The new edition of grants for research and innovation projects is now open, as part of the Strategic Plan for Science and Innovation 2024-2027. Through this initiative, Barcelona aims to strengthen local talent and scientific careers in the city and its metropolitan region, which is already a leader in scientific production both nationally and across Europe.

The programme aims to support initiatives that provide solutions to urban challenges through scientific evidence or the development of new technologies.

Jordi Valls, Deputy Mayor for Economy, Finance, Economic Promotion, and Tourism, has highlighted the trajectory of this call, emphasising that, in a context where “the veracity of science is even being questioned,” these grants serve to reinforce “the commitment of the city of Barcelona” to scientific research.

According to Valls, “as the scientific and technological capital of Spain and one of the leading cities in Europe,” Barcelona has responsibilities towards Europe, one of which is to “provide opportunities to young people, innovators, and scientists,” a goal pursued through this call in collaboration with ”la Caixa” Foundation. In the words of the Deputy Mayor, investing in talent “is the best way to ultimately attract companies” to the city.

Public-private co-financing

The 2025 call has a total budget of €2 million, with €1.2 million coming from the City Council (60%) and €800,000 from”la Caixa” Foundation (40%). Selected projects may receive up to 80% of their cost in funding, with a maximum of €150,000 per project.

This grant programme is the result of the collaboration agreement between both institutions since 2019, which has already funded 35 projects with a contribution of €5 million, in addition to the new €2 million.

Priority areas: health, technology, and sustainability

The projects presented must focus on research related to one of the following three thematic areas:

• Life sciences and health, including advanced therapies, digital health, and community health.
• Technological innovation applied to the city, with proposals focusing on areas such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, or quantum technologies.
• Sustainability and climate change, addressing issues such as climate emergency, responsible food consumption, or the development of the green and blue economies.

Fostering collaboration and knowledge transfer

One of the requirements of the call is that projects be led by groups of at least three legal entities working together to foster synergies. Among these groups, there must be at least two institutions whose primary activity is research. This aims to promote collaboration between universities, research centres, technological centres, third-sector organisations, and the city’s economic fabric, encouraging cooperation and the transfer of knowledge to society.

With this fifth call, Barcelona reaffirms its commitment to useful, collaborative science that has a real impact on the lives of its citizens.

Deadlines and information session

The deadline for submitting applications is from 8 April to 19 May 2025. An information session will be held on 29 April for all interested entities, to help facilitate the preparation and submission of projects.