This proximity creates opportunities to connect scientific discovery with clinical development, technology and commercialisation. For international companies looking to establish R&D operations, advance clinical programmes or build a European presence, Barcelona offers an ecosystem that supports innovation across the life sciences value chain.
With a strong industrial base, internationally recognised research centres and a growing community of innovative companies, Barcelona is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for life sciences investment.
Here’s why.
A complete life sciences ecosystem, already in place
The Barcelona region is home to more than 1,650 life sciences companies, including around 550 startups and scaleups. The ecosystem spans the full value chain, from early-stage research and technology development to pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical devices and professional services.
| Segment | Number of companies |
|---|---|
| Biotech | 423 |
| Digital health | 259 |
| MedTech | 238 |
| Pharmaceutical | 130 |
| Suppliers | 240 |
| Professional services and consultancies | 279 |
| Investors | 81 |
Source: Barcelona & Partners / relevant ecosystem data. Figures and methodology to be confirmed before publication.
The region also hosts operations from global companies such as Novartis, Sanofi, AstraZeneca, Roche, Pfizer, Amgen, Bayer and Boehringer Ingelheim. Leading Spanish pharmaceutical and healthcare companies, including Almirall, Esteve, Ferrer, Grifols, Uriach and Werfen, also have deep roots in Barcelona.
This industrial presence creates opportunities for collaboration between established companies, emerging innovators, research institutions and specialised suppliers. For international businesses, it means entering an ecosystem with existing expertise, infrastructure and potential partners rather than building every relationship from scratch.
Catalonia accounts for around 50% of Spain’s pharmaceutical industry. In 2024, it exported €9,165 million in life sciences and health products, representing 45.7% of Spain’s total.
These figures underline Barcelona’s role not only as a research destination, but also as a base for industrial development, international business and growth.
World-class research meets clinical development
Barcelona’s scientific strength is one of its greatest advantages. The region combines research institutes, university hospitals, universities and major scientific infrastructures within a highly connected environment.
Its scientific assets include the Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), the Barcelona Science Park, Vall d’Hebron, Sant Pau, Can Ruti and the Bellvitge BioCluster. The region also hosts major infrastructures such as the ALBA Synchrotron, the Barcelona Supercomputing Center and the National Centre for Genomic Analysis (CNAG).
Together, these institutions support research across areas including oncology, genomics, personalised medicine, rare diseases and advanced therapies.
For companies developing new treatments, technologies or diagnostic solutions, the proximity of research teams and clinical institutions can facilitate collaboration throughout the development process. It also creates opportunities to connect scientific expertise with clinical needs and potential applications.
Barcelona’s clinical research activity adds another important dimension. According to the figures provided for this article, the region has 5,308 active clinical trials, placing it among Europe’s leading clinical research hubs. Its capabilities extend to areas such as oncology and advanced therapies, supported by internationally recognised centres including the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), IRB Barcelona and Sant Joan de Déu.
For international life sciences companies, this combination of scientific excellence and clinical expertise makes Barcelona a compelling location to explore research partnerships, clinical development and translational innovation.
A growing hub for health AI and digital health
Life sciences innovation increasingly depends on the convergence of biology, medicine, data and software. Barcelona has a strong foundation in all four.
The region is home to companies developing AI applications for healthcare, with work spanning personalised medicine, remote monitoring, medical imaging and genomics. The local ecosystem also brings together digital health startups, technology specialists, research organisations and healthcare providers.
This convergence creates opportunities for companies developing AI-enabled medical technologies, data-driven diagnostics, digital therapeutics and tools that support clinical research and patient care.
Barcelona’s broader technology ecosystem provides an additional advantage. Companies can access digital talent and technical expertise alongside established biomedical research and healthcare infrastructure, making it easier to build multidisciplinary teams.
Access to health data is another important consideration for businesses operating in Europe. The European Health Data Space (EHDS), established by Regulation (EU) 2025/327, is creating a framework for the secondary use of electronic health data for purposes including research and innovation, subject to applicable rules, safeguards and access procedures.
For companies considering a European presence, Barcelona offers proximity to hospitals, research institutions and digital health organisations operating within this evolving regulatory environment. A local presence does not automatically guarantee access to health data, but it can help companies build the relationships and operational capabilities needed to navigate the European ecosystem.
International talent with specialised expertise
Access to the right people is essential for life sciences companies, whether they are building a research team, expanding clinical operations or developing new health technologies.
Barcelona benefits from a combination of scientific training, healthcare expertise and digital capabilities. Catalonia’s universities and research institutions educate and train professionals across biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, medicine, engineering, data science and related disciplines.
The region also attracts international professionals, helping companies build teams with experience across different markets and scientific fields.
Alongside its biomedical talent pool, Barcelona offers a substantial technology workforce. This is particularly relevant for businesses working at the intersection of life sciences, AI, software and data, where multidisciplinary expertise is increasingly important.
Operating costs can also be a consideration when choosing a location. Researcher salaries and overall employment costs vary according to experience, specialisation, employer and compensation structure, but Barcelona may offer a competitive alternative to other major European innovation hubs.
For companies planning to establish or expand operations, the combination of specialised talent, international appeal and a broad technology workforce can support both initial recruitment and longer-term growth.
R&D incentives and support for international companies
The cost of research, development and innovation is a major consideration for life sciences businesses. Spain offers several tax incentives and business frameworks that may be relevant to companies undertaking qualifying activities.
R&D and technological innovation tax deductions. Spain’s corporate tax framework provides deductions for qualifying research and development expenditure, as well as technological innovation activities. The applicable percentage depends on the nature and level of expenditure and the relevant legal requirements.
Patent Box. A tax incentive may apply to qualifying income derived from certain eligible intellectual property assets, subject to statutory conditions and calculation rules.
Startup Act. Eligible innovative startups may benefit from a reduced corporate tax rate, alongside other measures designed to support entrepreneurship and investment.
Special tax regime for qualifying inbound professionals. Certain professionals relocating to Spain may qualify for a special personal income tax regime, commonly known as the Beckham Law, if they meet the applicable conditions.
The availability and value of these incentives depend on each company’s structure, activities and eligibility. Professional tax advice is therefore essential when assessing their impact on a proposed investment.
Beyond tax measures, Barcelona & Partners helps international companies understand the local business environment and connect with relevant organisations, institutions and ecosystem partners. This can be particularly useful for companies assessing potential locations, planning an initial market entry or evaluating the resources required to establish operations.
Spain’s wider economic context also supports the case for considering Barcelona as a European business location. Catalonia is one of the country’s major economic regions, with a significant contribution to national GDP and an established international industrial base.
Why choose Barcelona for your next life sciences project?
Choosing a location for life sciences investment involves more than comparing costs or identifying a strong research institution. Companies need access to talent, infrastructure, clinical expertise, potential partners and the conditions required to grow.
Barcelona brings these elements together in one connected ecosystem. Its combination of scientific research, hospitals, pharmaceutical and medtech companies, digital capabilities and international talent creates opportunities for businesses at different stages of development.
Whether you are considering a new R&D centre, expanding clinical research, developing a health technology business or establishing a European base, Barcelona is worth exploring as part of your location strategy.
Let’s build in Barcelona
At Barcelona & Partners, we help international life sciences companies and investors establish and grow in Barcelona.
Our team connects businesses with relevant research centres, hospitals, talent, ecosystem partners and funding opportunities, helping them navigate the local environment and identify the resources they need to move forward. Our services are free of charge.
Considering Barcelona for your next R&D centre, clinical operations or European base?
Contact our team to discuss your project and explore the opportunities Barcelona can offer.