Jalisco’s Biotech: Bridging Innovation Across the Atlantic

As the global biotechnology sector continues to strengthen its international ties, Mexico is taking firm steps to position itself as a strategic innovation partner for Europe. In October 2025, a delegation from the state of Jalisco carried out a mission to Spain as part of a broader strategy to internationalize Mexico’s biotech ecosystem, attract investment, and expand collaboration in health sciences.

Organized by the Jalisco Medical Cluster and Pragmatec Technology Transfer Office, with the support of the Ministry of Economic Development (SEDECO Jalisco), the mission brought together biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, research centers, and business associations aiming to strengthen Mexico’s global connections in health innovation.

The delegation took part in BIOSPAIN 2025, one of Europe’s leading biotechnology events, which brought together 2,200 participants, 1,000 organizations, 261 exhibitors, and representatives from 34 countries. The event hosted around 5,000 one-on-one meetings and more than 8,000 business requests, confirming its relevance as a key platform for collaboration, innovation, and investment in biotechnology.

For Jalisco and Mexico, participation in BIOSPAIN was more than symbolic. It represented a strategic opportunity to showcase the competitiveness and growing maturity of Mexico’s biotech ecosystem. An ecosystem that integrates research institutions, startups, and global pharmaceutical firms, along with other actors driving innovation through collaboration across key technological sectors of the country. The presence of Jalisco highlighted a shift from being mainly a manufacturing base to becoming a dynamic innovation hub with global reach.

Taking advantage of their participation in BIOSPAIN, the delegation also carried out a series of visits to leading innovation institutions and government actors in Barcelona (Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Hospital del Mar, Eurecat Technology Center, ACCIÓ and Cambra de Comerç de Barcelona), and Madrid (Fundación Madrid, the Madrid Chamber of Commerce, and the City Council of Madrid) to better understand their ecosystems, identify best practices in R&D and innovation, and explore opportunities for collaboration through joint projects.

These exchanges allowed Jalisco’s organizations to present their capabilities in clinical research, bioproduct development, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and medical technologies, while learning from Spain’s innovation models and internationalization strategies. The result was a stronger bridge between both regions, built on shared priorities in biotechnology, health innovation, and sustainable development.

A Cohesive and Growing Ecosystem

The mission included leading actors from Jalisco’s life sciences and biotech ecosystem: CIATEJ, ITC CDMO, UDIBI, GVC Cosmetics, Biosystems MedCare, Laboratorios Zeyco, PiSA Farmacéutica, Productos Farmacéuticos Collins, and Grupo Biofarma, along with Clúster Médico Jalisco, Pragmatec, and SEDECO Jalisco.

Together, they represent a consolidated value chain, from scientific research and applied biotechnology to manufacturing and commercialization, that positions Jalisco as one of the most advanced health innovation ecosystems in Latin America.

The mission also aligns with Plan México goals, a national strategy promoting strategic sectors such as pharmaceuticals and medical devices. The results of this visit will serve as a foundation for future business and innovation missions in 2026, further connecting Mexico and Europe around shared priorities.

Building Trust, Transferring Technology

The initiative took place at a timely moment, as Mexico and the European Union prepare to update their trade and cooperation agreement. The modernization of this framework will open new opportunities for joint action in high-technology sectors such as biotechnology, health innovation, and sustainable industries.

In this context, continuity in international engagement is essential. Participating regularly in global forums helps demonstrate Mexico’s growing scientific and technological capabilities, while also allowing the country to identify innovative European technologies that can be integrated locally to address health challenges with social impact.

These exchanges are not only about business. They are about building trust, showcasing innovation made in Mexico, and fostering cooperation that benefits both sides.

Challenges Ahead: Strengthening Coordination and Vision

While the mission marks a positive step forward, several challenges must still be addressed to ensure long-term impact:

Expanding global participation. Mexico needs to strengthen its presence in international forums, with greater involvement from state and national innovation ecosystems, to showcase the diversity of its biotech sector.

Enhancing policy alignment. A coordinated national strategy connecting government, academia, and industry is necessary to maximize the results of international collaboration.

Encouraging private-sector innovation. Continued incentives for applied research, scientific collaboration, and innovation will be key to consolidate Mexico’s position as a competitive biotech player.

Strengthening local integration. The domestic value chain must continue to evolve as a cohesive network, ensuring that internationalization efforts are supported by strong local linkages and collaboration platforms.

These challenges represent opportunities to continue shaping a more resilient and competitive innovative ecosystem for the future.

A Shared Vision for Innovation

The Jalisco mission to Spain is more than a single initiative. It is part of a long-term strategy to integrate Mexico’s biotech sector into the global innovation landscape. By connecting with European partners, Jalisco’s state is helping to build bridges that translate scientific knowledge into tangible solutions for health and well-being.

As Europe and Mexico move toward a renewed cooperation framework, initiatives like this will be crucial to transform dialogue into concrete partnerships, co-investment, and shared progress.

With Jalisco taking the lead, Mexico continues to strengthen its role not only as a producer of biotechnological goods but as an active co-creator of global health innovation.

A darle!