BIOSPAIN 2023 concludes its eleventh edition with record-breaking participation figures

The International Biotechnology Meeting, BIOSPAIN 2023, held from September 26 to 28 at Fira de Barcelona – Montjuïc, organized by the Spanish Association of Biotech Companies (AseBio) in collaboration with Biocat, the Barcelona City Council, and the Government of Catalonia, has concluded its eleventh edition with record-breaking participation figures.

This was highlighted by the General Manager of Amgen and member of the Board of Directors of AseBio and the Board of Trustees of Biocat, Fina Lladós, during the closing ceremony of the fair, attended by the President of the Government of Catalonia, Pere Aragonès i Garcia. Over the course of three days, more than 2,100 people and more than 220 exhibitors participated.

"These have been three exciting days in which Barcelona has showcased the achievements of a sector that is transforming the world at a crucial moment for Europe. Throughout more than 60 roundtable discussions, we have seen how biotechnology is leading a revolution addressing the major challenges of our time," detailed Lladós.

Over the three days of the congress, the biotechnology sector has been positioned as a driving force behind the new healthcare model and a key element in achieving Spain and Europe's strategic autonomy in areas such as the economy, healthcare, sustainable food, and the green industrial transition.

In this way, BIOSPAIN has become a platform for promoting the next generation of startups, with over 5,000 one-to-one meetings and more than 30 startup presentations to investors. "BIOSPAIN is now celebrating two decades during which the biotechnology industry has experienced astonishing growth. This edition has demonstrated the unwavering commitment of the biotechnology community to investment in science and innovation," emphasized Lladós.

Catalonia, one of the most competitive health innovation hubs

This edition took place in Barcelona, a city that, along with the autonomous community of Catalonia, has established itself as one of the most competitive, dynamic, and vibrant health innovation hubs in all of Europe. In fact, the region ranks first in exports of life sciences and healthcare products in Spain, with an industry that exports over 53% of Spain's products, a business network exceeding 1,350 companies, and employing 247,000 people (7% of Catalonia's employed population).

The President of the Government of Catalonia highlighted the importance of the biotechnology sector in Catalonia, citing that "in the latest national call for advanced therapy development grants, CERTERA, announced on Wednesday, €27.3 million out of the €43 million awarded went to projects in Catalonia. This figure represents 63% of the total."

In his view, BIOSPAIN arrived in Barcelona at a "key" moment for Catalonia, as it has served to boost the development of the healthcare sector in the region and solidify it as one of the main centers of the biotechnology field in Europe. An area that, as he assured, will be one of the "major" drivers of social progress and innovation at the international level. "Catalonia is health, innovation, and business," he concluded.