Barcelona hosts the BIO-Europe Spring with an outstanding Catalan presence
For the fourth time, Barcelona will once again become the European epicentre of the international biopharmaceutical community with the celebration of BIO-Europe Spring. On 18, 19 and 20 March 2024, the city will host the most important congress in this sector of the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry in Europe.
The city has hosted BIO-Europe Spring in three previous editions, in 2010, 2013 and 2017, and has always had a large Catalan and international representation to make it a key meeting point for the sector. In this 18th edition of the event, an outstanding representation of professionals and companies based in Catalonia is expected, with a total of 150 delegates from 90 companies and organisations, a figure that represents 50% of the national representation. In total, the organisers expect record participation figures with more than 3,700 people from 2,000 companies from all over the world taking part in more than 20,000 individual meetings.
Biocat CEO, Robert Fabregat, highlighted that this type of meeting in Barcelona increases the possibilities of doing business with other international companies. “The attraction of such a large number of sector professionals from all over the world in Barcelona is a great opportunity for all Catalan companies and startups to network, develop their businesses, find new investors and also boost their international presence.
The congress is an excellent opportunity to reaffirm the strategic position of Catalonia and Barcelona as a leading international business hub in life and health sciences, attract foreign investment and take advantage of the benefits for hosts and local companies before and during the congress. This year, BIO-Europe Spring will bring 3,700 delegates to Barcelona, an 8% increase over the previous edition held in Basel (Switzerland), and higher than the 2017 edition in Barcelona, which was attended by more than 2,500 delegates from 1,440 companies and organisations.
The BioRegion of Catalonia, in constant growth
The life sciences and health sector in Catalonia continues to experience steady growth in macroeconomic indicators, innovation, research and investment. According to the BioRegion of Catalonia Report 2023, the sector represents 7.9% of Catalonia’s GDP 2022 and brings together more than 1,400 companies, employing 264,000 people (6.5% of Catalonia’s employed population). In terms of research, Catalonia is among the top ten countries in the world in terms of participation in clinical trials, and ranks fifth in Europe. Worldwide, Catalonia is in 8th place.