VHIR is the research centre in Spain that has created the most health spin-offs this century

The Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) is the research centre attached to a hospital that has created the most health spin-off companies in Spain so far in the 21st century. This is reflected in the report ‘Evolution and trends in scientific entrepreneurship in the sector in Spain’, prepared by the Botín Foundation and the strategic consultancy Inveniam Group. Between 2001 and 2023, the VHIR promoted the creation of 15 companies, placing it in third position, only behind the University of Barcelona (with 19) and the CSIC (with 21), even though the latter has 19 centres dedicated exclusively to biomedical research. This figure reinforces the VHIR's leadership in innovation within the hospital field.

The VHIR also stands out for leading so-called ‘exit operations’, which are those cases in which companies reach such a degree of maturity that they can be sold, generating profits for their founders and early investors. Although only a small proportion of companies reach this point — only 26 of the 199 analysed in the report —  VHIR has achieved several. According to the Botín Foundation, the lack of specialised late-stage investors and the limited presence of private capital make it difficult for many companies to consolidate. Even so, the sector continues to grow and improve. In fact, Barcelona is the clear frontrunner: it has 55% of the spin-offs and 61% of the exit operations in Spain.

To take advantage of this good momentum, VHIR has implemented a new innovation model to transform the way biomedical research impacts society. This approach identifies and supports projects with the greatest potential, with the aim of facilitating knowledge transfer and maximising the chances of success in commercialisation and clinical application. Projects include, for example, newly developed drugs, diagnostic tools, medical devices or digital health solution

In addition, an Innovation Hub is also being set up. It will be a pioneering space dedicated to promoting the creation of public-private alliances and new projects through the creation of companies and the attraction of new investors and biotech or pharmaceutical companies to collaborate with VHIR's research groups.

‘With this initiative we aim to create a community focused on knowledge transfer and the generation of impact focused on patients and society,’ emphasises Rafael Navajo, director of Innovation and Technology Transfer at VHIR.