Navarra Strengthens Its Leadership in Biotechnology and Technology Transfer

At Transfiere, the European Forum for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Navarra presented its strategy for building a robust biotechnology ecosystem that connects science, business, and public policy. The Government of Navarra participated in the event with a roundtable discussion focused on analyzing the role of technology transfer, scientific infrastructure, and talent in the sector’s development.

The biotechnology sector is experiencing rapid global growth, with the market expanding at an annual rate of 17.3%. In Spain, the biotech industry is already worth 700 million euros, contributes 0.1% of GDP, and employs more than 10,000 people, while also accounting for 4% of global scientific output in this field.

In this context, Navarre stands out for having one of the most dynamic ecosystems: more than 30 biotechnology companies, seven knowledge-generating institutions, advanced scientific infrastructure, and 1,800 people working directly in the sector. According to the AseBio report, the region has the highest concentration of biotechnology companies in Spain, with 1.16 companies per 1,000 inhabitants.

This potential is supported by the Navarre R&D&I System (SINAI), which comprises 45 entities, 23 of which are engaged in R&D&I activities, including universities, research centers, technology centers, and business units. In total, nearly 4,000 people are currently conducting research in Navarre.

Ecosystem, Knowledge Transfer, and Infrastructure

The roundtable brought together representatives from institutions, the business sector, and the technical community to discuss how to strengthen the link between scientific knowledge and the market. 

Agurtzane Martínez, Director General of Science, Technology, and Innovation, emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen mechanisms that enable the knowledge generated at SINAI to be translated into tangible transfers to businesses and society, as well as the strategic focus outlined in the Science and Technology Plan on areas such as synthetic biology, bioinformatics, and personalized medicine.

For her part, CEIN’s managing director, Uxue Itoiz, emphasized the role of deep tech entrepreneurship and the need to create an environment that facilitates the scaling of technology projects from the laboratory to the market.

From a business perspective, Miguel Ángel Cubero, CEO of Ingredalia, explained how biotechnology makes it possible to transform agri-food byproducts into high-value-added functional ingredients, illustrating the real-world impact of technology transfer.

Gonzalo Ordóñez, head of the Personalized Medicine and Laboratories division at NASERTIC, also highlighted the role of the IRIS Digital Innovation Hub as a strategic infrastructure that spans various stages of the value chain, facilitating the development and industrial application of biotechnology.

A booth showcasing the strength of Navarre's ecosystem

At Transfiere, Navarra had its own booth, funded and led by the Government of Navarra’s Department of Universities, Innovation, and Digital Transformation. In addition, the public entity CEIN and ADItech, the coordinating body of SINAI, were involved in organizing the event. The delegation also included representatives from IRIS Navarra, the Digital Innovation Hub; Transfer UNAV, the University of Navarra’s Office of Technology Transfer and Knowledge; the Public University of Navarra (UPNA); and NAIR Center, Navarra’s Artificial Intelligence Research Center. Startups mentored by CEIN— bitmatrÍA and Ingredalia—were also part of the Navarra exhibit.

Participation in this trade show is part of the Government of Navarre’s strategy to raise the profile of Navarre’s R&D&I ecosystem, strengthen national and international partnerships, and position the region as a European leader in biotechnology, innovation, and technology transfer.