Startups & scaleups
Startups and scaleups lead growth in the BioRegion. In 2022, they secured a joint total of €445 million in investment. Since 2013, the startup creation rate has been over 50 companies/year. Of the life sciences and healthcare startups in Catalonia, 26% are spinoffs from a research organization and 32% of the emerging companies are led by women.
Splice Bio
Splice Bio uses protein splicing to push the limits of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector applications and develop gene therapies for large genes.
The digital health subsector fuels growth of startups
The graph shows the startups created between 2013 and 2020 in the various subsectors. The percentage shows how many are spinoffs of research organizationsThese saw over €39 million in investment and turnover of €356 million in 2022
Of the 212 digital health startups in the BioRegion, 95% were established in the past 10 years. This increase reflects the youth and explosive growth of this subsector, with joint turnover of €356 million. In 2021, investment in digital health companies peaked (€63 million), stabilizing at €39 million in 2022. However, the digital health market is expected to continue growing globally at 16.5% per year, as the Digital Health in Catalonia report by ACCIÓ and Biocat reflects.
Surpassing all expectations
The investment secured by startups in the BioRegion grew x4 between 2018 and 2022, when we saw the first megaround in medtech company Impress (€122 million) and 2 rounds +€50 million in the biotech segment (Minoryx and SpliceBio).
Featured startups
Impress
Impress specializes in invisible orthodontics and uses the most advanced technology for diagnosing and improving oral health. They closed a €122 million round in 2022.
Minoryx Therapeutics
Minoryx develops therapies for orphan diseases of the central nervous system. In May 2022, the company closed a €51 million Series C round and in November licensed its drug leriglitazone for X-ALD.
Splice Bio
Splice Bio uses protein splicing to push the limits of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector applications and develop gene therapies for large genes.
Starlab
Starlab provides latest generation data analysis services in neuroscience. They have telemedicine platforms to diagnose and treat the human brain.
HumanITCare
HumanITCare has developed a telemedicine platform that allows for remote medical monitoring, provides at home care and compiles data in real time for research.
UsMIMA (MowoOt)
UsMIMA has developed a medical device (MowoOt), inspired by the abdominal massages of the Institut Guttman therapists, for chronic constipation. It is the first startup created from the d·HEALTH Barcelona program.