Yesterday, Thursday 13 February, the Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP) held a matchmaking event with the Leitat Technology Centre at the D-Factory facilities in the Zona Franca of Barcelona, as part of the Innomed programme. The aim was to showcase first-hand some of the most innovative research lines in the biomedical field and explore potential collaboration opportunities with the technology centre.

During the event, Leitat's area managers showcased their research lines and technological capabilities to over sixty professionals, highlighting their potential applications in health. Networking spaces were also provided so that participants could establish direct contact with experts from different fields.

The day began with an introduction by Juan Carrillo, innovation project manager at IGTP, followed by an institutional welcome from IGTP's General Director, Jordi Barretina, and Leitat's General Director, Jordi Cabrafiga. During the event, Laurent Aubouy, Director of R&D, and Marc Masa, Director of Leitat's Health and Biomedicine Division, provided a broad overview of the centre, highlighting advancements and opportunities in health and biomedical research and development.

Jose Luis Hernández, Scientific Coordinator of Leitat's Health Division, outlined the drug development process from research to patient care, alongside Noemi de Luna, manager of the drug development area. Meanwhile, Laura Padilla, manager of the antibodies division, spoke about the use of antibodies as key tools in the fight against diseases.

Next, there was a coffee and networking break, allowing participants to establish direct contacts and discuss potential collaborations. The event continued with Jordi Ricart, manager of the advanced engineering division, who spoke about diagnostic devices 5.0, tools that pave the way for more personalised healthcare, and Oscar Alonso, manager of the additive manufacturing division, who highlighted how the 3D medical laboratory is transforming clinical practice.

The sessions proceeded with Mario Marotta, manager of the regenerative medicine division, addressing 3D bioprinting as the future of regenerative medicine, and Francesc Cortés, manager of the robotics division, exploring the use of assistive robotics.

Silvia Cufí, Director of Innovation and Head of Business Strategy at Leitat Medical, emphasised innovation in advanced therapies, while Cristina Bernadó, Scientific Director of Leitat Medical, spoke about Gene Vector, a biotech company dedicated to producing lentiviral vectors, plasmids, and other products and services for Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.

Finally, attendees had the opportunity to visit Leitat's 3DP Medical Lab facilities to see first-hand the technologies available at the technology centre in D-Factory as part of the IAM 3D HUB.

Juan Carrillo described the event as a major success due to the opportunities it provided: "The event has achieved its main objectives: connecting, sharing knowledge, and imagining together how we can transform biomedical research into real solutions that improve people's lives. We are delighted with the results and hope that the connections made will lead to the launch of new research and innovation projects in health."

With this event, IGTP and Leitat reaffirm their commitment to promoting research and innovation in biomedicine, laying the foundations for future collaborations that will benefit science and society.