BIOSPAIN 2025 returns to Barcelona with a strong commitment to internationalization: ‘Global Crossroads, Local Vibes’

AseBio and Biocat, in collaboration with the Generalitat of Catalonia and the Barcelona City Council, presented BIOSPAIN 2025 this Tuesday.

BIOSPAIN 2025 is the largest national biotechnology event and one of the leading gatherings in the sector in Europe. This year, it aims to match the record-breaking numbers from 2023, when it welcomed over 2,200 professionals from more than 1,000 companies across 34 countries and hosted more than 81 national and international investors.

BIOSPAIN 2025 will take place from October 7 to 9 in Barcelona, the epicenter of biotechnology in Spain and one of Europe's main hubs for health innovation. Following the success of the 2023 edition, Barcelona has also been confirmed as the host city for future editions in 2027 and 2029. According to AseBio’s annual study on the biotechnology sector, Catalonia once again led the country in the number of biotech companies in 2023, accounting for over 24% of all firms and surpassing 35% of total national revenue. The region boasts the highest average revenue per company in a strategic sector for the Spanish economy, contributing 1.26% to the GDP.

Additionally, according to the 2024 BioRegion of Catalonia Report, presented yesterday in Barcelona, Catalonia is home to nearly 50% of Spain's pharmaceutical industry. It hosts innovation hubs, subsidiaries, R&D, production, and logistics facilities for many of the world's top 20 pharmaceutical and medical technology companies, including AstraZeneca, Amgen, Fresenius, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and Sanofi. The region also accounts for more than 40% of Spain's life sciences and healthcare exports and over 32% of its imports, consolidating its position as the second-largest autonomous community in international trade in this sector.

During the presentation, which was also attended by Javier Padilla, Spain’s Secretary of State for Health, Biocat’s General Director Robert Fabregat emphasized that the return of BIOSPAIN in 2025 and 2027 strengthens Barcelona's strategy to attract international sectoral conferences. Fabregat stated, "Catalonia's ecosystem is an international leader in business, science, and healthcare. At Biocat, we work to drive its growth, improve the healthcare system, and accelerate the arrival of new technologies to patients. This new edition will be crucial in creating business opportunities and fostering collaboration across the entire sector’s value chain, ultimately accelerating the market introduction of new technologies for patients."

According to Joan Romero, Executive Director of ACCIÓ at the Generalitat of Catalonia, "Catalonia is a global benchmark hub in the health and biotechnology sector. Our first-class ecosystem includes SMEs, startups, and multinational corporations that have chosen our region for their technology and R&D centers. Combined with top-tier universities, research institutions, and cutting-edge infrastructure, this ensures knowledge transfer to industry. That’s why hosting BIOSPAIN once again as the sector’s main meeting point places us at the heart of European biotechnology and showcases our talent and expertise, making this industry one of the most significant contributors to Catalonia’s economy."

Jordi Valls, Barcelona’s Deputy Mayor for Economy, Finance, Economic Promotion, and Tourism, added, "It is no coincidence that Barcelona is a global reference in the biomedical sector or that it was chosen to host one of the largest biotechnology events in Europe. This aligns with our city’s strategy for science, innovation, and technology, particularly in health, as a driver of progress and well-being. That is why the city and its metropolitan area concentrate most of Spain’s pharmaceutical industry and leading biomedical research centers. We are leaders in clinical trials and scientific production, thanks to an outstanding ecosystem of science, research, and education, supported by public institutions that foster and drive innovation."

What’s New in the 2025 Edition

BIOSPAIN 2025 will address key biotechnology topics, including advances in gene therapies, RNA, CRISPR-Cas, and the exploration of dark DNA. Discussions will cover oncology immunotherapies, developments in neurodegenerative diseases, and antimicrobial resistance. Challenges in manufacturing and access to these therapies will also be discussed, including technologies such as PAT, microbioreactors, and AI in bioprocessing.

Synthetic biology, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies like microfluidics and multi-omics platforms—offering new opportunities in research, clinical trials, and technology transfer—will also be featured in BIOSPAIN 2025. Additionally, applications in foodtech, sustainable agriculture, and food health will be explored. The event will also focus on regulatory aspects, such as new EU legislation on genomic techniques (NGT) and pharmaceuticals.

Expansion of Green Biotechnology Track and Switzerland as Guest Country

This edition will place greater emphasis on green biotechnology, expanding its dedicated track and increasing its exhibition visibility. Startups, companies, and experts will showcase innovations in regenerative agriculture, emission reduction, and environmental preservation. Additionally, Switzerland will be the guest country, highlighting its leadership in global biotechnology.

BIOSPAIN as a Driver of the Biotechnology Sector

Rocío Arroyo, President of AseBio, emphasized BIOSPAIN’s role as a catalyst for investment and innovation in the sector. According to AseBio data, in 2023, Spain had nearly 1,000 biotech companies and more than 4,400 indirectly related firms. The sector generated €20 billion in revenue, with an added value of €6.8 billion, attracting €228 million in investments. Arroyo stated, "Our ambition is to continue internationalizing BIOSPAIN and positioning it as a bridge between the American, Spanish, and European ecosystems, with a geographical focus on Spain. We invite everyone to join us in this new edition so that, once again, BIOSPAIN sets new records and consolidates itself as Europe's leading biotechnology event."

During the BIOSPAIN 2025 launch event, a panel discussion was moderated by Ion Arocena, General Director of AseBio. Panelists included Guillem Laporta, Partner at Ysios Capital; Elena Erroba, Director of Business Development, Communication, and Marketing at 3P Biovian; and Lucía Díaz, Head of Drug Discovery at Nostrum Biodiscovery. The panelists highlighted the importance of BIOSPAIN and expressed their high expectations for the 2025 edition.