Salvador Illa presides first Biocat Board of Trustees meeting under new Government of Catalonia

Today, December 17, 2024, Biocat held the first meeting of its Board of Trustees since the new Government of Catalonia took office in August. The event, held at Palau de la Generalitat, was led by President of the Government of Catalonia Salvador Illa, who is also now president of the Biocat Board of Trustees, the organization’s main governing body. 

Also at this meeting, for the first time, were three key figures from the new executive branch: Catalan Minister of Health Olga Pané, who is also now first vice-president of Biocat; Miquel Sàmper, Catalan Minister of Business and Labor; and Alícia Romero, Catalan Minister of Economy and Finance. The other ministers were represented through delegates.

At the meeting, Biocat CEO Robert Fabregat presented very positive indicators highlighting the huge potential and favorable context for the life sciences and healthcare sector, one of the most strategic in Catalonia. Fabregat also noted that the BioRegion of Catalonia is a benchmark in healthcare innovation in Europe, the significant improvement in the sector’s business and science/technology indicators and the opportunities for bolstering the ecosystem. 

Plus, the Biocat CEO shared the work lines in the Biocat Strategic Plan for 2024-2027, highlighting the key goals for consolidating Catalonia as one of the main hubs for healthcare innovation in the world and the importance of encouraging public-private partnership to drive scientific advances and technological solutions.

The meeting was also a chance to officially welcome the three new members representing strategic areas of the Government: Núria Montserrat, Catalan Minister of Research and Universities, and Òscar Ordeig, Catalan Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food.

The Executive Committee, which is in charge of executing agreements with the Board of Trustees and handling delegated functions, also has new representatives: 

• Aleix Cubells, Director General of European Funds and State Aid, representing the Catalan Ministry of the Economy and Finance.
• Javier Selva, Director General for Knowledge Society, Transfer and Territory, representing the Catalan Ministry of Research and Universities.
• Oriol Alcoba, Director General for Industry, representing the Catalan Ministry of Business and Labor.

CaixaResearch Institute, new member

One of the most noteworthy announcements from this meeting of the Board of Trustees is that the CaixaResearch Institute will be joining. This alliance, which will be made official soon, will strengthen the ties between the public and private sectors, bringing new opportunities for accelerating innovation and having a tangible impact in the healthcare arena.