The Spanish bioindustry has reported record levels of investment, underlining its growing importance as a pillar of the national economy and a hub for scientific innovation in Europe. According to data published by the Spanish Bioindustry Association (AseBio), companies operating in the biotechnology and life sciences sectors attracted more than €200 million in private capital during the past year, the highest annual total recorded to date.
This surge in investment has been driven by a combination of factors, including a favourable regulatory environment, strong academic partnerships, and a maturing ecosystem of startups and scale-ups. Spanish biotech firms are increasingly drawing interest from European and international investors, particularly in areas such as oncology, neuroscience, gene therapy, and digital health. AseBio’s report also notes a rise in venture capital participation, especially from funds based in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the United States.
Barcelona and Madrid remain the two main innovation centres, accounting for the majority of biotech funding and startup activity. However, other regions such as the Basque Country, Andalusia, and Galicia are also building out specialised research infrastructure and attracting new businesses. Several regional governments have launched innovation grants and co-investment programmes aimed at encouraging public-private collaboration, particularly in advanced therapies and diagnostics.
Spain’s reputation for high-quality research and clinical trial capabilities has been a major asset. The country is now one of the leading locations for clinical trials in Europe, with Spanish hospitals and research institutes playing a central role in multinational studies. This has enabled local biotech companies to access patients, generate real-world data, and build scientific partnerships with global pharmaceutical firms.
The growth in funding is being mirrored by a shift in business models, with more companies focusing on therapeutic pipelines rather than service contracts or research tools. According to AseBio, nearly 800 companies in Spain are now considered active biotech firms, with approximately 250 focused on drug development. The sector contributes more than 1.2 percent to Spain’s GDP and supports over 117,000 direct and indirect jobs across the country.
One of the key trends highlighted in AseBio’s findings is the increasing number of early-stage investments being secured by Spanish startups. Seed and Series A rounds are becoming more common, allowing companies to advance from lab-based research to proof-of-concept and clinical validation. Accelerators and incubators linked to universities and science parks have played a central role in nurturing young firms, while larger pharmaceutical companies are also beginning to invest through corporate venture arms.
Policy support has also played a role in the sector’s expansion. Spain’s national Recovery and Resilience Plan, partly funded by the European Union, has earmarked significant funding for innovation in health and biotechnology. New legislative efforts to streamline regulatory approval for biotech products, especially those related to personalised medicine and digital platforms, are expected to further improve the investment landscape.
Despite the positive momentum, challenges remain. Many Spanish biotech firms are still dependent on grants and subsidies to bridge the so-called “valley of death” between research and commercialisation. There are also ongoing concerns about talent retention, with many researchers leaving for higher-paid positions abroad. AseBio has called for more long-term investment mechanisms, better coordination between ministries, and continued efforts to align public funding with private-sector growth.
Nevertheless, the outlook for Spanish biotechnology appears increasingly optimistic. With record investment, growing international visibility, and a robust pipeline of innovative therapies and technologies, Spain is well positioned to play a more prominent role in shaping the future of health and life sciences in Europe.