# 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).

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.

🇪🇸 Catalonia · 50 companies · Updated Nov 12, 2026

| # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [Universitat de Barcelona](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universitat-de-barcelona) (web.ub.edu)<br>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 Barcelona](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universitat-autonoma-de-barcelona) (uab.cat)<br>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 Catalunya](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universitat-oberta-de-catalunya) (uoc.edu)<br>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 Barcelona](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hospital-clinic-de-barcelona) (clinicbarcelona.org)<br>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 Catalunya](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universitat-politecnica-de-catalunya) (upc.edu)<br>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'Hebron](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hospital-universitari-vall-d-hebron) (vallhebron.com)<br>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 Virgili](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universitat-rovira-i-virgili) (urv.cat)<br>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 Girona](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universitat-de-girona) (udg.edu)<br>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 School](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/iese-business-school) (iese.edu)<br>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 Catalunya](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universitat-internacional-de-catalunya) (uic.es)<br>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 Universitari](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/parc-tauli-hospital-universitari) (tauli.cat)<br>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 Lleida](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universitat-de-lleida) (udl.cat)<br>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 BCN](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/la-salle-bcn) (salleurl.edu)<br>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 Center](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/barcelona-supercomputing-center) (bsc.es)<br>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 Catalunya](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universitat-de-vic-universitat-central-de-catalunya) (uvic.cat)<br>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 Recerca](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/vall-d-hebron-institute-of-research-vhir-vall-d-hebron-institut-de-recerca) (vhir.vallhebron.com)<br>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 Llull](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/blanquerna-universitat-ramon-llull) (blanquerna.edu)<br>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 | [IRTA](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/irta) (irta.cat)<br>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 Oncology](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/catalan-institute-of-oncology) (ico.gencat.cat)<br>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 Centre](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/eurecat-technology-centre) (eurecat.org)<br>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 Engineering](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/elisava-school-of-design-and-engineering) (elisava.net)<br>A pioneering School of Design in Spain since 1961, Elisava promotes education, research, and innovation in design, engineering, and communication | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 Barcelona | 750 |  |
| 22 | [Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/institut-d-investigacions-biomediques-august-pi-i-sunyer-idibaps) (clinicbarcelona.org)<br>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 | [TecnoCampus](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/tecnocampus) (tecnocampus.cat)<br>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 |  |
| 24 | [Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute - IDIBELL](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bellvitge-biomedical-research-institute-idibell) (idibell.cat)<br>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)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/barcelona-institute-for-global-health-isglobal) (isglobal.org)<br>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 |
| 26 | [Fusion for Energy](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/fusion-for-energy) (fusionforenergy.europa.eu)<br>European organization managing EU contributions to ITER, supporting fusion research, and aiding construction of demonstration fusion reactors for sustainable energy. | Research Services | 🇪🇸 Barcelona | 544 |  |
| 27 | [EPSEVG - UPC - Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/epsevg-upc-universitat-politecnica-de-catalunya) (epsevg.upc.edu)<br>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 Barcelona](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/iqs-barcelona) (iqs.edu)<br>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 Institute](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hospital-del-mar-research-institute) (researchmar.net)<br>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 |  |
| 30 | [ICFO](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/icfo) (icfo.eu)<br>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)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/centre-for-genomic-regulation-crg) (crg.eu)<br>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 Barcelona](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/irb-barcelona) (irbbarcelona.org)<br>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 Center](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/leitat-technological-center) (leitat.org)<br>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)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/institute-for-bioengineering-of-catalonia-ibec) (ibecbarcelona.eu)<br>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)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/germans-trias-i-pujol-research-institute-igtp) (germanstrias.org)<br>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 Pau](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/institut-de-recerca-sant-pau) (recercasantpau.cat)<br>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/Research](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/cett-ub-tourism-and-hospitality-education-research) (cett.cat)<br>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)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/centre-tecnologic-de-telecomunicacions-de-catalunya-cttc) (cttc.es)<br>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 Déu](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/fundacio-de-recerca-sant-joan-de-deu) (sjdrecerca.org)<br>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)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/josep-carreras-leukaemia-research-institute-ijc) (carrerasresearch.org)<br>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 | [ICIQ](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/iciq) (iciq.es)<br>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 Center](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/computer-vision-center) (cvc.uab.es)<br>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 Synchrotron](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/alba-synchrotron) (cells.es)<br>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 |  |
| 44 | [i2CAT Research Centre](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/i2cat-research-centre) (i2cat.net)<br>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)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/institut-de-ciencia-de-materials-de-barcelona-icmab-csic) (icmab.es)<br>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 Teatre](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/institut-del-teatre) (institutdelteatre.cat)<br>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 Maragall](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/fundacion-pasqual-maragall) (fpmaragall.org)<br>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 Catalunya](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/irec-institut-de-recerca-en-energia-de-catalunya) (irec.cat)<br>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 | [EBMT](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ebmt) (ebmt.org)<br>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 - ASPB](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/agencia-de-salut-publica-de-barcelona-aspb) (aspb.cat)<br>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 |

## 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.

## More company lists in Catalonia

- [The largest companies in Catalonia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/largest-companies-catalonia) (2,850)
- [Multinational companies in Catalonia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/multinational-companies-catalonia) (680)
- [Retail chains in Catalonia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-chains-catalonia) (334)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in Catalonia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-catalonia) (324)
- [Manufacturers in Catalonia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/manufacturers-catalonia) (309)
- [Wellness and Fitness Services companies in Catalonia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/wellness-and-fitness-services-companies-catalonia) (232)
- [Healthcare providers in Catalonia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/healthcare-providers-catalonia) (193)
- [Software Development companies in Catalonia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/software-development-companies-catalonia) (174)
- [SaaS companies in Catalonia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/saas-companies-catalonia) (167)
- [Companies with a mobile app in Catalonia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/companies-with-mobile-app-catalonia) (161)
- [Hotel and hospitality groups in Catalonia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hospitality-groups-catalonia) (152)
- [Retail Apparel and Fashion companies in Catalonia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-apparel-and-fashion-companies-catalonia) (148)
- [Family-owned companies in Catalonia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/family-owned-companies-catalonia) (148)
- [E-commerce companies in Catalonia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/ecommerce-companies-catalonia) (140)
- [Hardware manufacturers in Catalonia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hardware-companies-catalonia) (130)
- [Hospitality companies in Catalonia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hospitality-companies-catalonia) (124)
- [Education providers in Catalonia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/education-companies-catalonia) (121)
- [Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage companies in Catalonia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/transportation-logistics-supply-chain-and-storage-companies-catalonia) (120)
- [Critical infrastructure operators in Catalonia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/critical-infrastructure-operators-catalonia) (115)
- [Distributors and wholesalers in Catalonia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/distributors-and-wholesalers-catalonia) (110)
- [Professional services firms in Catalonia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/professional-services-firms-catalonia) (108)
- [Consumer goods companies in Catalonia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/consumer-goods-companies-catalonia) (104)
- [Food and Beverage Services companies in Catalonia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/food-and-beverage-services-companies-catalonia) (103)
- [IT Services and IT Consulting companies in Catalonia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-and-it-consulting-companies-catalonia) (96)

## The same list elsewhere in Spain

- [Research institutes in Spain](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-spain) (183)
- [Research institutes in Community of Madrid](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-community-of-madrid) (29)
- [Research institutes in Barcelona](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-barcelona) (31)
- [Research institutes in Madrid](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-madrid) (27)

## The same list elsewhere

- [Research institutes in the world](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-in-the-world) (5,686)
- [Research institutes in Europe](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-in-europe) (2,713)

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Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-catalonia