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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% of Catalonia’s GDP and employs nearly 6.5% of the population.

The life sciences and health innovation ecosystem in Catalonia

More than 1,750 organizations that drive innovation in health and frontier research

The BioRegion has around a hundred research entities and over 1,400 companies, of which 550 are startups and scaleups.

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

Sustainable growth and employment growth in the startup industry over the past five years

Over the past five years, there has been a sustained increase in investment, the number of startups and spin-offs, and macroeconomic indicators. In 2023, company creation remained stable, with an annual average of 52 to 75 new companies. Investment has exceeded 200 million euros, with a record in 2022 when a single company raised more funds than the total amount for the year 2018. The industry's turnover increased by 6.8% compared to the previous year, and employment generated by the industry has risen by 23% over the last five years.

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secured by startups and scaleups in 2023

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sector turnover in 2022

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jobs in 2022

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.

Oncology

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

Advanced therapies

We lead the Hub of Advanced and Emerging Therapies to become an international benchmark in the production, development, and adoption of technologies in advanced therapies and bioengineering.

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.

Clinical trials

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

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.

Hospitals

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

More information
Research and Development

Leaders in scientific publications and clinical trials

Catalonia ranks 3rd in Europe (per million inhabitants) in the number of Highly Cited Papers and in the percentage of HCPs cited in patents (35%). Additionally, Catalonia is 5th in Europe and 8th globally for active clinical trials.

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publications in life and health sciences (2013-2022)

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Highly Cited Papers (HCP) in Life and Health Sciences (2013-2022)

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active clinical trials (to 2023)

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