A delegation of around 20 organisations from Türkiye is visiting Catalonia this week to explore the region’s health and life sciences ecosystem and identify opportunities for collaboration on European research, development and innovation projects.
The Horizon Europe Health Study Visit to Catalonia, organised with the participation of Leitat Technological Center, Sistem Global and TÜBİTAK, brings together Turkish researchers and innovation actors with Catalan research organisations, technology centres, hospitals and other stakeholders across the health and life sciences ecosystem.
Exploring Catalonia’s health and life sciences ecosystem
The programme began at Leitat Technological Center, where the delegation was introduced to the Catalan health R&D ecosystem. Marc Masa presented Leitat and its Health & Biomedicine capabilities, while Evelyn Moreno shared insights into European projects and opportunities for international collaboration.
The visit continued at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) and Fraunhofer Spain CAT at the Barcelona Science Park, combining scientific exchange, technical presentations, networking and visits to research facilities.
The programme brings together expertise across areas including bioengineering, nanomedicine, advanced tissue models, drug discovery and biomedical technologies, providing an opportunity for the participating organisations to identify complementary capabilities and potential areas for future cooperation.
From ecosystem connections to European partnerships
On 7 October, the programme continues at ACCIÓ with the Catalonia–Türkiye Health R&I Brokerage Event, bringing together the Turkish delegation and Catalan health and life sciences organisations for ecosystem presentations, organisational pitches and dedicated B2B matchmaking meetings.
The objective is to foster new partnerships for collaborative European R&D&I projects, with a particular focus on opportunities within Horizon Europe Cluster 1, the Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) and the EU Mission on Cancer.
The programme includes presentations from ACCIÓ and Biocat, pitches from Turkish and Catalan organisations, and one-to-one meetings designed to identify complementary expertise and potential project partnerships.
A closer look at Catalonia’s research and innovation capabilities
The final stage of the study visit will take the Turkish delegation to Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP) and the Centre Nacional d’Anàlisi Genòmica (CNAG).
These visits will offer participants a closer look at Catalonia’s clinical, research and technological capabilities, complementing the ecosystem and networking activities developed throughout the week.
By bringing together organisations from Türkiye and Catalonia across research, healthcare and technology, the study visit aims to strengthen connections between both ecosystems and lay the foundations for future collaboration in European R&D&I programmes.
