€80M Loan Secured for CaixaResearch Institute in Barcelona: A Landmark in Immunology Research

CriteriaCaixa will allocate the loan to its sole shareholder, the “la Caixa” Foundation, which is managing the project with a total budget of €110 million.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) and CriteriaCaixa, the holding company of the “la Caixa” Foundation, have signed an €80 million loan to fund the construction and launch of the CaixaResearch Institute in Barcelona. This institute will be Spain’s first biomedical research center dedicated to interdisciplinary immunology research, a significant initiative supported by the “la Caixa” Foundation.

CriteriaCaixa will allocate the loan to its sole shareholder, the “la Caixa” Foundation, which is managing the project with a total budget of €110 million. The loan carries a maturity of five years.

The agreement was formalized at an event attended by notable figures, including Jean-Christophe Laloux, EIB Director General for EU Operations; Antonio Vila, Director General of the “la Caixa” Foundation; and Ángel Simón, CEO of CriteriaCaixa.

Laloux expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are delighted to be joining forces with CriteriaCaixa and ‘la Caixa’ Foundation to help get the CaixaResearch Institute up and running. The Covid pandemic highlighted the critical importance of immunological research, and this Institute will bolster Europe’s capacity to prevent diseases and address future public health challenges.”

Antonio Vila added, “The agreement with the EIB allows us to advance the CaixaResearch Institute, which is a key strategic commitment for the ‘la Caixa’ Foundation in the coming years. Having top-level partners like the EIB enhances the project’s impact and underscores the importance of collaboration in tackling major contemporary challenges.”

Ángel Simón noted, “We are proud to conclude this agreement with the EIB, supporting a project that epitomizes the ‘la Caixa’ Foundation’s commitment to scientific research. This funding enables us to provide the necessary resources for the Foundation’s social actions, contributing to socioeconomic development.”

Strategic Commitment to Research and InnovationThis financing agreement aligns with the EIB Group’s strategic priorities outlined in its 2024-2027 strategic plan, emphasizing investment in research, human capital, social infrastructure, and digital transformation. The CaixaResearch Institute is anticipated to enhance the EU's competitiveness in healthcare and innovation, strengthening its economy.

A Cutting-Edge Immunology Research Center

The CaixaResearch Institute aims to become a European leader in immunological research, attracting international scientists to advance biomedical research in a field crucial for healthcare. It will focus on understanding how immune system processes interact with prevalent diseases, such as autoimmune, neurological, oncological, metabolic, and infectious diseases, while also analyzing environmental factors that impact these conditions.

Spanning over 20,000 m², the state-of-the-art facilities will accommodate more than 500 scientists, technicians, and administrators. The center’s mission includes fostering collaboration within the scientific community to boost innovation and competitiveness in the healthcare sector, a strategic objective for the European Union.

Additionally, the new research facility will be designed for high energy efficiency, aligning with the EIB’s climate action and sustainability objectives. Located in the Sierra de Collserola Park, the center will connect with the CosmoCaixa Science Museum, reinforcing the collaboration between the two institutions and establishing a vibrant scientific campus. The construction of the first module is expected to be completed by 2025, enabling initial research groups to begin their work.