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.
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.
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.
secured by startups and scaleups in 2023
sector turnover in 2022
jobs in 2022
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 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.
publications in life and health sciences (2013-2022)
Highly Cited Papers (HCP) in Life and Health Sciences (2013-2022)
active clinical trials (to 2023)