On 1 and 2 December, Bioval coordinated and organised the official visit of a delegation from the Navarra Digital Innovation Hub (IRIS Lab), an initiative driven by the Government of Navarra that recently launched its new experimental laboratory equipped with advanced technologies in synthetic biology, biotechnology and genomic sequencing.
The visit had a dual strategic objective. On one hand, it allowed Navarran representatives to learn about the Valencian biotechnology ecosystem, including leading research groups, innovative companies and the scientific and technological capabilities of the region. On the other, it provided first-hand knowledge of the strategy, resources and equipment of Navarra's newly created laboratory, contributing to the analysis of national synthetic biology initiatives. This exchange is part of the project coordinated by Bioval to drive an advanced bioproduction collaborative platform, Valencia Biofoundry, aimed at strengthening the sector's competitiveness through shared infrastructure and collaboration.
Over the two working days, meetings and visits were held at key institutions and companies in the Valencian biotechnology ecosystem, including IATA-CSIC, I2SysBio (Institute for Integrative Systems Biology), Epidisease, Madeinplant, Evolving Therapeutics, ADM Biopolis and Health in Code.
A shared strategy to drive advanced biotechnology
The visit is set within the new phase Navarra is experiencing following the launch of its Advanced Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology laboratories. Its aim is to identify use cases, established initiatives and collaboration opportunities with other regions. The Valencian Community was the first territory selected for this strategic exchange.
The delegation was made up of Ion Arrizabalaga (Digital Innovation Hub), Antonio Pineda (CIMA and CCUN) and Gonzalo R. Ordóñez (NASERTIC), all responsible for key areas in biomedical research, biotechnology and personalised medicine. On behalf of Bioval, Cristina Herrera, project and innovation manager, and Jesús Agüero, cluster director, accompanied the delegation during the visit.
The common purpose of this meeting is to generate synergies that drive joint projects, attract investment and strengthen the biotechnology sector of both communities. This first contact between the two regions laid the foundations for future collaboration, aligning shared interests in synthetic biology, translational research, digitalisation, technological infrastructure and personalised medicine.
Bioval as a facilitator of strategic alliances
Thanks to this initiative, Bioval continues to strengthen its role as a key driver of the Valencian biotechnology sector, promoting meeting spaces that accelerate innovation, technological development and interregional collaboration.