Qinera: Driving innovation with a cooperative business model

Qinera: Driving innovation with a cooperative business model

Digital Assistive Technology companies do not all fit into a single mould. In this article, Qinera describes its transition to a cooperative driven by innovation and the impact seen as a result.

Qinera is a company dedicated to assistive technology, developing solutions that enable people to communicate, work, learn, and participate in a more inclusive world. Founded in 2002 by Joaquín Romero, a visionary who adapted his home with technology to maintain his autonomy while living with multiple sclerosis, Qinera has grown into a global leader, transforming the lives of thousands of people. Committed to innovation and social impact, Qinera took a bold step in 2022 by adopting a cooperative business model, allowing employees to become co-owners.

The Qinera model reinforces a belief that growth and success are deeply connected to how businesses work and who are empowered. For Qinera, innovation is not just about launching products; it’s about shaping an organisation built on a shared vision, responsibility, and impact. 

While daily operations remained unchanged, employee-owners now play a crucial role in defining strategic priorities and deciding how to reinvest profits, reinforcing a commitment to transparency, equity, and sustainability.

Growth and global expansion within a shared leadership

The impact of this transition is evident. Since adopting the cooperative model, Qinera has grown by 61%, reaching a €5.5M turnover in 2024 and is already present in about 39 countries. Additionally, the company has strengthened its leadership position in Spain and Chile while expanding globally.

But the success is not simply about numbers. It is driven by a united, purpose-driven team that thrives on collaboration. Employees are no longer just “employees”,  but instead are owners who share the same values and vision. This sense of ownership goes beyond individual contributions; it shapes company operations. With community engagement and ethical practices as a priority, the cooperative model ensures that the business operates with fairness, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability.However, this doesn’t mean abandoning structure, hierarchy, or leadership. The cooperative maintains organised roles, decision-making processes, and management structures to ensure efficiency and strategic direction.

At Qinera, a difference is that leadership serves the collective interests of members rather than external shareholders. This allows for a structured yet participatory approach, where leadership guides the organisation, and members have a voice in major decisions, ensuring both efficiency and shared responsibility.

New Headquarters: A bigger space for innovation

Qinera’s cooperative model is a framework and a catalyst for innovation and growth. They will move to larger, modern headquarters in the coming months. This move represents a milestone in their journey, offering the space we need to expand, innovate, and push the boundaries of assistive technology.

Alongside this growth, Qinera is preparing to launch new products, strengthening its contribution to the industry. They are confident that these innovations will enhance accessibility and improve the quality of life for thousands of people worldwide.

A company with heart: owned by its people, driven by empathy

At Qinera, they take pride in being part of a movement redefining business success. This is more than a structural change; it represents a fundamental shift toward a more human-centred way of working, where shared ownership and collaboration drive innovation, foster growth, and ensure long-term sustainability.

As they continue to evolve, their mission remains clear: to build a more inclusive world through technology while strengthening a business that belongs to its people.

If you want to connect with Qinera, visit qinera.com and learn more about its approach and the products created.