Lourdes Basabe, Director of the Microfluidics & Biomics Cluster UPV/EHU, participated in BIOSPAIN 2026, one of Europe’s leading international events in biotechnology and life sciences, held at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC) from 29 September to 1 October.

As part of the BIOSPAIN programme, Lourdes Basabe participated on 29 September in the roundtable “Choosing the Basque Country to Grow Your Business in Life Sciences and Health – Discover the Reasons”, held at the Margarita Salas Auditorium. Link to BIOSPAIN 2026: Home - BIOSPAIN 2026. Bilbao. Spain

The session brought together different perspectives on the factors that make the Basque Country an attractive environment for developing and scaling businesses in the life sciences and health sectors. The discussion addressed the importance of a strong innovation ecosystem, public-private collaboration, scientific and technological capabilities, access to investment, talent and the connection between research and industry.

The roundtable was moderated by María Aguirre, Head of Health and Sociohealth Transition at SPRI, and included Fermín Goytisolo Gil, Partner at Itua Health – Eikonoklastes Therapeutics; Javier García Cogorro, General Partner at Columbus Venture Partners; Idoia Muñoz Lizán, Managing Director of the Basque Health Cluster; and Lourdes Basabe, Director of the Microfluidics & Biomics Cluster UPV/EHU. Link to event: Agenda - BIOSPAIN 2026. Bilbao. Spain

Connecting research, technology and business

During the discussion, Lourdes Basabe contributed the perspective of academic research and deep-tech development, highlighting the importance of creating effective connections between scientific knowledge, technological development, talent, industry and investment.

Her participation also provided an opportunity to showcase the experience of the Microfluidics & Biomics Cluster UPV/EHU in developing innovative microfluidic technologies and translating research results towards applications in biomedicine, diagnostics and other fields.

The Cluster brings together research capabilities in microfluidics, biosensing, functional materials, cell-based systems and the integration of miniaturised technologies. Its activity combines fundamental and applied research with collaboration with companies, healthcare organisations, technology centres and other research institutions, with a strong focus on technology transfer and the development of new applications.

For Basabe, the ability to move from scientific discovery to technological solutions and ultimately to new products, services and companies depends not only on excellent research, but also on the availability of a connected ecosystem capable of supporting the entire innovation pathway.

Euskadi as an environment for life sciences innovation

BIOSPAIN 2026 brings together companies, researchers, investors, public institutions and other stakeholders from across the biotechnology and life sciences ecosystem. The event provides an important international platform for showcasing the capabilities of the Basque Country and for fostering new collaborations and business opportunities.

The Basque life sciences ecosystem currently includes more than 300 companies, supported by a broad network of universities, research organisations, technology centres, healthcare institutions and other innovation actors.

Participation in BIOSPAIN 2026 therefore provided an opportunity to highlight the role of university research and deep-tech technologies within this ecosystem, while reinforcing the importance of collaboration between science, industry, investment and public institutions in transforming research excellence into innovation and economic impact.

For the Microfluidics & Biomics Cluster UPV/EHU, participation in the event represents another step in strengthening its international visibility and its connections with the wider life sciences and health ecosystem, both in the Basque Country and internationally.