In 2025, the Catalan Institute of Finance (ICF) announced a significant expansion of its investment capabilities. A total of €645 million has now been allocated to support entrepreneurial initiatives and the development of new technologies. This move aims not only to retain promising specialists in the region but also to create conditions for new economic leaders to emerge in Catalonia.
At the center of this initiative is the launch of the ‘Catalunya Lidera’ fund, which has received €285 million. This fund will become a key instrument for financing projects in medicine, scientific research, and advanced technologies. Regional authorities expect that such investments will accelerate the adoption of innovations and enable local companies to reach a new level.
The ‘Catalunya Lidera’ fund brings together four areas of investment. The first focuses on supporting research in healthcare and biotechnology, with €60 million allocated. These funds are intended for startups and research groups working at universities and research centers across Catalonia. The second priority is investing in technological development and intellectual property protection, backed by a total budget of €55 million. Here, not only regional authorities but also European bodies and private investors are providing funding.
The third part of the fund is a channel to support projects related to deep technology and the circular economy. Seventy million euros have been allocated for these purposes, with part of the funds coming from the Barcelona municipality. The fourth area focuses on supporting large companies that have already established strong market positions. They are provided with 100 million euros to keep their headquarters and management centers in Catalonia.
As a result, the new ICF strategy covers all stages of business development—from the initial steps to scaling and entering international markets. Regional authorities are focusing on partnerships between the public and private sectors to maximize the impact of investments. These measures are expected not only to strengthen Catalonia’s economic independence but also to attract the attention of foreign investors.
