Uruguay positions itself at BIOSPAIN 2025 as a biotechnology hub in Latin America

From October 7 to 9, Fira de Barcelona will host BIOSPAIN 2025, Spain’s most important biotechnology trade fair and a global meeting point for the sector. Supported by Uruguay XXI, the country will participate with its own space, showcasing internationally recognized science-based startups, pioneering institutions, and accelerators that highlight the vitality of a rapidly growing ecosystem.

This presence reflects a national strategy to integrate into global value chains, promoting investment, innovation, and strategic alliances in a reliable and competitive environment.

“Talent, institutional stability, and a strong commitment to science and innovation position us as an emerging hub in Latin America,” said Cristina Montero, Investment Promotion Specialist at Uruguay XXI.

Startups at the forefront

Among the highlights will be Guska, the startup founded in 2024 by virologists Gonzalo Moratorio and Pilar Moreno, widely recognized for their scientific leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company is developing a new generation of cancer therapies based on oncolytic viruses that destroy tumor cells without harming healthy ones. Guska works with RNA viruses, which offer greater safety, and integrates artificial intelligence developed with the Uruguayan firm Marvik. The startup has already attracted international funding and participated in innovation programs in Boston and MassBio, where global industry leaders recognized its potential.

Cryosmetics, founded by Dr. Vanesa Piattoni, will also be present. Its mission is to transform the cosmetics industry through 100% natural products and innovations targeting the modulation of the skin microbiome, a research field of growing global interest.

Incubated at the Institut Pasteur in Montevideo, the company is ready for its international commercial launch and technological expansion. This strategic step is backed by an executive team with expertise in market development, finance, operations, regulatory affairs, and skin health.

The third startup joining in Barcelona is Nanogrow Biotech, founded in 2021 by Nicolás Galmarini and Lucía Vanrell. The company develops therapies based on nanoantibodies capable of binding with high precision to viruses, bacteria, or harmful cells, with applications in both human and veterinary pharmaceuticals. Recently, Nanogrow won the Drug Discovery & Therapeutics Platforms category at the Deep Tech Summit 2025, organized by EMERGE Brasil, and was also recognized as the most disruptive startup at South Summit Brazil, one of Latin America’s leading innovation events. These achievements strengthen its international profile and highlight Uruguay’s role as a hub of scientific innovation with global impact.

Institutions driving science and business

In addition to startups, Uruguay will be represented by two strategic institutions shaping the biotechnology ecosystem.

The Pando Science and Technology Park, located in Canelones, is the first initiative of its kind in the country. It fosters collaboration between academia, research, and industry, incubating science-based projects, developing technological services, and strengthening industry ties. Its contribution has been key to Uruguay’s consolidation as a life sciences hub with global competitiveness.

Meanwhile, Lab+, the accelerator of the Institut Pasteur in Montevideo, supports biotechnology startups through mentoring, specialized laboratories, and international research networks. It bridges scientific excellence with the market, transforming research projects into scalable ventures with global reach.

A country strengthening its regional hub status

A mature and diverse ecosystem underpins Uruguay’s growing role in biotechnology. The country is home to more than 50 pharmaceutical manufacturing plants in both human and animal health, a cluster of over 20 international companies operating as regional manufacturing and service centers, and an increasing number of diagnostic companies and CROs, including Brazil’s DASA and China’s BGI. This reinforces Uruguay’s value proposition as a prime destination for life sciences investment.

Participation in BIOSPAIN 2025 will be a privileged platform to show the world what Uruguay has to offer: cutting-edge science, highly qualified talent, globally minded startups, and a stable institutional environment. In Barcelona, the country will seek to showcase its capabilities and open up new opportunities for collaboration, investment, and growth.

“Uruguay offers a competitive, stable, and collaborative environment for life sciences innovation. Our participation in BIOSPAIN reinforces that message and positions the country as a reliable and forward-looking partner,” concluded Montero.

With startups transforming science into solutions, institutions driving development, and a clear national strategy, Uruguay comes to BIOSPAIN 2025 ready to consolidate its role as a leading biotechnology hub in Latin America.

Learn more about the Life Sciences sector here.