# List of research institutes in Spain

Tamtam tracks 183 research institutes headquartered in Spain. This list ranks the 50 largest by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and Universitat de Barcelona. Their median headcount is 3,643. Half of them were founded in 1968 or later. The most common headquarters are Barcelona (7), Madrid (6) and Córdoba (2).

This selection of research institutes in Spain mainly comprises large public universities, many of which were founded in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. These institutions engage in extensive research, often with international collaborations and a focus on generating and disseminating knowledge across various fields. Examples include Universidad Complutense de Madrid, a public university offering high-quality education and research, and Universitat de Barcelona, which has extensive research departments and projects.

Beyond higher education, the list also includes institutions like CSIC, a government agency focused on basic and applied scientific research across 126 centers, and Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, a public university hospital providing healthcare, research, and training. A notable pattern is the concentration of these large research institutions in major Spanish cities, particularly Madrid and Barcelona, which serve as central hubs for academic and scientific activity.

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

| # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [Universidad Complutense de Madrid](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-complutense-de-madrid) (ucm.es)<br>A public university in Madrid offering high-quality education, research opportunities, international collaborations, extensive library resources, diverse cultural activities, and sports facilities | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 Madrid | 14,024 | 1499 |
| 2 | [Universidad Autónoma de Madrid](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-autonoma-de-madrid) (uam.es)<br>Institution recognized for high-quality research, entrepreneurial capacity, teaching excellence, and social commitment. Actively promotes international exchange and training programs. | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 Madrid | 14,000 | 1968 |
| 3 | [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 |
| 4 | [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 |
| 5 | [Universidad de Sevilla](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-de-sevilla) (us.es)<br>Provides higher education through study, teaching, research. Generates, develops, disseminates knowledge for society and citizens. Public institution, social service. | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 Seville | 7,699 | 1505 |
| 6 | [Universidad de Granada](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-de-granada) (ugr.es)<br>The company is a university known for high-quality research, with 346 research groups, 165 projects, and partnerships with businesses and international organizations | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 Granada | 7,376 | 1531 |
| 7 | [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 |
| 8 | [University of Valencia](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-valencia) (uv.es)<br>A leading global university in Valencia, offering a wide range of studies, extensive international programs, and a commitment to solar energy | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 Valencia | 6,490 | 1499 |
| 9 | [Universidad Politécnica de Madrid](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-politecnica-de-madrid) (upm.es)<br>Educates students in architecture, engineering, sport, and fashion design, conducts research, and secures significant R&D funding from European and national programs. | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 Madrid | 6,447 | 1971 |
| 10 | [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 |
| 11 | [CSIC](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/csic) (csic.es)<br>A government agency in Spain focused on basic and applied scientific research, with 126 centers across various fields promoting scientific and technological progress | Research Services | 🇪🇸 Madrid | 5,797 | 1939 |
| 12 | [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 |
| 13 | [Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universitat-politecnica-de-valencia-upv) (upv.es)<br>A dynamic and innovative public university dedicated to research and teaching, with strong ties to its community and a strong international presence | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 Valencia | 5,277 |  |
| 14 | [Universidad de Zaragoza](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-de-zaragoza) (unizar.es)<br>A prestigious center of technological innovation in the Ebro Valley with strong relationships with Spanish and European universities, tracing its origins back to Ecclesiastical Schools | Education Administration Programs | 🇪🇸 Zaragoza | 5,038 | 1474 |
| 15 | [Universidad Rey Juan Carlos](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-rey-juan-carlos) (urjc.es)<br>Public university offering diverse degree programs, including English and blended learning, promoting cooperation with institutions for academic excellence. | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 Móstoles | 4,984 | 1996 |
| 16 | [Universidad de Málaga](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-de-malaga) (uma.es)<br>Public university in Southern Europe offering diverse degree programs, strong research groups, and cultural opportunities for over forty thousand students. | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 Málaga | 4,982 | 1972 |
| 17 | [EHU](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ehu) (ehu.eus)<br>A public research university rooted in Basque society, open to the world, with intellectual leadership and ethical and social commitment | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 Leioa | 4,520 | 1980 |
| 18 | [Universidad de Salamanca](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-de-salamanca) (usal.es)<br>A prestigious university founded in 1218, offering a wide range of undergraduate, master's, doctoral, and continuing education programs to over 30,000 students | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 Salamanca | 4,385 | 1218 |
| 19 | [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 |
| 20 | [Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-de-castilla-la-mancha) (uclm.es)<br>Educational institution established in 1985 in the autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha, building on historical foundations dating back to the Convent University | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 Ciudad Real | 4,235 | 1985 |
| 21 | [Universidad de Murcia](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-de-murcia) (um.es)<br>A modern and dynamic university committed to academic excellence, research, innovation, social responsibility, and international outreach, applying advanced management methods | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 Murcia | 4,218 | 1915 |
| 22 | [Universidade do Minho](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidade-do-minho) (uminho.pt)<br>Higher education institution in Portugal focusing on quality education, cutting-edge research, sustainability, and international recognition in a dynamic environment. | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 Braga | 3,939 | 1973 |
| 23 | [Universitat d'Alacant](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universitat-d-alacant) (ua.es)<br>This university, established in 1979, offers a variety of degrees and research opportunities across multiple departments and research institutes | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 San Vicente del Raspeig | 3,937 | 1979 |
| 24 | [Universidad de Santiago de Compostela](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-de-santiago-de-compostela) (usc.gal)<br>Public university in Galicia, Spain, offering diverse academic programs across two campuses with numerous departments and degree options. | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 Santiago de Compostela | 3,872 | 1495 |
| 25 | [University of Navarra](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-navarra) (unav.edu)<br>Private research university with global campuses, focusing on academic and personal growth, offering diverse programs, and contributing to medical research and cultural enrichment. | Education Administration Programs | 🇪🇸 Pamplona | 3,643 | 1952 |
| 26 | [Universidad de Oviedo](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-de-oviedo) (uniovi.es)<br>Public higher education institution, offers diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including bilingual and Erasmus Mundus degrees, and conducts 80% of regional R&D. | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 Oviedo | 3,498 | 1608 |
| 27 | [ESCP Business School](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/escp-business-school) (escp.eu)<br>A leading European business school offering a wide range of general and specialized business programs with a focus on responsible leadership and multiculturalism | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 Berlin | 3,458 | 1819 |
| 28 | [Universidad de Valladolid](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-de-valladolid) (uva.es)<br>Law school offering high-quality education and training in legal studies to students at the University of Valladolid | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 Valladolid | 3,433 |  |
| 29 | [Universidad de Córdoba](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-de-cordoba) (uco.es)<br>The University of Cordoba focuses on agricultural, health sciences, humanities, and legal and social sciences education, leading the ceiA3 International Excellence Campus | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 Córdoba | 3,304 | 1972 |
| 30 | [Hospital Universitario La Paz](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hospital-universitario-la-paz) (comunidad.madrid)<br>A public hospital in Madrid that offers specialized healthcare services to patients from Spain and other countries, with a strong reputation in the healthcare industry | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇪🇸 Madrid | 3,225 | 1964 |
| 31 | [Universidad de Alcalá](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-de-alcala) (uah.es)<br>A prestigious university in Alcalá de Henares, offering a wide range of educational programs and renowned for its rich cultural heritage | Education Administration Programs | 🇪🇸 Alcalá de Henares | 3,191 | 1499 |
| 32 | [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 |
| 33 | [Universidad CEU San Pablo](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-ceu-san-pablo) (uspceu.com)<br>We believe in your talent Transform your vocation into a profession at CEU San Pablo University Work towards your future with us | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 Madrid | 2,861 |  |
| 34 | [Universidad de La Laguna](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-de-la-laguna) (ull.es)<br>A university located in Tenerife, part of the Canary Islands, offering education to over 23,000 students with a faculty of 1,794 professors | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 La Laguna | 2,850 | 1701 |
| 35 | [Universidad de Extremadura](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-de-extremadura) (unex.es)<br>A Spanish public university located in Extremadura, offering educational programs and research opportunities in various fields since its founding in 1973 | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 Badajoz | 2,595 | 1973 |
| 36 | [Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-de-las-palmas-de-gran-canaria) (ulpgc.es)<br>An educational institution founded in 1989 offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, professional, and research programs in diverse fields | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria | 2,469 | 1989 |
| 37 | [Universidade da Coruña](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidade-da-coruna) (udc.es)<br>Public institution focused on research, teaching, and cultural development, serving society through scientific, technological, and professional knowledge dissemination. | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 A Coruña | 2,395 | 1989 |
| 38 | [Clínica Universidad de Navarra](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/clinica-universidad-de-navarra) (cun.es)<br>A highly specialized medical center affiliated with the University of Navarra, known for innovative technology, team-based approach, research, teaching, and personalized patient care | Health and Human Services | 🇪🇸 Pamplona | 2,347 | 1962 |
| 39 | [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 |
| 40 | [Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-miguel-hernandez-de-elche) (umh.es)<br>A public university committed to providing high-quality teaching and research, focusing on educating students with a pluralistic and tolerant mindset | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 Elche | 2,257 |  |
| 41 | [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 |
| 42 | [University of Deusto](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-deusto) (deusto.es)<br>A renowned university offering competency-based education, values-driven teaching, specialized research, and an international perspective for over 125 years | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 Bilbao | 2,169 | 1886 |
| 43 | [UCAM Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ucam-universidad-catolica-san-antonio-de-murcia) (ucam.edu)<br>A private university established in 1996, dedicated to educating students, advancing research, and contributing to society and cultural development | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 Guadalupe | 2,116 | 1996 |
| 44 | [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 |
| 45 | [Universidad Pablo de Olavide](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-pablo-de-olavide) (upo.es)<br>A higher education institution in Andalucía, focusing on teaching, research, and social transformation to prepare future leaders and drive economic and cultural progress | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 Seville | 1,947 | 1997 |
| 46 | [Universidad Católica de Córdoba](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-catolica-de-cordoba) (ucc.edu.ar)<br>A prestigious educational institution in Argentina, managed by the Jesuits, offering a variety of academic programs to over 8,000 students | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 Córdoba | 1,898 | 1956 |
| 47 | [Universitat de les Illes Balears](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universitat-de-les-illes-balears) (uib.cat)<br>A multidisciplinary research group studying neuroscience, human evolution, psychology, language, and more to understand human cognition at University of Balearic Islands | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 Palma | 1,882 | 1978 |
| 48 | [INIA](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/inia) (inia.es)<br>National research center coordinating agricultural and forestry R&D projects in collaboration with socio-economic sectors on a state level | Research Services | 🇪🇸 Madrid | 1,855 | 1971 |
| 49 | [Universidad de Almería](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidad-de-almeria) (ual.es)<br>A university committed to quality education, excellence in research, and innovation to meet societal needs and prepare students to be professionals and good citizens | Higher Education | 🇪🇸 Almería | 1,806 | 1993 |
| 50 | [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 |

## 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 Spain

- [The largest companies in Spain](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/largest-companies-spain) (10,893)
- [Multinational companies in Spain](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/multinational-companies-spain) (2,706)
- [Retail chains in Spain](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-chains-spain) (1,251)
- [Manufacturers in Spain](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/manufacturers-spain) (1,080)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in Spain](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-spain) (1,067)
- [Wellness and Fitness Services companies in Spain](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/wellness-and-fitness-services-companies-spain) (879)
- [Healthcare providers in Spain](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/healthcare-providers-spain) (711)
- [Companies with a mobile app in Spain](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/companies-with-mobile-app-spain) (561)
- [Hotel and hospitality groups in Spain](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hospitality-groups-spain) (539)
- [Family-owned companies in Spain](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/family-owned-companies-spain) (531)
- [Software Development companies in Spain](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/software-development-companies-spain) (530)
- [Professional services firms in Spain](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/professional-services-firms-spain) (522)
- [Critical infrastructure operators in Spain](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/critical-infrastructure-operators-spain) (517)
- [IT services companies in Spain](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-companies-spain) (484)
- [Financial services firms in Spain](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-firms-spain) (482)
- [Food and Beverage Services companies in Spain](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/food-and-beverage-services-companies-spain) (462)
- [SaaS companies in Spain](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/saas-companies-spain) (445)
- [Retail Apparel and Fashion companies in Spain](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-apparel-and-fashion-companies-spain) (439)
- [IT Services and IT Consulting companies in Spain](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-and-it-consulting-companies-spain) (437)
- [Hospitality companies in Spain](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hospitality-companies-spain) (435)
- [Consulting firms in Spain](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/consulting-firms-spain) (420)
- [E-commerce companies in Spain](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/ecommerce-companies-spain) (416)
- [Food and beverage companies in Spain](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/food-and-beverage-companies-spain) (416)
- [Hardware manufacturers in Spain](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hardware-companies-spain) (415)

## The same list elsewhere in Spain

- [Research institutes in Catalonia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-catalonia) (59)
- [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-spain