BIOSPAIN prepares for bold return of Barcelona 2025 with a focus on green biotech and innovation
Spain’s premier biotech conference, BIOSPAIN, is set to return to Barcelona from October 7th to 9th, 2025, marking a significant occasion for the life sciences sector both within the country and internationally. The event anticipates drawing more than 2,200 professionals representing over 40 countries, encompassing a broad spectrum of biotech fields including health, agri-food, sustainability, and digitalisation. Organisers envisage this edition of BIOSPAIN not only as a hub for scientific and commercial exchange but also as a platform to foster meaningful collaborations and networking among industry leaders, researchers, and investors.
Barcelona’s selection as the host city underscores its status as Spain’s foremost biotech cluster and a vibrant cultural centre. The city’s BioRegion boasts over 1,500 life science companies and 93 research institutions, contributing 7.6% to Catalonia’s GDP. Regional figures reflect substantial investment, with health startups and scaleups securing €347 million in funding last year alongside €550 million in foreign direct investment. These dynamics position Barcelona as a natural and strategic choice for BIOSPAIN, reinforcing the city as a thriving ecosystem for biotech innovation. According to Stuart Medina Miltimore, Director of Business Development and International Promotion at the Spanish Bioindustry Association (AseBio)—a key organizer of BIOSPAIN—Barcelona hosts around 400 biotech companies and continues to draw major investments, exemplified by AstraZeneca’s Innovation Hub employing 750 researchers.
The 2025 conference will take place at the historically significant Fira de Barcelona – Montjuïc, a venue dating back to the 1929 International Exhibition and situated in a culturally iconic part of the city. This marks the second consecutive edition held in Barcelona after a nearly twenty-year hiatus, with organisers expressing confidence in strong attendance and engagement. BIOSPAIN will operate on a biannual rhythm from 2026 onwards, further cementing Barcelona's role as a biotech nexus.
BIOSPAIN 2025 will present a comprehensive programme that addresses cutting-edge topics such as synthetic biology, the various applications of artificial intelligence, pharmaceutical strategy in Spain, and regulatory issues including pricing and reimbursement policies. Therapeutic areas like oncology and orphan drugs will also feature prominently. A distinctive element of this edition is the Green Innovation Forum, a dedicated segment for agricultural, food, and industrial biotechnology. This forum highlights biotechnology's capacity to advance sustainability and support the transition to a carbon-neutral, ecologically responsible economy. The organisers aim to amplify visibility for green biotech companies, which often operate with fewer resources than their pharma counterparts, ensuring they are not overshadowed in the broader event landscape.
In addition to specialised sessions, BIOSPAIN 2025 will facilitate numerous opportunities for collaboration, including partnering zones, pitch presentations, and social gatherings. Venture capital funds from Europe, North America, and Asia are expected to be present, enhancing prospects for investment and cross-sector partnerships. The event will also feature a Talent Day, designed specifically to connect PhD students and researchers with leading companies, thereby supporting career development within the sector.
Preparation is widely regarded as crucial to maximise the benefits of BIOSPAIN participation. Speaking to the intent behind the event, Stuart Medina Miltimore emphasises the value of balancing scheduled meetings with informal networking opportunities, encouraging attendees to remain open to unexpected encounters that can yield rewarding business discussions. Beyond its professional offerings, BIOSPAIN 2025 aims to showcase Barcelona’s distinctive "local vibes"—its pleasant autumn climate, rich cultural heritage, and culinary delights. The conference programme includes a social event at the Museu Marítim de Barcelona, a restored 15th-century shipyard preserving Catalonia’s maritime culture, alongside a Tapas Route in the city’s downtown district featuring traditional cuisine and music.
BIOSPAIN continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Spain’s and Europe’s biotech landscape, facilitating exchanges that extend well beyond the event itself. It serves as a vital forum where longstanding connections are renewed and new partnerships forged. With its comprehensive agenda and prime location in a leading biotech hub, BIOSPAIN 2025 promises to be an unmissable event for executives, innovators, and stakeholders across the life sciences industries.
