronics applied to sustainable mobility from Galicia. The collaboration between CTAG, BeGas, and Kinergy allows us to tackle a challenge of high industrial value and contribute to positioning the Galician and national industries in key technologies for the decarbonization of transportation.”
For her part, Carmen Cotelo emphasized the importance of Joint Research Units as a tool for knowledge transfer between technology centers and companies. She also noted that SMARTMOVE will help generate new R&D capabilities, attract specialized talent, and advance the development of clean technologies aligned with Galicia’s innovation priorities.
The project is funded by the Galician Innovation Agency and co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), as part of the call for proposals for Joint Research Unit Programs.
The results achieved will help consolidate and strengthen the development of R&D activities in Galicia, acquire knowledge in the electronic technologies under investigation, and attract talent and technological excellence to Galicia through the creation of specialized lines of research.
About SMARTMOVE
SMARTMOVE – Research and Development of Advanced Control Systems and Technologies for Sustainable Hydrogen-Based Mobility Solutions is a Joint Research Unit focused on developing a new-generation dual ECU/VCU capable of coordinating the operation of a hydrogen engine and a PEM fuel cell, enabling new sustainable mobility solutions for industrial and urban applications.
About the Participating Entities
CTAG – Galician Automotive Technology Center contributes to the project its technological capabilities and expertise in research, development, validation, and transfer of innovative solutions for the automotive sector.
BeGas contributes its expertise as a technology-based company specializing in combustion engines powered by alternative energy sources and in sustainable mobility applications.
Kinergy contributes its expertise in PEM fuel cell systems and solutions for producing electricity without polluting emissions for transportation and industry.
