Basque Country Technology Park expands in San Sebastián to boost innovation capacity

IASP member, the Basque Country Technology Park, a pioneering force in Spain and an international benchmark, continues its strategic development with the expansion of its San Sebastián (Donostia) campus into the Illunbe area. This initiative, developed in close collaboration with the San Sebastián City Council, reflects a shared vision to drive high-impact innovation and knowledge-based development in the region.

This new phase aims to position San Sebastián as an international hub in the fields of biosciences and biomedicine, consolidating the city’s strategic role in attracting cutting-edge business initiatives. In line with regional innovation priorities, it will also foster the development of forward-looking sectors such as biotechnology, life sciences, and quantum technologies—areas strongly supported by the Gipuzkoa Provincial Council for their capacity to generate quality employment, well-being, and long-term opportunities. This milestone further reinforces Gipuzkoa’s positioning as a key development pole for advanced therapies and transformative innovation.

As the first technology park established in Spain, the Basque Country Technology Park plays a central role in the Basque Country’s science, technology and innovation ecosystem. Today, it encompasses nine campuses—six currently active (Zamudio/Derio, Leioa, Abanto, Vitoria-Gasteiz, San Sebastián, and Hernani) and three under development (Bilbao, Ortuella, and Hondarribia). The park covers a total surface area of 6.5 million square meters and is home to 673 companies employing 23,674 professionals.

The planned expansion in San Sebastián allows the incorporation of more than 28,500 m2 of buildable area to the Technology Park in Illunbe, which will be integrated into the existing Donostia campus infrastructure. This new innovation space will accommodate strategic projects, including a flagship initiative led by Columbus Venture Partners— a leading life sciences venture capital in Spain- advancing a high-impact business plan in biotechnology and scientific entrepreneurship. Their project will serve as the cornerstone of a new urban innovation zone fully embedded within the campus ecosystem.

According to San Sebastián Mayor Eneko Goia, “this agreement reflects a joint commitment to building a future-focused economic model rooted in innovation.” The collaboration includes the adaptation of urban planning tools to enable the implementation of this high-value development.

The Donostia campus is already a dynamic centre for technology and research, and this expansion strengthens its role as a catalyst within the region’s science and business landscape. Its strategic location—close to the city centre and key innovation clusters—offers emerging and established companies an ideal environment to grow and collaborate in a knowledge-driven economy.

The broader Basque Country Technology Park ecosystem is a major economic engine for the region. Companies located within the park generate a combined annual turnover of €8,243 million, invest €754 million in R+D+i, and contribute 8.9% to the Basque GDP. These figures highlight its relevance as one of Europe’s leading innovation ecosystems.

Through this latest expansion, the Basque Country Technology Park not only extends its physical footprint, but also reaffirms its commitment to building a smarter, more sustainable and globally connected innovation environment—supporting the transformation of the Basque economy while remaining open to international collaboration. We congratulate the Basque Country Technology Park for this expansion and look forward to ongoing developments which will continue to drive innovation in the region and beyond.