Barcelona FoodTech Open Innovation Safari

Barcelona FoodTech Open Innovation Safari

Explore one of Europe’s most innovative FoodTech ecosystems

Location: Barcelona – Themes: FoodTech / AgriTech / Future of Food – Duration: One Day

The Barcelona FoodTech Open Innovation Safari is a one-day immersive experience designed for professionals who want to explore how innovation and technology are transforming the future of food.

Led by Certified Innovation Safari Sherpa Francesc Saldaña, this Safari introduces participants to the Barcelona FoodTech ecosystem, where startups, research centers and food companies are developing new solutions related to alternative proteins, sustainable food production and digital food systems.

During the experience, explorers will discover how entrepreneurs, scientists and innovators are working together to create new technologies and business models that are reshaping the global food industry.

Explorers will explore topics such as:

  • FoodTech innovation
  • Alternative proteins
  • Sustainable food systems
  • Digital transformation in the food industry

Innovation Safaris allow professionals to experience innovation where it actually happens.

The experience

The Safari combines curated exploration with interactive activities designed to encourage learning, discussion and inspiration.

Explorers will explore a key innovation hotspot in Barcelona’s FoodTech ecosystem:

  • IRTA – One of the most important agri-food research centers in Europe.

Participants will:

  • Exploration walk at the innovation spaces
  • Meet startups and innovators working on the future of food
  • Innovation workshop with other explorers: Discuss emerging trends in sustainable food and alternative proteins
  • Explore how FoodTech startups scale internationally

This immersive approach helps participants better understand how FoodTech ecosystems operate in practice.

What explorers will gain

Explorers will learn and design by:

  • discovering emerging trends in FoodTech innovation
  • understanding how FoodTech startups develop and scale new products
  • connecting with entrepreneurs and innovation organizations
  • generating ideas and inspiration for new products and business models

Who Should Join

  • corporate innovation leaders in the food industry
  • entrepreneurs and startup founders
  • food industry executives
  • researchers and academics
  • public sector innovation managers

Participants from different sectors are encouraged to join and share perspectives.

Limited group to ensure a high-quality exploration experience.

Barcelona AI & Deep Tech Corporate Open Innovation Safari

Barcelona AI & Deep Tech Corporate Open Innovation Safari

A strategic immersion into Artificial Intelligence and Deep Tech innovation

Location: Barcelona – Themes: Artificial Intelligence / Deep Tech / Data Innovation – Duration: Two Days

The Barcelona AI & Deep Tech Corporate Open Innovation Safari is a two-day strategic immersion designed for organizations that want to explore how artificial intelligence and deep technologies can accelerate innovation and transformation.

Led by Certified Innovation Safari Sherpas Francesc Saldaña & Oriol Ribera, this Safari combines ecosystem exploration with collaborative workshops to help organizations understand emerging technologies and identify opportunities for innovation.

Participants will explore how Barcelona’s innovation ecosystem is driving breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, supercomputing and deep technology. The Innovation Safari combines visits to leading research institutions with expert discussions and structured reflection activities designed to translate insights into strategic opportunities for participating organizations.

Participants will explore topics such as:

  • Artificial Intelligence ecosystems
  • Deep Tech innovation models
  • Advanced computing infrastructure
  • AI-driven transformation strategies

Innovation Safaris allow professionals to experience innovation where it actually happens.

The experience

Participants will explore two leading AI research institutions in Barcelona:

  • Barcelona Supercomputing Center – home of one of Europe’s most powerful supercomputers and a leading research institution in artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and data science.
  • EURECAT – A leading European technology center focused on applied research and technology transfer.

Explorers will:

  • Exploration walk at the supercomputing facilities and innovation spaces
  • Meet startups and innovators working on new AI technologies
  • Innovation workshop with other explorers
  • Technology demonstration session
  • Roundtable discussion with ecosystem experts
  • Expert Keynote: Participants will meet an invited expert from Barcelona’s AI ecosystem such as: AI researcher, Deep Tech entrepreneur, Venture capital investor focused on AI, Corporate innovation leader
  • Mapping opportunities for AI adoption
  • Identifying collaboration opportunities with the ecosystem
  • Defining potential pilot projects or partnerships
  • Participate in discussions about emerging trends in AI & DeepTech

The experience also includes a facilitated reflection session to translate insights into practical opportunities for the participating organization.

What explorers will gain

Explorers will learn, design & engage by:

  • discovering emerging trends in artificial intelligence and deep technologies
  • understanding how AI research ecosystems operate
  • connecting with researchers and innovation organizations
  • generating ideas and inspiration for future innovation projects
  • AI applications for industry and business
  • Advanced data analytics and intelligent systems
  • Collaboration models between research centers and companies

Who Should Join

This Innovation Safari is designed for professionals interested in emerging technologies and innovation, including:

  • corporate innovation teams
  • digital transformation leaders
  • R&D departments
  • technology strategy teams
  • public sector innovation units

Participants from different sectors are encouraged to join and share perspectives.

Limited group to ensure a high-quality exploration experience.

Barcelona AI & Deep Tech Executive Open Innovation Safari

Barcelona AI & Deep Tech Executive Open Innovation Safari

Explore one of Europe’s most dynamic Artificial Intelligence ecosystems

Location: Barcelona – Themes: Artificial Intelligence / Deep Tech / Data Innovation – Duration: Half Day

The Barcelona AI & Deep Tech Executive Open Innovation Safari is a focused half-day experience designed for senior leaders who want to quickly understand how artificial intelligence and deep technologies are shaping the future of business.

Led by Certified Innovation Safari Sherpa Oriol Ribera, this Safari provides a high-level immersion into Barcelona’s AI ecosystem, combining expert insights with direct exposure to cutting-edge research environments.

Participants will explore key developments in artificial intelligence, data science and advanced computing while discussing how these technologies can create new opportunities for organizations.

Participants will explore topics such as:

  • Artificial Intelligence strategy
  • Deep Tech innovation
  • Advanced computing
  • Data-driven decision making

Innovation Safaris allow professionals to experience innovation where it actually happens.

The experience

Participants will explore a key AI research hotspot in Barcelona: Barcelona Supercomputing Center

Participants will:

  • Exploration walk at supercomputing facilities
  • Meet researchers and innovation experts
  • Innovation workshop with other explorers
  • Discuss strategic implications of AI for organizations

What explorers will gain

Explorers will learn and design by:

  • understanding the role of supercomputing in artificial intelligence
  • identifying strategic opportunities related to AI adoption
  • connecting with Barcelona’s AI innovation ecosystem
  • gaining inspiration for future technology initiatives

Who Should Join

  • C-level executives
  • innovation directors
  • technology leaders
  • strategy teams
  • public sector leaders

Participants from different sectors are encouraged to join and share perspectives.

Limited group to ensure a high-quality exploration experience.

Barcelona AI & Deep Tech Open Innovation Safari

Barcelona AI & Deep Tech Open Innovation Safari

Explore one of Europe’s most dynamic Artificial Intelligence ecosystems

Location: Barcelona – Themes: Artificial Intelligence / Deep Tech / Data Innovation – Duration: One Day

The Barcelona AI & Deep Tech Open Innovation Safari is a one-day immersive experience designed for professionals who want to explore how artificial intelligence and deep technologies are transforming industries and creating new business opportunities.

Led by Certified Innovation Safari Sherpa Oriol Ribera, this Safari introduces participants to the Barcelona AI ecosystem, one of the most dynamic technology environments in Southern Europe.

During the experience, explorers will discover how researchers, startups and technology organizations are developing cutting-edge solutions in artificial intelligence, machine learning and data-driven innovation.

Explorers will explore topics such as:

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Machine Learning
  • Deep Tech innovation
  • Data-driven transformation

Innovation Safaris allow professionals to experience innovation where it actually happens.

The experience

The Safari combines curated exploration with interactive activities designed to encourage learning, discussion and inspiration.

Explorers will explore a key innovation hotspot in Barcelona’s AI ecosystem:

  • Barcelona Supercomputing Center – home of one of Europe’s most powerful supercomputers and a leading research institution in artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and data science.

Participants will:

  • Exploration walk at the supercomputing facilities and innovation spaces
  • Meet startups and innovators working on new AI technologies
  • Innovation workshop with other explorers
  • Participate in discussions about emerging trends in AI & DeepTech

This immersive approach helps participants better understand how advanced research ecosystems contribute to technological innovation.

What explorers will gain

Explorers will learn and design by:

  • discovering emerging trends in artificial intelligence and deep technologies
  • understanding how AI research ecosystems operate
  • connecting with researchers and innovation organizations
  • generating ideas and inspiration for future innovation projects

Who Should Join

This Innovation Safari is designed for professionals interested in emerging technologies and innovation, including:

  • corporate innovation leaders
  • technology strategists
  • entrepreneurs and startup founders
  • researchers and academics
  • public sector innovation managers

Participants from different sectors are encouraged to join and share perspectives.

Limited group to ensure a high-quality exploration experience.

BCN_OS_health-hub

Barcelona Health Tech Open Innovation Safari

Explore one of Europe’s most dynamic Health Tech ecosystems

Location: Barcelona – Themes: Health Tech / AI for Health – Duration: One Day

The Barcelona Health Tech Open Innovation Safari is a one-day immersive experience designed for professionals who want to explore how innovation is transforming healthcare.

Led by Certified Innovation Safari Sherpa Francesc Saldaña, this Safari takes participants inside the Barcelona Health Hub, one of the most vibrant Health Tech ecosystems in Europe.

During the experience, explorers will discover how startups, researchers and innovators are developing new technologies that are shaping the future of healthcare.

Participants will explore topics such as:

  • AI for Health
  • Health Tech
  • Digital health innovation
  • Biotechnology

Innovation Safaris allow professionals to experience innovation where it actually happens.

The experience

The Safari combines curated exploration with interactive activities designed to encourage learning, discussion and inspiration.

Participants will:

  • Exploration walk at Barcelona Health Hub
  • Meet startups and innovators working on new health technologies
  • Innovation workshop with other explorers
  • Participate in discussions about emerging trends in healthcare innovation

This immersive approach helps participants better understand how innovation happens within the Health Tech ecosystem.

What explorers will gain

Explorers will learn and design by:

  • discovering emerging technologies and innovation trends
  • understanding how innovation ecosystems operate
  • connecting with innovators and organizations
  • generating ideas and inspiration for future projects

Who Should Join

This Innovation Safari is designed for professionals interested in innovation and emerging technologies, including:

  • corporate innovation leaders
  • researchers and academics
  • entrepreneurs and startup founders
  • technology professionals
  • public sector innovation managers

Participants from different sectors are encouraged to join and share perspectives.

Limited group to ensure a high-quality exploration experience.

ICFO HOTSPOT

ICFO

ICFO (The Institute of Photonic Sciences) is a world-class research center located in Castelldefels, just outside Barcelona. It is dedicated to the science and technology of light (photonics) and is widely considered one of the top research institutions in Europe. 

Key Mission and Research

Founded in 2002 by the Government of Catalonia and the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), ICFO focuses on using light to solve global challenges in: 

  • Health: Developing advanced imaging and laser tools for non-invasive medical diagnostics and therapies.
  • Energy: Researching high-efficiency solar cells and sustainable energy harvesting.
  • Information Technology: Leading innovations in Quantum Computing, cryptography, and ultra-fast optical communications. 

Innovation and Industry

ICFO is highly focused on “knowledge frontier” research that leads to real-world applications:

  • KTT (Knowledge & Technology Transfer): The institute has a dedicated unit to bridge the gap between lab research and the market.
  • Spin-offs: ICFO has launched over 15 startups (such as QusideLuxQuanta, and Sixsenso) specializing in quantum security, environmental monitoring, and biomedical devices.
  • Graphene Hub: It hosts the Graphene Center, exploring the “wonder material” for flexible electronics and next-gen sensors.
STRATASYS HOTSPOT

STRATASYS

The Stratasys Hub in Barcelona refers to the company’s regional headquarters and innovation space located within the DFactory Barcelona ecosystem.

Stratasys, a global leader in polymer 3D printing, established this physical presence to serve as a center for additive manufacturing excellence in Southern Europe.

Key Activities:

  • Exhibition & Testing: The facility allows local industries to see cutting-edge 3D printing technologies (FDM, PolyJet, SAF, etc.) in action and validate prototypes before full-scale production.
  • Global AM Hubs Summit: As a key resident of DFactory, Stratasys played a leading role in the Global AM Hubs Summit 2025, an event that brought together over 20 additive manufacturing hubs from across Europe to discuss the future of advanced manufacturing.
  • Innovation Ecosystem: By being part of DFactory, Stratasys creates synergies with other tech leaders (like HP and Siemens) to integrate 3D printing with robotics, AI, and IoT.
  • Digital Customer Hub: online platform for clients to manage printers and licenses.

Hotspot BHH

Barcelona Health Hub

Barcelona Health Hub (BHH) is a global reference center for digital health innovation, headquartered in one of Barcelona’s most iconic architectural landmarks. Founded in 2018, it functions as a non-profit association that accelerates the digital transformation of the healthcare sector by connecting startups, health institutions, and corporations.

BHH acts as a bridge between more than 500 members

  • Startups: Over 325 emerging companies in fields like telemedicine, AI diagnostics, and wearables.
  • Corporate Partners: Global leaders such as Siemens HealthineersHPBayerGrifolsNovo Nordisk, and Vodafone.
  • Health Institutions: Collaborates with major hospitals like Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and Vall d’Hebron to validate and implement new technologies.
  • Investors: Includes specialized funds such as Asabys Partners and Ship2B Ventures.
ColoniaGuell HOTSPOT

Colonia Guell Lab

Colònia Güell is a former industrial village located about 20 minutes from Barcelona. Founded in 1890 by entrepreneur Eusebi Güell, it was built to provide a higher quality of life for textile workers and is now a celebrated open-air museum of Catalan Modernisme

The Gaudí Crypt: a UNESCO World Heritage site. Antoni Gaudí used this church as a “laboratory” to test architectural innovations—such as catenary arches and hyperbolic parabolas—that he would later apply to the Sagrada Família. 

  • Stereostatic Model: Gaudí invented a complex system of hanging strings and weights (poly-funicular model) to calculate the gravity and pressure of arches. By photographing this inverted model, he designed catenary arches that didn’t require external buttresses.
  • Hyperbolic Paraboloids: He was the first to use these warped mathematical shapes in walls and vaults, allowing for curved, organic structures that integrated into the hillside.
  • Material Innovation: He pioneered the use of recycled industrial waste, such as iron slag from the nearby factory and over-fired “waste” bricks, to create textured, cost-effective surfaces. 
Torribera HOTSPOT

Recinte Torribera

Recinte Torribera is a large, multi-use complex located just north of Barcelona. Originally a medieval farmhouse (masia) rebuilt in the 18th century, it was transformed in the early 20th century into a landmark “mental clinic” and has since evolved into a major university and research hub.

Key Areas and Functions

  • Torribera Food and Nutrition Campus (University of Barcelona): This is the site’s most prominent current feature. It is a specialized campus entirely dedicated to food sciences, nutrition, and gastronomy. It houses research labs, the UB-Bullipèdia Unit (a collaboration with chef Ferran Adrià), and various bachelor’s and master’s programs.
  • Architectural Heritage: The complex is an exceptional example of Novecentista architecture. It was designed by renowned architects Rafael Masó and Josep Maria Pericas, featuring symmetric pavilions, gardens, and a distinctive neo-Gothic church with a black tile pinnacle.
  • Healthcare and Research: The site still maintains a healthcare role as home to the Centre Dr. Emili Mira, a psychiatric and mental health facility managed by Parc de Salut Mar.
  • Nature and Sports: Bordering the Serralada de Marina Natural Park, the enclosure offers green spaces for walking and relaxation. It also includes the Torribera Sports Complex, which features swimming pools, tennis courts, and archery facilities.