Science and Innovation

The presentation of the ‘BioRegió de Catalunya 2024’ report marked the official launch of Health Innovation Week, a gathering that, from February 17 to 21, brings together more than 2,000 professionals and over 1,000 international organizations from the health, agri-food, and sustainable industry solutions sectors at various locations across the city. The program includes nearly 60 activities organized by entities within the BioRegion, showcasing the diversity and strength of Catalonia’s life sciences and health ecosystem, as highlighted in the report.

Today also saw the official presentation of BIOSPAIN 2025, one of the world’s leading biotechnology congresses, set to take place from October 7 to 9. During the event, the Spanish Bioindustry Association (AseBio), Biocat, the Government of Catalonia, and the Barcelona City Council emphasized the significance of bringing this congress back to Barcelona. The city will also host future editions in 2027 and 2029. Expectations for this edition are to match the record-breaking figures of the last one: over 2,200 professionals from 34 countries, more than 5,000 one-to-one meetings, and 81 national and international investors.

Catalonia strengthens its leadership in health innovation with a new investment record

According to the BioRegió de Catalunya 2024 report, presented yesterday in Barcelona, the health innovation ecosystem continues to grow. Health startups and scaleups have attracted approximately €350 million, achieving the second-highest investment figure in history. The sector’s strategic importance is confirmed, ranking third in Catalonia in terms of added value (GVA) and employment. Additionally, 75% of private capital in Catalonia came from international investors, primarily from Europe and the United States.

Investment trends show a resurgence of medical technology companies, now the leading segment in attracting funding, while the biotechnology sector has seen modest growth.

Other key sector trends include:

• Catalonia is now one of Europe’s top health innovation hubs, with over 1,500 companies, 280,000 employees, and a continuous influx of international innovation centers and major global corporations, particularly in the Barcelona metropolitan area.
• The sector contributes 7.6% to Catalonia’s GDP, exporting over 40% and importing more than 32% of Spain’s life sciences and health products.
• Catalonia ranks 5th in Europe and 8th worldwide in clinical trial participation, particularly in oncology, followed by studies in immune system and respiratory diseases, with growing research in metabolic disorders, mental health, and hematology.
• Growth of emerging companies, new infrastructure and initiatives, recognition of Catalan scientific leaders, and major advances in research and healthcare.
• Expansion of strategic business segments for the future of health, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Synthetic Biology, along with insights into the current and future concentrations of life sciences and health hubs in Barcelona.

BIOSPAIN 2025 returns to Barcelona with a strong focus on internationalization: ‘Global Crossroads, Local Vibes’

The upcoming edition of BIOSPAIN will showcase advancements in key biotechnology fields, including gene therapies, RNA, CRISPR-Cas, and dark DNA exploration. Topics will also cover cancer immunotherapies, developments in neurodegenerative diseases, and antimicrobial resistance. Switzerland will be the guest country, highlighting its global leadership in biotechnology and giving greater prominence to green biotechnology.

Startups, companies, and experts will present breakthroughs in regenerative agriculture, emissions reduction, and environmental preservation.

During the event’s presentation, Jordi Valls, Barcelona’s Deputy Mayor for Economy, Finance, Economic Promotion, and Tourism, stated: “It is no coincidence that Barcelona is a global reference in the biomedical sector, or that our city was chosen to host one of Europe’s largest biotechnology events. This aligns with Barcelona’s strategic vision for science, innovation, and technology, particularly in health, as a driver of progress and well-being. That is why Barcelona and its metropolitan area are home to most of Spain’s pharmaceutical industry and leading biomedical research centers. We are leaders in clinical trials and scientific production, thanks to an exceptional ecosystem of science, research, and education, supported by public institutions that foster and drive innovation.”

BIOSPAIN 2025 will also highlight Synthetic Biology, Artificial Intelligence, and emerging technologies like microfluidics and multi-omics platforms, which open new possibilities in research, clinical trials, and technology transfer. The congress will explore applications in foodtech, sustainable agriculture, and food safety, while also addressing regulatory issues such as new genomic (NGT) and pharmaceutical laws in the EU.