ABIOINNOVA: A new engine for transforming science into companies that will shape the future of healthcare

Every year, hundreds of research projects generate discoveries with the potential to improve people's lives. New biomarkers, advanced therapies, diagnostic technologies, medical devices, artificial intelligence solutions and biotechnology developments emerge from universities, hospitals and research centres with outstanding scientific potential.

However, innovation only reaches its full value when it moves beyond the laboratory and becomes a solution that benefits society. This remains one of Europe's greatest challenges and, in particular, one of the key priorities for the Spanish innovation ecosystem: transforming world-class scientific knowledge into competitive companies, highly skilled jobs and a knowledge-based economy.

With this objective in mind—and as a key pillar of the Salamanca Tech strategy—ABIOINNOVA has been created as an initiative designed to become a space where research does not end with scientific publication, but instead marks the beginning of the journey towards creating new biotechnology companies capable of competing in global markets.

During BIOSPAIN 2026 (Bilbao, 29 September–1 October 2026), ABIOINNOVA will present the initiatives that will launch a new phase for the life sciences ecosystem in Castile and León. The project is fully aligned with the objectives of the RIS3 Smart Specialisation Strategy of Castilla y León 2021–2027, which identifies the bioeconomy, healthcare, biotechnology and business innovation as strategic priorities for the region's economic development.

A different model: an open call throughout the year

Incubation programmes have traditionally operated through fixed calls with limited application periods. Scientific innovation, however, does not follow administrative calendars.

For this reason, one of ABIOINNOVA's most significant announcements at BIOSPAIN 2026 will be the launch of a permanent open call for projects. This flexible model will allow innovative initiatives to be identified at any time of the year, reflecting the continuous pace at which scientific knowledge is generated.

The programme is intended to become a permanent gateway for researchers, universities, hospitals, technology centres, science-based entrepreneurs and start-ups developing innovative solutions in the biotechnology and healthcare sectors.

Recognising that projects are at different stages of development, ABIOINNOVA will offer several entry pathways, creating tailored support programmes that accompany each initiative from its earliest validation stages through to business consolidation.

The goal is not simply to incubate companies, but to accelerate the transformation of scientific ideas into products, technologies and services capable of delivering economic and societal impact.

Building a new knowledge-based business ecosystem

Regional competitiveness no longer depends solely on attracting major industrial investments. Increasingly, it relies on the ability to generate innovative companies from the knowledge produced by universities and research institutions.

Against this backdrop, ABIOINNOVA aims to become a driving force for the regional ecosystem by supporting the creation of new spin-offs while attracting national and international biotechnology companies interested in establishing operations in Salamanca and developing high-value projects from the region.

This strategy seeks to strengthen the local economy through knowledge-intensive activities that generate highly skilled employment, attract talent, increase private investment in R&D&I and foster new collaborations between industry, academia and the healthcare system.

Beyond providing physical facilities, ABIOINNOVA aims to build a thriving innovation community where researchers, entrepreneurs, technology companies, investors and public institutions work together with a common goal: accelerating the transfer of knowledge to the market.

More than an incubator: advanced services for high-potential companies

One of the project's defining features will be the launch of a comprehensive portfolio of specialised business support services tailored to the needs of biotechnology and healthcare companies.

Selected companies will benefit from end-to-end support covering strategic business development, intellectual property protection and valorisation, access to public and private funding, regulatory planning, internationalisation, corporate development, partner identification and investment readiness.

This integrated approach addresses one of the main barriers facing science-based companies: combining scientific excellence with the specialised business capabilities needed to grow successfully.

ABIOINNOVA therefore introduces a new incubation model in which scientific knowledge is complemented by expertise in business management, open innovation and sustainable business development.

Laboratories designed to accelerate innovation

Another major milestone to be presented during BIOSPAIN 2026 will be the launch of ABIOINNOVA's new laboratories.

These facilities will provide start-ups, incubated companies and research projects with access to specialised laboratories where they can carry out experimental work, validate technologies and advance biotechnology solutions in an environment specifically designed to foster innovation.

Access to shared scientific infrastructure is one of the resources most sought after by early-stage companies, significantly reducing entry barriers while allowing financial resources to be focused on technological development and business growth.

Supporting the economic transformation of Castilla y León

ABIOINNOVA is fully aligned with the priorities established by the Regional Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation (RIS3), which identifies biotechnology, healthcare and business innovation as key drivers of economic growth in Castile and León.

The project is supported by the Institute for Business Competitiveness of Castile and León (ICECYL) and the Salamanca City Council, whose collaboration reflects a shared commitment to promoting a knowledge-based economy through technology transfer and the creation of innovative companies.

This vision also aligns with European priorities aimed at strengthening regional innovation ecosystems capable of transforming research into sustainable economic activity through collaboration between public authorities, universities, technology centres and the private sector.

A meeting point for the biotechnology of the future

ABIOINNOVA's participation at BIOSPAIN 2026 represents far more than the presentation of new services or infrastructure.

It showcases an innovation model designed to bridge the gap between research and the market, foster the creation of new technology companies, attract talent and investment, and position Salamanca and Castile and León as leading locations for biotechnology and healthcare innovation.

The future of innovation will not depend solely on discovering new technologies. Above all, it will depend on building ecosystems capable of helping those technologies grow.

That is ABIOINNOVA's mission: to create an environment where scientific ideas find the resources, partnerships and support they need to become companies that generate knowledge, economic value, highly skilled employment and solutions that improve people's health and quality of life.