Catalonia Health Innovation Ecosystem pavilion promotes healthcare innovation in Catalonia at 4YFN 2025, drawing all eyes with dynamic space packed with activities
The pavilion was one of the top attractions at 4YFN 2025, a dynamic meeting point packed with activities drawing sector institutions, investors, corporates and experts. This post looks at the intense activity that took place in this space, promoted by Biocat and TIC Salut Social Foundation, which has become a driving force for strategic connections, key debates and recognition of the most innovative initiatives in digital health
A strategic meeting point for healthcare innovation
For the second year in a row, Biocat and the TIC Salut Social Foundation led the Catalonia Health Innovation Ecosystem pavilion, which in this eleventh edition of 4YFN has consolidated its place as a benchmark in healthcare innovation at the congress. “You’ve outgrown this space”, said some who came to the talks and had to watch from outside the pavilion, with more than a hundred people packed into the space. With 16 participating startups and more than 20 activities focused on future challenges, the pavilion boosted international projection of the ecosystem and facilitated key connections with more than a dozen visits from institutions and corporations.
The growth of the life sciences and healthcare ecosystem in recent years has been remarkable. In this edition, the sector was represented by 85 companies, projects and entities, up 20% from the previous edition. This increase reflects the growing importance of the sector at this congress, which over the past few years has redoubled its commitment to digital health with an official digital health program and exclusive exhibition area in Hall 8.0, adjoining Mobile World Congress.
Catalan startups on the cutting edge of digital health
The pavilion showcased 16 innovative startups, which presented disruptive solutions in fields like mental health, diagnosing respiratory or oncological diseases, drug development and patient monitoring, among others. The participating companies were: Aimentia, Aurax, BrainFocus, DevsHealth, Doctomatic, Heecap, IOMED, Llamalítica, Loop Diagnostics, MiWEndo Solutions, Point Pressure, Sycai Medical, Tailor Surgery, Tensor Medical, The Smart Lollipop and WIVI Vision. These companies got the chance to connect with investors and potential partners through pitches and networking events and, in general, their feedback on this opportunity has been very positive. They are mainly looking for funding, clients, agreements and international projection.
In the words of Biocat CEO Robert Fabregat, “4YFN is the largest showcase of innovative solutions in digital health and highlights the need to accelerate development and adoption of the most strategic and top priority innovations for the system. Innovations that will be able to transform it, making it more resilient, improving people’s health and wellbeing while also promoting the country’s social and economic progress. To do so, we have to boost collaboration among all stakeholders in the sector”.
More than 20 activities and a panel discussion on the official program to discuss the future of healthcare digitalization in Europe
One of the most important sessions at 4YFN 2025 was the Fireside Chat “Navigating the Challenges of Healthcare Digitalization in Europe”, organized by Biocat and the TIC Salut Social Foundation. The session was moderated by Thomas Hagemeijer, founder of HGM Advisory, and the panel featured Jordi Piera, director of the Digital Health Strategy Office at the Catalan Health Service, and Elina Drakvik, senior lead of Sitra International Programs.
The speakers discussed the main challenges facing European healthcare systems in their digital transformation, emphasizing Catalonia’s experience. Other topics included system interoperability, health data security, the need for regulations to adapt to digital innovation and how health professionals adopt emerging technologies.
Plus, the Catalonia Health Innovation Ecosystem pavilion hosted more than 20 activities on the sector’s future challenges and how to take advantage of the vast potential of digital health to improve healthcare, diagnosis and treatment. A wide range of panel discussions and sessions with healthcare professionals addressed topics like modernizing center management, digital citizen empowerment and the new social innovation service for care.
Highlights included the session of the Committee for Evaluation, Innovation and Operational Reform of the Health System (CAIROS) that is working for an updated, more sustainable healthcare system, which mentioned the Healthcare System Access Program (PASS) promoted by Biocat as an example.
Institutional visits and top-notch companies
The pavilion also welcomed leading institutional figures, reaffirming the commitment of the administration, Government of Catalonia, Barcelona City Council and international consulates. Some noteworthy visitors include Josep Rull, president of the Parliament of Catalonia; Olga Pané, Catalan minister of Health; Marta Villanueva, Barcelona City Councillor for Health; Jordi Valls, Barcelona deputy mayor for Economy; and members of parliament from Esquerra Republicana, including Carles Campuzano, Ester Capella, Raquel Sans and Josep M. Jové.
Internationally, the pavilion welcomed Christian Biever, Luxembourg’s ambassador to Spain, and a Hong Kong business delegation led by Christopher Lai, director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council for Spain, France and Portugal. As for companies, the pavilion was also visited by GSK Spain and Alexion Pharma.
Awards and recognitions for Catalan healthcare startups
4YFN 2025 also brought special recognition for healthcare startups in Catalonia. Eva Garcia and Juan Carlos Ondategui, founders of WIVI Vision, received the Santander X Global Challenge award, cementing their place as one of the most promising emerging companies. Also, Predictheon won the AI for Good Innovation Factory Catalonia award from the UN and The Blue Box Biomedical Solutions received the Premi EmprendeXXI for the company in Catalonia with the greatest impact.
