The University of Barcelona strengthens ties with its spin-offs in a meeting to foster synergies and share experiences
The University of Barcelona (UB), through the Bosch i Gimpera Foundation (FBG), the UB’s knowledge transfer office, organized the Third Spin-Offs Meeting of the University of Barcelona: Cockroaches vs Unicorns. This event, held at the Barcelona Science Park, was a gathering point for the University’s emerging companies, with the aim of getting to know each other, sharing experiences and creating synergies.
The event was attended by the rector of the UB, Joan Guàrdia, who emphasized that one of the University’s priorities is to promote the creation of companies from within the institution, while guaranteeing their financial stability. “Our purpose is to consolidate an internal ecosystem that allows the university community to transform knowledge and research results into business projects with real impact on society.”
Also present were the president of the Research, Transfer and Innovation Committee of the Social Council, Antoni Esteve, and the vice-rector for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Transfer, Mercè Segarra, who expressed their appreciation for the work being carried out by the Bosch i Gimpera Foundation to promote innovation, knowledge transfer and the consolidation of spin-offs as agents that stimulate the region.
Reflections on the sale of spin-offs
The third edition of the spin-offs meeting reflected on the aspects to take into account when selling a spin-off. Jesús Osuna, partner at the law firm Addwill, offered a clear view of the processes involved in selling a spin-off, from exit options to the essential elements of a shareholders’ agreement. Osuna stressed that knowing the key steps in advance —such as legal preparation, company valuation or negotiation with potential buyers— allows for more informed decisions and helps avoid unforeseen issues.
This approach is especially useful for UB spin-offs, which are in stages of growth and consolidation. Strategic planning and appropriate advice can make the difference when it comes to protecting the value of the project, ensuring continuity and facilitating alliances or acquisitions that benefit all parties involved.
The meeting concluded with a networking lunch that encouraged the exchange of experiences and the creation of synergies among the UB’s spin-off companies.
Cockroaches vs Unicorns
The name of the meeting refers to two concepts used to define start-ups or spin-offs according to their growth and capacity to adapt to change. Cockroaches, like the insect, are tough, resilient emerging companies that withstand changes in the business and economic environment.
The goal of cockroaches is to grow in the long term, step by step, and to increase revenue sustainably. From the investor’s perspective, a cockroach is a low-risk investment (at least compared to a unicorn). Unicorn companies are those that have more exponential growth over a short period of time and that often focus more on seeking capital than on the product.
25 UB spin-offs
The spin-offs of the University of Barcelona secured fourteen million euros in funding during 2024 and invoiced a total of almost eleven million euros. These figures highlight the potential of these companies and their capacity to attract investment.
Beyond their business success, in 2024 the UB’s spin-offs generated more than 227 jobs, contributing to economic dynamization and job creation in Catalonia. Thirty percent of these jobs are held by UB alumni.
Business creation is one of the services offered by the Bosch i Gimpera Foundation as the knowledge transfer office of the University of Barcelona. The Business Creation Area was launched in 2001 and, during this period, has helped create around sixty emerging companies.
Currently, the University of Barcelona has 25 active spin-offs, and the creation of three new companies —Flavii Therapeutics, OrganAid and Xipscope— is planned soon. This growth highlights the dynamism and continuity of the University’s commitment to knowledge transfer and innovation.
The active UB spin-offs are the following: Accure Therapeutics (2020), Aigecko Technologies (2020), Becytes Biotechnologies (2015), Biocontrol Technologies (2004), Bluephage (2016), Braingaze (2013), Colorsensing (2018), DapCom Data Services (2013), Disrupt Therapeutics (2023), Electraqua Tech (2024), FEDDER AI (2025), FetaLife Technologies (2025), Gate2Brain (2020), Impetux Optics (2012), Kiin Tech (2015), Mind and Identity (2020), Neurekalab (2019), Nimble Diagnostics (2022), Nostrum Biodiscovery (2015), Oniria Therapeutics (2021), Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech (2019), Reveal Genomics (2021), Smart Classroom Project (2023), Synpix (2025) and Virmedex Virtual Experiences (2022).