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.
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.
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%.
secured by startups and scaleups in 2022
sector turnover in 2021
jobs in 2021
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.
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.
scientific publications in Catalonia (2016-2021)
H2020 funds secured (2016-2021)
ERC grants (2016-2021)
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.
collaborative H2020 and Horizon Europe projects in health and biotechnology (2014-2023)
Foreign Direct Investment in the BioRegion (2018-2022)
foreign subsidiaries of companies in the BioRegion
News
All newsSmart Reads & Tips
Podcast: Salud en Digital
The economic potential of generative AI: The next productivity frontier
DTx Policy Pathways: The Evolving Scenario In Europe
Agenda
AgendaHealthTech Investor Summit
Discounts for BioRegion companies
BioFIT 2023
Discounts for companies of the BioRgion