deep tech in Catalonia

Catalonia currently has 374 deep tech startups operating here today, a strategically critical mass boosting the region's pioneering capacity.

Download our report about the Deep tech ecosystem in Catalonia

Deep techs, a powerful driver of innovation.

Any innovative region needs to have deep tech organizations at its core. For the uninitiated, these are organizations, typically startups, arising generally from scientific, technological, or engineering universities and research systems that push the frontiers of innovation by developing pioneering knowledge and technology in response to global challenges.

According to the study "Deep tech in Catalonia", Catalonia currently has 374 deep techs operating here, a strategically critical mass boosting the region's pioneering capacity.

They represent 16.4% of all startups in the Barcelona & Catalonia Startup Hub.

Behind cutting-edge technology

The same study revealed that in Catalonia, these 374 deep tech startups represent 16.4% of the total startup ecosystem, generate 2,846 highly qualified jobs, and have a turnover of some 167 million euros.

In Catalonia, deep tech startups mainly apply technologies such as biotechnology (35%), artificial intelligence (29%), and sustainable or advanced materials (11%), though other technologies such as blockchain, photonics, quantum computing, and semiconductors are also used.

In terms of sectors, deep tech startups in Catalonia are concentrated primarily in healthcare (45%), green energy (13%), and software and business services (9%) also standing out.

You can search our database to find Catalan suppliers in the Deep Tech sector.

“Catalonia has long been a cradle of science and technology, creating today’s consolidated foundation of renowned firms in all tech areas”

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374 deep tech startups
2,846 professionals
€167M in turnover

Barcelona climbs to the 6th largest EU hub for deep tech startup funding

The analysis shows that Barcelona is the 6th largest hub in the European Union regarding funds raised by deep tech startups, with 610 million euros in the 2020-2024 period. It has gained one position and multiplied the investment by 3.5 for the period 2015-2019.

In Europe, the Catalan capital is only behind Stockholm, Paris, Munich, Berlin, and Helsinki.

Startups in Catalonia have also achieved strong results in attracting European funding for deep tech, accounting for 3.3% of total EIC Accelerator funds awarded over the past four years.

Boosting the creation and attraction of new talent

The deep tech ecosystem is highly dynamic; it is noteworthy that the number of deep tech startups has increased over the past year by 10%. The increase is 28.0% compared to 2022, higher than the figure of 20.1% for the total growth of startups.

This growth in emerging knowledge-based companies has also impacted patent generation. Notably, 57% of these firms hold at least one patent or a system for protecting their intellectual property.

Female presence in a strong and diverse ecosystem

The study has analyzed women's participation in the deep tech startup ecosystem for the first time. Women hold CEO positions in 21% of these companies, and 32% of founding teams have at least one woman, figures that exceed the average for Catalan startups, which is 22%.

The report emphasizes Catalonia's robust and diverse deep tech ecosystem, which fosters the growth of these companies. It highlights the presence of research centers and institutions that produce spin-offs, as well as incubators and accelerators.

Additionally, it notes the availability of venture capital funds and investors, as well as public institutions and administrations that support the sector through programs such as ACCIÓ-Catalonia Trade & Investment's Startup Capital grant program.