Euskadi has presented its strength in the European biotechnology sector at the BIOSPAIN 2026 International Biotechnology Summit, held at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC). The event, running from September 29th to October 1st, is organized thanks to the collaboration of the Provincial Council of Bizkaia, the Basque Government, and the Spanish Bioempresas Association (AseBio), with the support of the Basque Health Cluster.
BioSpain brings together companies and organizations from the biotechnology sector, regulatory agencies, and key investors, emphasizing the strategic role of the biotech industry in areas such as health, food, bioeconomy, and the green industrial transition.
The fair's inauguration was attended by Ainara Basurko, Provincial Deputy for Economic Promotion of Bizkaia; Jaione Ganzarain, Deputy Minister of Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation of the Basque Government; and Cristina Nadal, president of AseBio. Juan Cruz Cigudosa, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Universities, was also present.
Ten years after its first edition in Euskadi, BIOESPAIN returns to one of the most consolidated and high-profile life and health sciences ecosystems in Europe. Currently, Euskadi boasts 300 companies, 20 research and technology centers, four universities, and reference hospitals. Its biosanitary ecosystem generates over 9.4 billion euros and 62,000 direct jobs.
This reality is the result of the firm commitment of Basque public administrations and public-private and inter-organizational collaboration. In addition to the Euskadi Industrial Plan 2030 and the Plan for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Euskadi 2030 -ZTBP 2030-, the Provincial Councils of Araba, Bizkaia, and Gipuzkoa have implemented specific strategies to support biosciences and deeptech.
Within this ecosystem, Bizkaia plays a crucial role, concentrating 45% of Basque companies, 44% of employment, and 56% of sector revenue. Hosting BIOSPAIN in Bilbao allows for strengthening the position of biotechnology across the three Basque territories and connecting scientific and business capabilities with companies, investors, and organizations.
United Kingdom is the guest country for BIOSPAIN 2026, which will enhance the event's international dimension and the connection between two of Europe's most dynamic biotech ecosystems. New alliances will be promoted between British and Spanish institutions in research, innovation, and investment.
During the inauguration, Deputy Ainara Basurko highlighted that the sector in Bizkaia comprises over 135 companies, generates more than 27,000 jobs, and exceeds 5.2 billion euros in revenue. Deputy Minister Jaione Ganzarain emphasized the strength of Euskadi's biosanitary industry and the priorities of the Euskadi Industrial Plan 2030, underscoring the importance of Transformative Projects based on public-private collaboration.
Cristina Nadal, president of AseBio, stated that biotechnology is at a decisive moment in Spain and Europe, and that BIOSPAIN 2026 will serve as a space to address these challenges and foster alliances.
Ceri Morgan, the UK representative and guest country delegate, explained that the UK will have a pavilion and that networking activities and roundtables will be organized, including opportunities for collaboration with Spain through the Horizon Europe program.
The BIOSPAIN 2026 program is structured into four tracks: Policy, Health, Bioeconomy, and Finance & Investment, addressing the advancements and challenges shaping the future of biotechnology, such as strengthening European competitiveness and strategic autonomy, adapting regulations, and protecting innovation. The Biotech Act will have a special focus.
Additionally, representatives from state and European institutions will participate in these discussions, including Javier Padilla, Secretary of State for Health; Raquel Yotti, representative of the PERTE for Vanguard Health; Thomas Van Cangh, Deputy Head of Unit at DG SANTE; and Miguel Gómez-Pavón López, Director General of Industrial Strategy and SMEs at the Ministry of Industry and Tourism, among others.
BIOSPAIN serves as a platform to connect companies, investors, research centers, and organizations. Through the [Partnering platform](https://biospain.com/partnering/), bilateral meetings can be arranged to establish future agreements and projects. The previous edition in Barcelona saw 4,500 meetings.
The final day of BIOSPAIN 2026 will host the [Talent Day](https://www.b2bmatch.com/e/talent-day-20226), an event designed to connect students, researchers, and professionals with companies and organizations in the biotechnology sector, featuring sessions on professional development and employment opportunities.
