#NewAseBioMember|"AseBio is the meeting point of the biotech sector in Spain, a space to connect, collaborate, and grow. "

AseBio. What does your company's work bring to the table and what is its strength?

Rafael Terán. SmartBio Analytics is the first and only GLP-certified bioanalytical laboratory in the Madrid region. We help pharmaceutical and biotech companies accelerate the development of new drugs during their preclinical and clinical phases. Madrid is one of Europe’s main clinical trial hubs, and we fill a clear market need by offering flexible, high-quality, and compliant bioanalytical services.

AseBio. What is AseBio for you?

Rafael Terán. For us, AseBio is the meeting point of the biotech sector in Spain—a space to connect, collaborate, and grow. Events like BioSpain are a key driver of innovation and visibility, bringing together people and ideas from across Europe.

AseBio. When did you first hear about AseBio?

Rafael Terán. We’ve known AseBio for many years. In all our previous roles, we’ve been in contact with the association and have taken part in its activities and services. So, when we created SmartBio, it was clear we wanted to be part of this community from the very beginning.

AseBio. What do you expect from being part of an association like AseBio?

Rafael Terán. We hope to connect with other players in the ecosystem, share our experience, and contribute to building a stronger, more integrated biotech industry. With AseBio’s support, we believe we can help shape a more solid and better-connected sector at every level.

AseBio. What is the biggest challenge facing the biotech sector (or your company)?

Rafael Terán. One of the biggest challenges in the biotech sector is transforming scientific innovation into real solutions that reach patients. That requires coordination between all stakeholders—biotechs, CROs, CDMOs, investors, regulators.

For us, as a CRO and bioanalytical lab, a specific challenge is that most public funding and private investment are still mainly directed toward companies developing proprietary IP (therapies, diagnostics, devices). But we believe that, to build a truly strong biotech industry in Spain, it’s also essential to invest in the parallel service ecosystem that supports innovation.

This includes CROs, CDMOs, consultancies, and other specialized providers that are increasingly necessary in a landscape where many biotech startups are micro or virtual companies relying heavily on outsourcing. Strengthening this network is not just helpful, it’s a strategic step to ensure innovation can grow and reach the market efficiently.