27 Mar 2026
Barcelona hosts a London delegation, becoming the first MedCity study visit destination and strengthening ties between two leading life sciences hubs.
From March 23 to 26, Barcelona became the focal point for a high-level institutional and business delegation from London, underscoring the city’s status as a global leader in healthcare and innovation. Co-organized by Catalonia Trade & Investment (ACCIÓ), London & Partners, and the life sciences cluster MedCity, the mission aimed to forge a strategic “bridge” between two of Europe’s most dynamic life sciences ecosystems.
The visit came during a period of strong growth for the BioRegion of Catalonia. The life sciences sector now drives the region’s economy, generating over €42 billion in revenue and attracting 18% more foreign investment from 2020 to 2025.
Notably, Barcelona was the very first city selected by MedCity for an official study visit. This choice was driven by the cluster’s recognition of the sophisticated model Catalonia has developed to connect research, clinical care, and business.
“We want to be partners with places like Barcelona. As global hubs, we have very complementary economies, particularly in life sciences, and a real opportunity to strengthen relationships and collaborate further.”
Howard Dawber OBE, London’s Deputy Mayor for Business and Chair of London & Partners.
The delegation was led by Howard Dawber OBE, London’s Deputy Mayor for Business and Chair of London & Partners. During the inaugural session held at the headquarters of Catalonia Trade & Investment (ACCIÓ), Dawber emphasized the importance of this bilateral connection: "London is open for business. We want to be partners with places like Barcelona. As global hubs, we have very complementary economies, particularly in life sciences, and there is a real opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and collaborate even further".
The four-day program offered 15 high-growth SMEs from the Grow London Global (GLG) program and 10 MedCity experts an intensive look at the local infrastructure. The delegation engaged with more than 30 facilities, hospitals, and research centers, including:
For London’s scaling companies, the visit reaffirmed that Barcelona is a critical partner for international expansion.
Rikesh Patel, Senior Trade Manager for the Life Sciences at Grow London Global, noted: "Barcelona is not only a key hub for accessing the Catalan and Spanish markets, but also an important gateway to opportunities around Europe".
Wael Muselmani, Senior Investment Manager at MedCity, further explained that the mission allowed London’s leaders to identify the factors behind Barcelona’s success in attracting research funding and investment. He summarized the mission’s intent: "The aim of the visit was to offer an immersive experience of Barcelona’s life sciences ecosystem, showcasing its world-class facilities, innovation hubs, and collaborative culture".
By facilitating these high-level connections, Catalonia Trade & Investment continues to position Barcelona as a vital destination for global innovation and a primary partner for the world’s leading life sciences clusters. Organizations interested in connecting with this ecosystem are welcome to reach out to our team to explore potential collaborations.
Source: Biocat & Catalonia Trade & Investment
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