FROM GOTHENBURG TO CATALONIA: EXPLORING A THRIVING LIFE SCIENCE ECOSYSTEM

From Gothenburg to Catalonia: Exploring a Thriving Life Science Ecosystem

Apply to CO-AX

Published 02 June 2025

On May 26–27, Sahlgrenska Science Park, in collaboration with Business Region Göteborg, embarked on an inspiring reference trip to Barcelona, delving into one of Europe’s most dynamic and strategically developed Life Science ecosystems.

Catalonia has positioned itself as a leader in advanced therapies, collaborative innovation, and translational health impact—an impressive demonstration of how regional coordination can translate into global relevance and improved patient outcomes.

Representing West Sweden

The delegation from Gothenburg included:

Josefin Kingvall – Sahlgrenska Science Park
Gwen Gilderson – Sahlgrenska Science Park
Kristina Levan – Business Region Göteborg

Together, they explored a wide range of cutting-edge institutions and initiatives, gaining first-hand insight into Catalonia’s integrated approach to health innovation.

Catalan Highlights

Hospital Sant Joan de Déu

A European leader in pediatric and maternal healthcare, the hospital is renowned for its expertise in rare and complex conditions. The visit included an introduction to their Advanced Therapies and Immunotherapy Platform, supported by newly established GMP-compliant clean rooms for ATMP production—placing the hospital at the forefront of pediatric cell and gene therapy.

Speakers included:

Fátima Nuñez, Deputy Director of Research, Innovation and Knowledge Management
Alessandra Magnani, MD PhD, Head of the Advanced Therapies and Immunotherapy Platform

SJD Barcelona Children's Hospital for mother and child

Biocat – Ecosystem Exchange: Gothenburg–Catalonia

Biocat hosted a vibrant session connecting key ecosystem actors. Special thanks to Robert Fabregat (CEO) and Montse Daban (Strategic Foresight & International Relations Director) for facilitating deep ecosystem insight and exchange.

Participants included:

Esther Arévalo, Project Manager, Catalonia Ministry of Health
Noelia Mateo, Global Director Advanced Therapies, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona
Esteve Trias, Executive Medical Director, Leitat Health
Xavier Cañas, Director of Promotion of Clinical Research, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital

Blood and Tissue Bank of Catalonia

A national reference center for advanced therapies and human-origin substances, the bank recently expanded its capabilities with new GMP clean rooms to support in-house ATMP manufacturing.

Our hosts included:

Carlos Julià, Head of ATMP Manufacturing
Núria Gavaldà, Strategy & Innovation Director

Banc de Sang i Teixits | Banc de Sang i Teixits

ACCIÓ – Catalonia Trade & Investment

A driving force in Catalonia’s economic and innovation landscape, ACCIÓ plays a vital role in internationalisation and cluster development.

Thank you to:

Alberto Pezzi, Director, Clusters Unit
Toni Ruiz Martínez, Senior Consultant, Tech Entrepreneurship
Arantxa Sanz, CEO, Catalonia.Health
Ángel Freire, Senior Consultant, EU Projects

Xartec Salut

We also had the pleasure of meeting Alexandre Perera, Cristina Páez Avilés, and Anna Castillo at the Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (IRIS), which leads Xartec Salut—a pioneering HealthTech network driving innovation in the region. Xartec Salut is now launching a new initiative to build a European alliance of HealthTech clusters, with the aim of fostering cross-border collaboration and accelerating HealthTech impact across Europe

From policy frameworks to production platforms, from research infrastructure to global partnerships - Catalonia’s approach to Life Science development provides both inspiration and practical learnings for us in West Sweden.

We return to Gothenburg with strengthened connections, new perspectives, and a unified commitment:

to accelerate health innovation through collaboration!

A warm thank you to all our Catalan hosts and partners for your generosity, insight, and openness. This exchange marks a new chapter in our efforts to build bridges and co-create the future of health innovation—region by region, together.

Collaborative projects that drive real impact

At Sahlgrenska Science Park, we believe that collaboration is key to solving complex health challenges. Through strategic partnerships and international innovation projects, we co-create solutions that make a real difference – for people, healthcare systems, and society at large.