Biotechnology and life sciences startups attracted €345.5 million in 2025, only surpassed by the software and AI sector. The Spain Global Startup Hub 2026 report from ICEX Spain Export and Investment confirms the rise of an ecosystem that now includes 523 tech companies.
The Spanish entrepreneurial ecosystem has found a goldmine of investment in biotechnology and life sciences. According to the Spain Global Startup Hub 2026 report, prepared by ICEX Spain Export and Investment, startups in this sector raised €345.5 million in 2025, making it the second most funded sector in the national startup ecosystem. Only the software and artificial intelligence sector, with €516 million, surpasses it.
38 investment rounds that boost the figures
Investment in biotech and life sciences was distributed across 38 rounds, a figure significantly higher than that recorded in 2024. Within this segment, the health and wellness subsector attracted €166.2 million spread over 34 operations. Among the most notable cases are SpliceBio, based in Barcelona, which secured €118 million, and Arthex, from Valencia, with €73.9 million.
The report, published in June 2026, highlights that Spain is among the top ten global players in science and biotechnology, contributing 2.5% to global production. The network of 80 science parks, leading research centres, and over 840 hospitals drives innovation in this field.
An ecosystem of 523 companies and two global hubs
Currently, the biotechnology sector comprises 523 tech companies, of which 280 are startups. The main innovation hubs are concentrated in Barcelona, Madrid, and San Sebastián. Spain is, along with Germany, the only country that has two top-level global innovation hubs: Madrid and Barcelona. In addition, there are over 200 accelerators, incubators, and support programmes for startups.
ICEX highlights that a distinctive feature of the Spanish ecosystem is the increasing sectoral specialisation of accelerators, with programmes focused on health and biotechnology. In terms of investment type, capital funds dominate (69%), while public funding is minimal (5%). About 23% of investors opt for a mixed model.
eHealth: 478 startups and €62 million in revenue
The digital health (eHealth) subsector is gaining traction. According to the report, 478 startups dedicated to this field generated total revenues of €62 million during 2025. Investment in this segment reached €166 million across 34 operations. The Spanish Society for Technological Transformation (SETT) has strengthened public support with an investment of €9.9 million in the venture capital fund CRB Digital Health III, aimed at digital health startups and scaleups.
Among the success stories mentioned by ICEX are Quibim, Idoven, and Savana, companies developing disruptive solutions in imaging diagnostics, cardiology, and health data analysis. The report notes that the sector is gaining relevance as healthcare providers, startups, and investors adopt digital solutions to improve prevention, diagnosis, and system efficiency.
InceptionBio: a €100 million fund for biotech
The push for the sector does not stop. In 2026, the InceptionBio fund was launched, managed by Ysios Capital, endowed with €100 million and backed by the Innvierte mechanism of the CDTI. This fund aims to finance early-stage biotech startups, reinforcing the commitment to innovation in a sector that the Government considers strategic for the Spanish economy.
For readers interested in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, this data confirms that biotech and digital health are two of the sectors with the greatest growth potential and capital attraction in Spain. Startups operating in these areas benefit from a favourable environment, with innovation hubs, specialised accelerators, and public and private funds ready to invest. Those looking to start a business or invest have a fertile field here.
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