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Research institutes headquartered in Catalonia

Tamtam tracks 59 research institutes headquartered in Catalonia. This list ranks the 50 largest by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by Universitat de Barcelona, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and Universitat Oberta de Catalunya. Their median headcount is 568. Half of them were founded in 1994 or later. The most common headquarters are Barcelona (28), Badalona (2) and L'Hospitalet de Llobregat (2).

🇪🇸 Catalonia50 companiesUpdated Nov 12, 2026

The research institutes in Catalonia are predominantly large universities and hospitals, with a strong concentration in Barcelona. Institutions like Universitat de Barcelona, founded in 1450, and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, a pioneering research-focused university, exemplify this. Other key players include Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, an internationally recognized online university, and Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, a leading public university hospital.

A clear pattern is the dominance of higher education and healthcare. Most of these organizations are based in Barcelona, with a few notable exceptions in Tarragona, Girona, Sabadell, Lleida, and Vic. A mix of ancient institutions, like Universitat de Barcelona, and more recently established ones, such as Universitat Rovira i Virgili (1991), is also present.

#CompanyIndustryHeadquarters EmployeesFounded
1
Universitat de Barcelonaweb.ub.edu

Leading Spanish university with extensive research departments, numerous projects, and collaborations with national and European institutions and businesses.

Research Services 🇪🇸 Barcelona 10,368 1450
2
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelonauab.cat

The organization is a pioneering, research-focused university in Barcelona, known for its diversity, sustainability, and campus culture, offering unique experiences

Higher Education 🇪🇸 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès) 8,649 1968
3
Universitat Oberta de Catalunyauoc.edu

Internationally recognized online university providing lifelong learning opportunities to over 60,000 students, aiming to meet individual needs and offer full access to knowledge

E-Learning Providers 🇪🇸 Barcelona 6,651 1994
4
Hospital Clínic de Barcelonaclinicbarcelona.org

A leading public university hospital in Spain, offering quality healthcare, cutting-edge research, and professional training with a focus on humanized medicine

Hospitals and Health Care 🇪🇸 Barcelona 6,159 1906
5
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunyaupc.edu

Public institution specializing in engineering, architecture, science, technology education and research, promoting innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility.

Higher Education 🇪🇸 Barcelona 5,306 1971
6
Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebronvallhebron.com

A leading hospital complex in Catalonia with four large centers offering a wide range of medical and surgical specialties

Hospitals and Health Care 🇪🇸 Barcelona 4,361 1955
7
Universitat Rovira i Virgiliurv.cat

A university established in 1991, focused on providing knowledge to society, offering European harmonized education, and excelling in teaching and research

Higher Education 🇪🇸 Tarragona 3,015 1991
8
Universitat de Gironaudg.edu

A public institution in Catalonia focused on teaching, research, and societal development through knowledge creation and dissemination in various fields

Higher Education 🇪🇸 Girona 2,304 1991
9
IESE Business Schooliese.edu

Providing management programs for career growth, focusing on developing leaders to make a positive impact with integrity, excellence, and service mindset

Education Administration Programs 🇪🇸 Barcelona 2,222 1958
10
Universitat Internacional de Catalunyauic.es

A place for personal and academic development, fostering growth through rigorous academics, university experiences, and enriching life opportunities since 1997

Higher Education 🇪🇸 Barcelona 2,094 1997
11
Parc Taulí Hospital Universitaritauli.cat

This institutional public entity provides healthcare services, education, research, and social activities for citizens, in collaboration with the Autonomous University of Barcelona

Hospitals and Health Care 🇪🇸 Sabadell 1,786 1986
12
Universitat de Lleidaudl.cat

A public institution offering various degree programs in faculties like law, arts, medicine, and affiliated schools including tourism and physical education

Higher Education 🇪🇸 Lleida 1,642 1300
13
La Salle BCNsalleurl.edu

Educates professionals in engineering, architecture, business, digital arts, philosophy, and health engineering with a focus on technology, humanism, and social responsibility.

Higher Education 🇪🇸 Barcelona 1,506 1903
14
Barcelona Supercomputing Centerbsc.es

Leading Spanish supercomputing center specializing in High Performance Computing, providing infrastructure, services, and research for academia, industry, and society

Research Services 🇪🇸 Barcelona 1,401 2005
15
Universitat de Vic – Universitat Central de Catalunyauvic.cat

Public university privately managed through Balmes University Foundation, with contract program and participation in public enrolment and student grant schemes

Higher Education 🇪🇸 Vic 1,355 1997
16
Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR) - Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recercavhir.vallhebron.com

A public sector institution in Barcelona promoting biomedical research, innovation, and teaching with a focus on clinical research and patient benefits

Research Services 🇪🇸 Barcelona 1,067 1994
17
Blanquerna - Universitat Ramon Llullblanquerna.edu

Offers university education in Psychology, Education, Health, Communication, and International Relations, with various degrees, masters, and doctoral programs in Barcelona

Higher Education 🇪🇸 Barcelona 1,010 1948
18
IRTAirta.cat

A research institute owned by the Government of Catalonia focused on modernizing agriculture, food production, and enhancing health and well-being

Research Services 🇪🇸 Caldas de Montbui 970 1985
19
Catalan Institute of Oncologyico.gencat.cat

The Catalan Institute of Oncology is a public center specializing in cancer care, prevention, research, and training within Catalonia's healthcare system

Hospitals and Health Care 🇪🇸 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat 954 1995
20
Eurecat - Technology Centreeurecat.org

Leading technological center offering R&D, technological services, specialized training, consultancy, and industrial property exploitation for businesses of all sizes and sectors

Research Services 🇪🇸 Cerdanyola del Vallès 869 2013
21
Elisava School of Design and Engineeringelisava.net

A pioneering School of Design in Spain since 1961, Elisava promotes education, research, and innovation in design, engineering, and communication

Higher Education 🇪🇸 Barcelona 750 n/a
22
Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)clinicbarcelona.org

A leading biomedical research consortium in Barcelona, focused on combining high-quality clinical and basic research to advance healthcare solutions

Research Services 🇪🇸 Barcelona 711 1996
23
TecnoCampustecnocampus.cat

Offers degrees, postgraduate studies, and master's in technology, business, and health, combining a university campus and a business and technology park.

Higher Education 🇪🇸 Mataró 621 n/a
24
Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute - IDIBELLidibell.cat

IDIBELL is a biomedical research center affiliated with hospitals, oncology institutions, universities, and local government, focusing on research and innovation

Research Services 🇪🇸 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat 612 2004
25
Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)isglobal.org

A public-private partnership committed to global health research, training, and development, aiming to improve health worldwide through scientific knowledge generation and translation

Wellness and Fitness Services 🇪🇸 Barcelona 568 2010

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26
Fusion for Energyfusionforenergy.europa.eu

European organization managing EU contributions to ITER, supporting fusion research, and aiding construction of demonstration fusion reactors for sustainable energy.

Research Services 🇪🇸 Barcelona 544 n/a
27
EPSEVG - UPC - Universitat Politècnica de Catalunyaepsevg.upc.edu

The company is a public higher education and research center affiliated with the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, offering engineering degrees and master's programs in various fields

Higher Education 🇪🇸 Vilanova I La Geltrú 543 1901
28
IQS Barcelonaiqs.edu

Higher education institution offering specialized programs in Science, Engineering, and Management with practical teaching methodology, research, technology transfer, and entrepreneurial support

Education Administration Programs 🇪🇸 Barcelona 532 1905
29
Hospital del Mar Research Instituteresearchmar.net

A public biomedical research center located at The PRBB, dedicated to advancing healthcare through research conducted by Hospital del Mar and ICREA

Research Services 🇪🇸 Barcelona 525 n/a
30
ICFOicfo.eu

A research center specializing in photonics, addressing global challenges in health, energy, information, safety, security, and environmental sustainability Affiliated with prestigious institutions

Research Services 🇪🇸 Castelldefels 509 2002
31
Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG)crg.eu

An international biomedical research institute focused on advancing scientific knowledge for public health, genetic diseases, and economic prosperity through interdisciplinary collaboration

Biotechnology Research 🇪🇸 Barcelona 504 2000
32
IRB Barcelonairbbarcelona.org

A research institute focused on addressing fundamental biological questions to provide solutions for unmet medical needs by studying diseases

Research Services 🇪🇸 Barcelona 487 2005
33
Leitat Technological Centerleitat.org

Technology center focused on applied research, technical services, and innovation management, providing comprehensive solutions across diverse sectors including health, materials, and sustainability.

Research Services 🇪🇸 Terrassa 466 1906
34
Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)ibecbarcelona.eu

Conducting interdisciplinary research at the intersection of engineering and life sciences to advance nanomedicine, biotechnology, tissue engineering, and health information technology applications

Research Services 🇪🇸 Barcelona 392 2005
35
Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP)germanstrias.org

A public research institute in Badalona focused on translating scientific knowledge into healthcare solutions to improve patient and community health

Research Services 🇪🇸 Badalona 366 1995
36
Institut de Recerca Sant Paurecercasantpau.cat

A private scientific foundation focused on improving health through research, education, innovation, and applying advancements in healthcare and public health policies

Research Services 🇪🇸 Barcelona 362 1992
37
CETT_UB Tourism & Hospitality, Education/Researchcett.cat

CETT is a leading higher school in Tourism, Hospitality and Gastronomy, affiliated with the University of Barcelona, offering an international education focused on experience and growth #ThroughExperiences

Higher Education 🇪🇸 Barcelona 354 1979
38
Centre Tecnològic de Telecomunicacions de Catalunya (CTTC)cttc.es

A non-profit research center specializing in telecommunications technology, partnering with public and private entities to lead innovative national and international projects

Research Services 🇪🇸 Castelldefels 333 2001
39
Fundació de Recerca Sant Joan de Déusjdrecerca.org

The foundation supports health research and innovation within the Order of St John of God's centers, aiming for efficiency and collaboration

Research Services 🇪🇸 Esplugues de Llobregat 317 2002
40
Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC)carrerasresearch.org

Pioneering research institute dedicated to studying and treating leukemia and other blood disorders to develop more effective and precise treatments for patients

Research Services 🇪🇸 Badalona 295 2009
41
ICIQiciq.es

Research foundation dedicated to advancing chemistry for global challenges like climate, energy, and health through sustainable catalysis, renewable energy, and molecular medicine.

Research Services 🇪🇸 Tarragona 293 2004
42
Computer Vision Centercvc.uab.es

A non-profit institution dedicated to research and development in Computer Vision, aiming to advance knowledge and create technological innovation

Research Services 🇪🇸 Barcelona 289 1995
43
ALBA Synchrotroncells.es

The company operates a synchrotron light source in Spain, providing beamtime for academic and industrial research across various scientific fields

Research Services 🇪🇸 Cerdanyola del Vallès 284 n/a
44
i2CAT Research Centrei2cat.net

non-profit research center focusing on digital technologies like 5G, AI, blockchain, collaborating with stakeholders to develop innovative societal solutions

Research Services 🇪🇸 Barcelona 266 2003
45
Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC)icmab.es

A research institute focused on synthesizing, characterizing, and developing functional materials, with a strong emphasis on nanotechnology and device prototypes

Research Services 🇪🇸 Bellaterra 260 1986
46
Institut del Teatreinstitutdelteatre.cat

A renowned institution offering superior education, research, and dissemination of performing arts since 1913, with four schools and multiple theaters across three locations

Performing Arts 🇪🇸 Barcelona 249 1913
47
Fundación Pasqual Maragallfpmaragall.org

This organization is dedicated to researching Alzheimer's disease, preventing its progression, improving patient care, raising awareness, and conducting clinical research

Research Services 🇪🇸 Barcelona 245 2008
48
IREC - Institut de Recerca en Energia de Catalunyairec.cat

A public research center in Catalonia focused on sustainable energy development, innovation, and dissemination of knowledge to society, industry, and government

Research Services 🇪🇸 Sant Adrià de Besòs 238 2008
49
EBMTebmt.org

A non-profit organization focused on cellular and stem cell-based therapies, connecting patients, researchers, and stakeholders to save and improve lives

Non-profit Organizations 🇪🇸 Barcelona 220 1974
50
Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona - ASPBaspb.cat

The Agency of Public Health in Barcelona manages public health services for the city, ensuring the health of residents and visitors through data analysis, policy development, and service delivery

Wellness and Fitness Services 🇪🇸 Barcelona 213 2003

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How this list is built

Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 12, 2026.

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