Galicia–North Portugal Euroregion Drives Growth Through Biotech and Innovation

On 17 April, the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) proudly took part in the “Conectar para Crecer” event held in Vila Nova de Gaia, near Porto, bringing together key stakeholders from across the Galicia–North of Portugal Euroregion to reinforce collaboration in innovation and biotechnology.

The initiative, promoted by the Zona Franca de Vigo, ABANCA, and the Business Technology Clusters for Life Sciences, Spain’s BIOGA and Portugal’s P-Bio, highlighted the growing strength of cross-border cooperation and the shared ambition to position the Euroregion as a leading biotech hub in southern Europe.

Bringing together representatives from institutions, research centres, and industry, the event provided a platform to exchange perspectives, explore collaboration opportunities, and identify synergies between the Galician and Northern Portuguese innovation ecosystems. INL’s participation reflects its ongoing commitment to fostering cross-border scientific collaboration and supporting the development of a strong, interconnected research and innovation landscape.

A key focus of the meeting was the potential to deepen strategic alliances and create a more structured framework for cooperation. Discussions pointed towards the possible establishment of a long-term initiative—an “Atlantic Biotech Alliance”—aimed at aligning priorities, connecting projects with investment opportunities, and reinforcing the region’s global competitiveness.

Reflecting on the importance of the initiative, Lorenzo Pastrana, Group Leader at INL, highlighted the value of cross-border collaboration: “Initiatives like this are essential to strengthen connections between research, industry, and innovation ecosystems. By working together across regions, we can accelerate the translation of scientific knowledge into real-world applications and reinforce the Euroregion’s position as a competitive biotech hub.”

The event also showcased the strength of the Galician biotech ecosystem, with contributions from Zendal and BIOGA, which highlighted the sector’s scale and impact in terms of companies, investment in innovation, and employment. Participants emphasised that strengthening ties between Galicia and Northern Portugal is not only a matter of geographic proximity but a strategic opportunity to build a globally competitive innovation cluster.

Cross-border collaboration in biotechnology is already well established through European initiatives such as Interreg POCTEP projects, which have supported joint efforts between research institutions and companies. These collaborations have played a key role in consolidating the Euroregion as a dynamic and competitive ecosystem, facilitating access to funding and accelerating innovation.

By engaging in initiatives like “Conectar para Crecer,” INL continues to contribute to the development of a collaborative environment that connects talent, research capacity, and industry—essential elements for advancing innovation and addressing global challenges through science and technology.

Text by: Mariam Debs