402 Startups Driving Innovation in Catalonia

Catalonia's deep tech ecosystem now comprises 402 startups, employing over 3,000 people and generating €188 million in annual revenue, according to the 2026 report Analysis of the Deep Tech Startups Ecosystem in Catalonia published by ACCIÓ, the business growth agency of the Department of Business and Labour. The figures were presented by Councillor Miquel Sàmper on Tuesday 3rd November 2026 during the opening of Catalonia's stand at the Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC 2026) at Fira de Barcelona Gran Via. The report shows a 7.5% increase in the number of companies, 8.5% growth in employment, and a 12.6% rise in revenue compared to the previous year. Since 2022, the number of deep tech startups has grown by 37.8%, outpacing the 26.3% growth of all Catalan startups.

Over half of Catalan deep tech startups, 53.4%, hold at least one patent or intellectual property protection, with more than half of those holding multiple protections. A defining feature of the ecosystem is its strong academic ties: 40% of these startups are spin-offs from research centres, universities, or scientific institutions.

Leading Technologies and Sectors

Biotechnology and medical technologies lead the sector, accounting for 34.1% of deep tech startups, followed by artificial intelligence and supercomputing (28.9%) and sustainable and frontier materials (10.7%). By economic activity, 43.5% of startups operate in the health sector, 12.4% in green energy, and 10% in software and professional services.

Female Founders and Venture Capital Growth

The study highlights that 42.8% of deep tech startups have at least one woman on their founding team, with stronger representation in biotechnology and AI. Investment is also rising: 57.2% of companies have secured venture capital, and over the past three years, they have raised €436 million, a 49% increase from the prior three-year period.

Technology is more valuable when it leaves the laboratory, addresses real needs, and improves people's lives and the capacity of public services.

, Miquel Sàmper, Councillor for Business and Labour

Showcasing Solutions at Smart City Expo 2026

Under the slogan "Born in Catalonia. Ready to scale," the regional stand at SCEWC 2026 is showcasing four real-world pilot projects in areas such as rural mobility, healthcare logistics, supply chain resilience, and accessibility for people with low vision. These initiatives use AI, space technologies, and drones, and are developed by Catalan firms in collaboration with public institutions. Sàmper stated that Catalonia is positioning itself as a hub that transforms ideas into tangible solutions for economic and societal challenges. The Smart City Expo, running until Thursday 5th November 2026, hosts 990 cities, over 1,190 exhibitors, and 600 speakers, with more than 27,000 expected attendees.

Sources: Govern de Catalunya, diaricatalunya.cat.