BIOSPAIN 2026 to turn Bilbao into Europe's hub for debating the future of biotechnology

BIOSPAIN 2026, Spain's largest biotechnology event and one of Europe's leading biotech conferences, will take place from 29 September to 1 October at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC) under the slogan "Bioinnovation that clicks."

Organised by the Spanish Bioindustry Association (AseBio) in collaboration with the Provincial Council of Bizkaia, the Basque Government and the Basque Health Cluster (BHC), the event will once again bring together the leading players in biotechnology to discuss the challenges shaping the future of innovation in healthcare, sustainability, industry and competitiveness.

The scientific programme, now available on the event website, is structured around four main tracks: Policy, Health, Bioeconomy and Finance, providing a comprehensive overview of the opportunities and challenges facing the biotechnology sector.

Over the course of three days, leading national and international experts will discuss topics including strengthening European competitiveness, achieving greater strategic autonomy in biotechnology, advancing advanced therapies and precision medicine, harnessing artificial intelligence in biomedical research, developing biotechnology-based solutions for a more sustainable economy, and transforming scientific knowledge into globally competitive innovative companies.

Among the first confirmed keynote speakers is Juan Bueren, Director of the Biomedical Innovation Unit at CIEMAT and Director of the CIBER Network for Rare Diseases, internationally recognised for his work in gene therapy and advanced therapies. His keynote will explore the potential of these technologies to transform the treatment of complex diseases and accelerate the delivery of innovative therapies to patients.

A programme designed to anticipate the trends that will shape the next decade

The 2026 edition will focus on many of the issues already defining the international biotechnology agenda. Strengthening Europe's leadership and health security, applying artificial intelligence to accelerate drug discovery, developing biotechnology solutions to tackle climate change, advancing personalised medicine, and improving access to financing for startups and spin-offs will be among the key topics discussed.

BIOSPAIN 2026 will also examine how to accelerate technology transfer, promote advanced manufacturing and strengthen collaboration between companies, research organisations, public administrations and investors in order to transform scientific excellence into industrial development and economic growth.

A platform for business development and international collaboration

Alongside the scientific programme, BIOSPAIN 2026 will once again feature a large exhibition area where companies, technology centres, institutions and organisations will be able to showcase their capabilities, establish new partnerships and connect with national and international investors and business partners.

The exhibition booking process remains open, with less than 40% of exhibition space still available. The exhibition represents one of Europe's leading showcases for increasing the visibility of innovative projects, building strategic relationships and exploring new business opportunities in a highly specialised environment.

The results of the previous edition illustrate the international scale of the event. In 2025, BIOSPAIN welcomed more than 2,400 delegates from 35 countries in Barcelona, brought together 140 investors representing 76 national and international organisations, and facilitated more than 4,500 one-to-one partnering meetings, reinforcing its position as one of Europe's leading platforms for collaboration and investment in biotechnology.

The Basque Country: a strategic ecosystem for biotechnology innovation

BIOSPAIN 2026 returns to the Basque Country for the third time, recognising one of Southern Europe's most advanced life sciences and healthcare ecosystems.

The region was among the first to implement a dedicated biotechnology strategy and is now home to more than 300 companies, supported by a strong network of internationally recognised research centres, universities, hospitals and scientific and technological infrastructures that promote knowledge transfer and innovation.

According to the latest AseBio Report, the Basque Country is home to 108 biotechnology companies, representing almost 10% of Spain's biotech sector. Within the region, Bizkaia accounts for 45% of biotech companies, 44% of employment and 56% of sector revenues.

This ecosystem is particularly recognised for its strengths in advanced therapies, biomanufacturing, precision diagnostics, digital health and personalised medicine, as well as for its ability to connect research, industry and healthcare.

Talent Day: connecting talent with industry

On 1 October, BIOSPAIN 2026 will host a new edition of Talent Day, an initiative designed to connect biotechnology companies with specialised professionals.

Researchers, PhD candidates, recent graduates and experienced professionals will have access to job opportunities and pre-arranged interviews through a dedicated matching platform that enables companies and candidates to schedule meetings tailored to their respective needs.

The 2025 edition attracted more than 300 professionals, facilitated over 120 interviews, and featured companies and organisations including AstraZeneca, Bayer, Almirall, Mabxience, InBrain, VHIR, CaixaResearch and CIBER.

United Kingdom named Guest Nation

BIOSPAIN 2026 will welcome the United Kingdom as its Guest Nation, further strengthening the event's international dimension while creating new opportunities for collaboration between the British and Spanish biotechnology ecosystems.

The UK's participation will help foster scientific, business and investment partnerships at a time when international collaboration is essential for accelerating innovation and addressing major global challenges.