The chemicals/pharmaceuticals sector, which is closely linked to biotechnology, represents one of the most dynamic areas of activity in Castile and Leon, a region that has established itself as a leader in this field.

There are around 200 companies in the sector, employing more than 5,000 people in Castile and Leon.

A scientific base and research are essential for biotechnology. In order to help this area develop, Castile and Leon boasts an excellent infrastructure that supports innovation by providing the material and human resources necessary for R&D, technology transfer, testing and measurement projects. It has a Technology Center Network, which includes:

• IOBA – Spanish acronym for the Institute of Applied Ophthalmology.
• INBIOTEC – Spanish acronym for the Biotechnology Institute of Leon.
• CIC – Spanish acronym for the Cancer Research Center.
• IBGM – Spanish acronym for the Genetic and Molecular Biology Institute.
• INCYL – Spanish acronym for the Institute of Neuroscience of Castile and Leon.