EcosystemInvestment
Picks of March: new advances in research, investment and international awards
This March has been especially dynamic for the BioRegion of Catalonia with significant advances in research, as well as a strong boost for startups in the healthcare sector, which shone at 4YFN-MWC 2025. But that’s just the beginning: the ecosystem is already warming up for another not to be missed event: RESI Europe 2025 is returning to Barcelona on April 1. Don’t miss it! Now let’s kick off this monthly review!
- This month was particularly noteworthy for healthcare startups and scaleups in Catalonia, which continue to reach important milestones. CONNECTA Therapeutics has successfully completed its phase I clinical trial on drug CTH120 to treat neurodevelopmental disorders. Plus, SpliceBio has started its phase I/II ASTRA clinical trial on SB-007, the first dual gene therapy for Stargardt disease. Also noteworthy, Wivi Vision, The Blue Box and Predictheon won awards in different categories at 4YFN-MWC 2025.
- These and other companies from the BioRegion of Catalonia drew all the attention at 4YFN-MWC 2025, where innovation in healthcare was the main focus, with nearly 85 companies and organizations in the exhibition space, up 20% from the previous year.
- In startup investment, KOA Biotech secured €2 million to continue developing their biotechnology and consolidate their business plan to boost future growth.
- Regarding the availability of new capital for startups, Barcelona has launched a new fund called the Barcelona Investment Fund with €30 million for companies in strategic sectors. It is also worth highlighting the €10 million in grants the Catalan Ministry of Research and Universities has set aside to promote knowledge transfer.
- Looking at venture capital managers in Catalonia, Invivo Capital took center stage in the acquisition of Belgian cancer cell therapy company Esobiotec, which it held a stake in, by AstraZeneca for €915 million. Plus, Asabys has reinvested in Augustine, a company working to treat neuromuscular, neurodegenerative and cardiometabolic diseases, in a €78 million round of funding.
- Turning to research and new scientific discoveries, the National Center for Genomic Analysis (CNAG) will take part in building the largest European DNA catalog, the most comprehensive genetic database of the European population, with 27 countries participating and a budget of €45 million.
- In the pharmaceutical field, Almirall announced changes in their leadership: Chief Financial Officer Mike McClellan will step down in September, and his replacement will be Jon U. Garay Alonso, who will take over from August.
- And in news from hospitals, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau in Barcelona is now using the most advanced surgical robot in the Spanish public health system, which operates with a single incision or the body’s natural orifices. Vall d’Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona has launched the BRIDGE project (Breaking Barriers with Remote Integration for Global Pediatric Trials) to promote the transformation of clinical trials in pediatrics. And Hospital Clinic Barcelona inaugurated two immersive virtual reality rooms to improve mental health in children and young people.
- As for new training initiatives, the new Sant Pau Healthcare Vocational Education Center was presented and will launch the coming school year with initial training and, later on, professional certifications and even mid- and upper-level degrees, as well as further training for practicing professionals.
- And we’ll finish off with new appointments in the science and technology sector: firstly, Antoni Plasència has been named new Director General of Research and Innovation for the Catalan Ministry of Health and Miquel Vicente has been re-elected president of Tech Barcelona.
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