The PCB

The Parc Científic de Barcelona is one of Europe’s model ecosystems in research, technology transfer and innovation, covering a built-up surface area of more than 100,000 m² with some 3,453 professionals working mainly in the health sector: pharmacology, biotechnology, medical technologies, food and cosmetics.

Located in Barcelona, ​​the Park features more than 33,000 m2 of laboratory and office space that it leases out, coupled with an extensive range of scientific services on offer in the domain of the life sciences. The Park was built by the University of Barcelona in 1997, becoming the first science Park in Spain.

Mission

To promote research, knowledge transfer and innovation in the public and private sectors, through intelligent space management, technology offer and the promotion of liaison and dialogue with the PCB community.

Vision

To be a worldwide benchmark public-private research community to promote the scientific leadership of Catalonia, its economic growth and talent attraction.

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The PCB’s timeline

Between 1994, when it was created, and 2021, the Park has grown in terms of space, community and expertise, which has all made it a reference centre in Europe in scientific, technology and business innovation in the health and life sciences. Let us recap on some of the most important moments of the Park’s history through its timeline.

Cool Timeline

1994
1994

The project of the Parc Científic de Barcelona was conceived as an initiative of the University of Barcelona intended to promote research, knowledge transfer and innovation.

1997
1997

It was constituted in the Palace of the Government of Catalonia and became Spain’s first scientific park.

1998
1998

The architectural project was approved, involving a usable surface area of 60,000 m2, which was to host laboratories, offices and scientific services, and work was undertaken.

1999
1999

The first building, Torre D, was officially opened, and was to host the University of Barcelona’s first research groups.

2000
2000

The 800 MHz NMR was installed, the second-largest device of its kind in Europe..

2001
2001

The Clúster I Building was officially opened, with 36 laboratory space modules. The Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC) and the Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Barcelona (IRB Barcelona) set up.

 

The Technology Platforms were created, thus extending the Park’s offer of scientific services.

Merck, the first multinational to set up in the PCB, team, set up Spain’s only preclinical cancer research centre.

2002
2002

Creation of the CIDEM-PCB Bioincubator, which can host and promote up to 5 companies from the biotechnology sector.

2007
2007

The Instituto de Bioingeniería de Cataluña (IBEC), created by the UB, the UPC and the Government of Catalonia, set up in the Park.

 


 

The Investigación en Sociedad [Research in Society] programme was created. The activities it had been engaging in since 2002, intended to bring research closer to society and promote scientific vocations, were consolidated.

 


 

Creation of the PCB-Santander Bioincubator, the Park’s second one, which hosts 20 companies, most of which are spin-offs from university projects in the healthcare area.

2008
2008

The laboratory spaces were extended by 6,500 m2 with the Hèlix Building.

2010
2010

The Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico [National Genomic Analysis Centre] (CNAG) was created.

2011
2011

The architectural project was completed with the building and start-up of the Clúster II Building. The first company to set up there was Esteve.

2017
2017

A population of 2,700 and more than 100 companies and organisations installed was reached.

2018
2018

We have reached 20th anniversary as a scientific and business innovation centre

2019
2019

The Park consolidates solvent figures with €19.2 million revenue and a net result of €1.6 million.

2020
2020

The year of the outbreak of the pandemic saw an increase in demand, especially for laboratories. In response, a total of 2,945 m2 of new space was provided, representing an increase of 11%. The PCBeach outdoor space was also inaugurated, designed so that Community members can eat, rest or socialise in the open air.

2021
2021

The BCN Health Booster accelerator is launched, an initiative promoted by the Barcelona Science Park and the Barcelona City Council with the support of Barcelona Activa and the collaboration of Biocat to promote emerging companies in healthcare. The initiative will support eleven innovative business projects for three years, offering them discounts on lab rental fees and access to training, mentoring and free advice from experts in the sector.

2022
2022

 

Installation of the first 1.0 GHz nuclear magnetic resonance device in Spain and one of a few worldwide, led by the Scientific and Technological Centres of the UB (CCitUB).

 


 

The Park’s first Sustainability Plan (2022-2025).

 


 

Achievement of full occupation of the Park.