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Discover the BioRegion

The BioRegion of Catalonia is one of the most vibrant life sciences and health innovation ecosystems in Europe. It is made up of companies, research bodies and centers, hospitals, universities, administrations and support bodies that work in this strategic sector in Catalonia. It currently contributes 8.7% of Catalonia’s GDP and employs nearly 7% of the population.

The life sciences and health innovation ecosystem in Catalonia

Over 1,500 organizations that drive innovation in health and frontier research

The BioRegion has a hundred research bodies and over 1,350 companies, nearly 500 of which are startups and scaleups.

The ecosystem has over 1,500 organizations that drive innovation in health and research

Catalonia is a leader in health innovation and competitiveness, with the Bioregion of Catalonia being a hub for cutting-edge research, startups, and international investment, and is committed to driving the future of healthcare with a focus on digitalization and AI strategy. Catalonia's impact resonates globally, making it a pivotal player in shaping the future of health and innovation. 

Portada vídeo BioRegió 2024
https://youtu.be/GuarYoryDuA?si=sUhdrZEDDE4tAeUC
A growing ecosystem

Investment in startups in the BioRegion has grown x4 since 2018

The investment figures, number of startups and spinoffs, and macroeconomic indicators haven’t stopped growing in the past five years. Investment saw record growth in 2022, when a single company secured more than the joint total for all startups in 2018. Employment in the industry rose 12% and turnover, 20%.

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secured by startups and scaleups in 2022

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sector turnover in 2021

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jobs in 2021

Areas of excellence

Leaders in cancer research and trials

The BioRegion has unique capacities in genomics and structural biology and stands out in areas like medical chemistry, nanomedicine, omic sciences, bioinformatics and big data.

Clinical trials

With over 1,200 active clinical trials, Catalonia is ranked 6th in Europe and 9th in the world. 

Oncology

In cancer, the BioRegion has capacities throughout the value chain, from basic research to clinical and translational research.

Hospitals

University hospitals and healthcare centers are world renowned in oncology, thoracic and cardiac surgery, kidney transplants and ophthalmologic surgery.

Innovation pipeline

The BioRegion currently has a pipeline of 58 therapies in clinical development, mainly in oncology, neurology, dermatology, infectious and minority diseases, and fertility. Of these, 20 are non-industrial manufacturing treatments managed by hospitals and research facilities.

Digital health

In 10 years, more than 200 digital health companies have been created in Catalonia, focusing on such diverse fields as clinical telemedicine tools, digital therapies, support for medical decision-making and health apps.

Advanced therapies

We strive to be an international benchmark in the production, development and adoption of advanced therapies and bioengineering technologies.

More information
Research

Leaders in scientific publications and competitive European funds

Catalonia is among the top 5 in Europe (per million inhabitants) for indicators like scientific publications, competitive resources secured for research projects and grants from the European Research Council (ERC) in the life sciences and health.

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scientific publications in Catalonia (2016-2021)

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H2020 funds secured (2016-2021)

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ERC grants (2016-2021)

International connections

From foreign direct investment projects to cross-border research projects

Catalonia and Barcelona stand out in attracting foreign direct investment and international R&D hubs and centers. In research, the ability of centers and their researchers to collaborate and connect internationally is clearly demonstrated by the large number of European projects they participate in, among other indicators. 

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collaborative H2020 and Horizon Europe projects in health and biotechnology (2014-2023)

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Foreign Direct Investment in the BioRegion (2018-2022)

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foreign subsidiaries of companies in the BioRegion

Smart Reads & Tips

Innovation: Pushing the deal market to adapt and evolve. 2024 Healthcare and Life Sciences Investment Outlook

KPMG

Advancing Health Through Innovation: New Drug Therapy Approvals 2023

FDA

Venture Capital Trends in Digital Health 2023

STOUT

11 clinical trials that will shape medicine in 2024

Nature Medicine

Agenda

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