Biocat celebrates two decades of shared growth and focuses on the future challenges of the BioRegion.

In the early 2000s, Catalonia already had research centers, leading hospitals, and an established pharmaceutical industry, but these assets needed to be connected under a shared strategy. With this goal in mind, Biocat was founded in 2006 to bring together the BioRegion of Catalonia, foster collaboration among its stakeholders, and raise the international profile of the life sciences and healthcare ecosystem.

Twenty years after its creation, Biocat brought together more than 800 representatives from research, hospitals, companies, investment, universities, and industry organizations at L’Auditori in Barcelona. The celebration of the 20th anniversary of Biocat and the BioRegion of Catalonia combined a review of two decades of progress with discussions on the ecosystem's current challenges and the projects that could shape its future, at an event hosted by journalist Cristina Riba. 

The institutional welcome, delivered by Jordi Valls, Fourth Deputy Mayor of Barcelona City Council, responsible for Economy, Finance, and Economic Promotion, highlighted Biocat's contribution to transforming the economic model and improving public health. Next, Robert Fabregat, CEO of Biocat, reviewed the ecosystem's growth and milestones and thanked the people and organizations that have made this progress possible. The number of companies has increased from 856 in 2006 to 1,650 in 2026, while the number of research institutions has risen from 67 to 94. Between 2006 and 2025, 1,234 companies were created, more than 60 per year. This growth is also reflected in the sector's economic contribution in Catalonia. The life sciences and healthcare sector now accounts for 7.6% of Catalonia's GDP —0.8 percentage points more than in 2006— and 7.3% of total employment. Business data available through 2024 show that turnover has increased from €11,912 million to €29,229 million, while employment has risen from 36,686 to 84,781 people. Fabregat emphasized that the next step is to strengthen Catalonia's leadership in Europe and take greater risks to turn scientific potential into projects with real impact. 

The first panel discussion, “Where We Come From: From a Shared Vision to the Consolidation of the BioRegion of Catalonia”, brought together Montserrat Vendrell, former CEO of Biocat and partner at Asabys; Ignasi Biosca, Vice President of Biocat's Board of Trustees and CEO of Reig Jofre; Joël Jean-Mairet, co-founder of Ysios Capital; and Josep Tabernero, Director of the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO). Vendrell recalled that Biocat was founded at a time when the ecosystem had reached a certain level of maturity and its stakeholders were calling for greater coordination. Biosca noted that the private sector also recognized the need to expand its international reach and emphasized the importance of working toward a shared goal. Jean-Mairet focused on the need to turn scientific discoveries into companies capable of competing internationally, backed by investment capital. Tabernero reflected on the progress made in biomedical research and collaboration between institutions, while pointing out that certain areas still need to be strengthened, such as prevention research.

The discussion on the present, “Where We Are: Business Growth, Innovation, and International Visibility”, was moderated by Eva García Ramos, President of Catalonia.health and CEO and co-founder of WIVI Vision. Panelists included Fina Lladós, General Manager of Amgen; Manel del Castillo, President of the Committee for Evaluation, Innovation, and Operational Reform of the Healthcare System (CAIROS); Carles Fàbrega, General Manager of Human Health at HIPRA; and Carolina Aguilar, founder and CEO of INBRAIN Neuroelectronics. Lladós highlighted Catalonia's ability to attract investment and conduct clinical research, emphasizing that many projects need to scale up. Del Castillo outlined the organizational barriers that can slow the adoption of new solutions, calling for greater flexibility, dedicated time for innovation, and incentives that encourage risk-taking. Fàbrega highlighted the value of the network of hospitals and research centers in attracting talent beyond the metropolitan area. Aguilar explained that INBRAIN is developing three products, including brain implants capable of decoding actions in real time, as a concrete example of cutting-edge innovation made in Catalonia.

The third panel discussion, “Where We Are Headed: Strategic Projects, Market Access, and Personalized Medicine”, was moderated by Montserrat Daban, Director of Strategy and Global Alliances at Biocat. Panelists included Josep M. Campistol, CEO of Hospital Clínic de Barcelona; Àngel Font Vidal, Executive Director of the CaixaResearch Institute; Luis Pareras, founder of Invivo Capital; and Laia de Nadal, Rector of Pompeu Fabra University. Campistol presented the new Campus Clínic – University of Barcelona as an opportunity to connect the hospital, university, and broader ecosystem, and to drive the development of new treatments based on advanced therapies. Font emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration and the role of philanthropy in research. Pareras highlighted the potential of synthetic biology and artificial intelligence, while De Nadal advocated for impactful research, more seamless knowledge transfer, and a stable, long-term framework embodied in the future City of Knowledge. 

The institutional closing session featured Salvador Illa, President of the Government of Catalonia and President of Biocat's Board of Trustees, and Josep Rull, President of the Parliament of Catalonia. Illa emphasized science as a shared responsibility for Catalonia and stressed the need to turn scientific discoveries into businesses and shared prosperity. The event concluded with a networking cocktail reception, wrapping up a day that celebrated the achievements of an ecosystem built through the collective efforts of many stakeholders.