What IQS Barcelona does

IQS Barcelona (Institut Químic de Sarriá CETS Fundación Privada) is a private Jesuit university founded in 1905 and a founding member of the Universitat Ramon Llull. The institution operates two schools — IQS School of Engineering and IQS School of Management — delivering 50+ programs spanning undergraduate degrees, dual degrees, master's, doctoral programs, and executive education in chemistry, chemical engineering, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, pharmacy, industrial engineering, applied mathematics, business administration, marketing, international business, and tourism management. Its core teaching and research infrastructure totals 23,868 m² of teaching space and 8,700 m² of laboratories, anchored by the 2024 INNOHUB IQS innovation hub (2,000 m²), the IQS-JEOL NMR Platform, the Finance Lab with LSEG Workspace, the CTPTI technology transfer center, the IQS-SCIEX Demo Lab, a bioprocess pilot plant, and the Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials Unit.

The business model combines tuition-driven academic revenue with diversified corporate and research income streams. Tuition from undergraduate, master's, doctoral, and executive education programs is the primary recurring revenue source, supplemented by corporate partnership fees, scholarships, and equipment donations coordinated through the Fundación Empresas IQS (constituted 1958, 60+ corporate members). Research grants from Catalan (AGAUR), Spanish, and European Union programs plus commissioned industry research contribute project-based revenue. IQS Tech Transfer SA commercializes intellectual property through licensing and spin-off formation, while the IQS Tech Factory drives entrepreneurship programs. Distribution is primarily through direct on-campus admissions, online portals, education fairs, and the International Office; corporate engagement runs through the Fundación Empresas IQS framework and events such as Talent Week and Expoquimia.

IQS serves two primary customer segments: prospective students (domestic and international) seeking science, engineering, or management credentials with strong industry placement outcomes, and corporate partners seeking access to a trained talent pipeline, R&D collaboration, and technology transfer. The institution holds AACSB (business), ABET (Industrial and Chemical Engineering), and AQU (Catalan) accreditations and ranks in QS 2026 (Marketing #1 Spain, #19 global), Times Higher Education Top 100 Global Employability, and the Financial Times Master in Management 2025.

Name

IQS Barcelona

Legal name

Institut Químic de Sarriá CETS Fundación Privada (IQS)

Website

https://iqs.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1905

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

IQS Barcelona is a private Jesuit university (founded 1905) operating IQS School of Engineering and IQS School of Management, serving undergraduate, master's, doctoral, and executive students across science, engineering, and management disciplines, with a corporate foundation anchoring 60+ industry partnerships for talent, research, and tech transfer.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), All Other Schools and Instruction (61169)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)

akta.pro primary industry

Engineering & Technology Institutes (Comprehensive) (EDAHAEAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Technical Universities with Entrepreneurship & Incubation Focus (EDAHAEAH), STEM-Focused Research Universities (Engineering & Applied Sciences) (EDAHABAB)

Keywords

• Higher education
• University degree programs
• Engineering education
• Business school programs
• Applied research services

Headquarters

HQ city

Barcelona

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Tuition and academic fees: IQS generates revenue primarily through tuition fees from undergraduate degrees, master's degrees, doctoral programs, and executive education. Programs include single degrees, dual degrees, and continuous education courses. Fee-based model with scholarship support through the Fundación Empresas IQS.
2. Corporate partnerships and sponsorship: Fundación Empresas IQS coordinates corporate membership, sponsorship, and collaboration agreements with partner companies. Companies provide financial support, equipment donations, and project funding in exchange for recruitment access, research collaboration, and visibility.
3. Research grants and contracts: IQS receives research project funding from government agencies (e.g., AGAUR recognition as Consolidated Research Group), European Union programs, and private entities. Research groups conduct commissioned projects for industry.
4. Tech transfer and entrepreneurship: IQS Tech Transfer SA commercializes university research through technology licensing, spin-off company formation, and the IQS Tech Factory entrepreneurship program. Revenue derived from startup equity, licensing royalties, and service contracts.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

IQS Barcelona is a private Jesuit university that delivers higher education across undergraduate degrees, dual degrees, master's, dual master's, doctoral programs, and executive education in science, engineering, and management disciplines. Its two schools (IQS School of Engineering and IQS School of Management) offer more than 50 programs spanning chemistry, chemical engineering, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, pharmacy, industrial engineering, applied mathematics, business administration, marketing, international business, and tourism/hospitality. The educational offering is supported by specialized research facilities and complemented by technology transfer (IQS Tech Transfer SA), entrepreneurship programs (IQS Tech Factory), and corporate partnership coordination (Fundación Empresas IQS).

Product overview

IQS Barcelona is a private university in Barcelona, Spain, founded in 1905 and a founding member of the Ramon Llull University. It operates two schools: IQS School of Engineering and IQS School of Management. The institution offers a comprehensive portfolio of educational products and services including undergraduate degrees (Grados), dual degrees (Dobles Grados), master's programs (Másters), dual master's (Dobles Másters), doctoral programs (Doctorados), and Executive Education for professionals and companies. The portfolio spans science and engineering disciplines (Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacy, Industrial Engineering, Applied Mathematics) and management disciplines (Business Administration, Marketing, International Business, Tourism/Hospitality). Supporting the academic offerings are advanced research facilities including the INNOHUB IQS innovation hub, CTPTI technology transfer center, Finance Lab with LSEG Workspace, JEOL NMR Platform, SCIEX Demo Lab, Bioprocesses Pilot Plant, Biotherapies Lab, Thermal Analysis Lab, and Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials Unit. The institution also operates IQS Tech Transfer for industry collaboration, IQS Tech Factory for entrepreneurship, and Fundación Empresas IQS for business partnerships.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• IQS Tech Factory: Entrepreneurship and innovation division of IQS that supports startup creation and entrepreneurial projects.
• IQS Tech Transfer
• INNOHUB IQS

Products and services

• Grados (Bachelor's Degrees) Undergraduate degree programs offered across IQS School of Engineering (Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacy, Industrial Engineering Technologies, Applied Mathematics) and IQS School of Management (Business Administration, Marketing, International Business, Tourism and Hospitality Management). Designed for domestic and international students seeking foundational higher education qualifications in science, engineering, or management.
• Dobles Grados (Dual Bachelor's Degrees) Combined undergraduate degree programs that integrate studies from both schools, such as Chemistry + Business Administration, Chemical Engineering + Business Administration, Biotechnology + Business Administration, Industrial Engineering + Business Administration, Chemistry + Chemical Engineering, and Tourism/Hospitality + Marketing. Targets students seeking interdisciplinary qualifications combining science/engineering with business management.
• Másters (Master's Degrees) Postgraduate master's programs spanning Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Bioengineering, Biopharmaceutical Industry, Cosmetics and Fragrances, International Marketing in Digital Environment, Wealth and Financial Management, Industrial Business Management, Neuromarketing, Accounting/Data Analytics/ESG Reporting, Applied International Development, and Circular Economy. For graduate students and professionals seeking specialized postgraduate qualifications.
• Dobles Másters (Dual Master's Degrees) Combined master's programs pairing technical/scientific specializations with industrial business management, including Analytical Chemistry + Industrial Business Management, Pharmaceutical Chemistry + Industrial Business Management, Bioengineering + Industrial Business Management, Chemical Engineering + Industrial Business Management, Industrial Engineering + Industrial Business Management, Industrial Engineering + Chemical Engineering, Biopharmaceutical Business + Bioengineering, and Biopharmaceutical Business + Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
• Doctorados (PhD Programs) Doctoral programs in Bioengineering, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and Business and Territorial Competitiveness, Innovation and Sustainability (CETIS). Aimed at researchers and academics pursuing advanced doctoral research within the Universitat Ramon Llull framework.
• Executive Education Specialized professional development programs including Master's in Operations Management, Strategic Purchasing, Hotel Business Management, and Neuromarketing; Postgraduate programs in Pharmaceutical Plant Engineering, Product and Process Engineering Management, AI applied to Supply Chain, Manufacturing Plant Leadership, Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Strategic Purchasing Management (MIP), Perfumes/Fragrances market applications, and SME Governance; plus short focused programs and capsules, and customized In-Company training. Designed for working professionals and companies seeking specialized continuing education.
• IQS Tech Transfer Technology transfer division of IQS that develops activities of research, innovation, and knowledge transfer toward industry. Commercializes university research through technology licensing, spin-off company formation, and service contracts with corporate clients seeking to translate academic research into commercial applications.
• IQS Tech Factory Entrepreneurship and innovation division of IQS that fosters entrepreneurial culture and new company creation, including the IQS Startup Challenge program. Provides mentorship, market validation support, and infrastructure access for students, researchers, alumni, and staff developing early-stage business ideas and spin-off ventures.

Quantifiable outcome

• Marketing programs ranked 1st in Spain and 19th globally in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• HAAS AutomationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHAAS Automation, world leader in manufacturing technology, maintains its own laboratory inside the INNOHUB IQS – Planta Piloto facility. The lab features precision machinery and advanced manufacturing systems, bringing Industry 5.0 capabilities to IQS's educational and research programs. This is a flagship collaboration for the Industry 5.0 hub, inaugurated in 2024.
• AC MarcacoreOthersAC Marca is a leading consumer goods company and corporate member of Fundación Empresas IQS. It sponsors the new Engineering Building (Nuevo Edificio de Ingenierías) and participates in the scholarship and collaboration programs of the foundation.
• BASF EspañolacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBASF collaborated in the construction of the Centro de Transferencia de Procesos y Tecnologías Integrativas (CTPTI) at IQS. BASF is also a regular participant in IQS events and a member of the Fundación Empresas IQS, supporting research and technology transfer.
• GrifolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrifols, a global pharmaceutical company and IQS alumni-founded firm, maintains an active partnership through the Fundación Empresas IQS. Grifols has collaborated on the CTPTI visit and sponsors master's scholarships. Its executives (including former CEO) participate in institutional events.
• JEOLcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJEOL, a leading manufacturer of scientific equipment, signed a collaboration agreement with IQS in 2024 to establish the IQS-JEOL NMR Platform. The platform features two next-generation NMR spectrometers acquired by IQS, with JEOL experts collaborating with IQS researchers in chemical, biochemical, and pharmaceutical applications.
• Ernesto VentóscoreOthersErnesto Ventós, a leader in the fragrance industry, co-founded the Fundación Ernesto Ventós with IQS. The foundation has collaborated on the 'QuímicArtista. Ernesto Ventós' exhibition and funds research activities at IQS. Ernesto Ventós is also a member of Fundación Empresas IQS.
• LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group) / RefinitivcoreTechnology or IntegrationLSEG provides the LSEG Workspace platform (formerly Refinitiv, Thomson Reuters Eikon) for the IQS Finance Lab. The platform gives students real-time access to 40,000 financial institutions and markets across 190 countries, plus 130+ applications for financial analysis, trading, and risk management.
• NovartisminorOthersNovartis is a corporate member of Fundación Empresas IQS, supporting the foundation's mission to connect academia with industry and contributing to scholarship and collaboration programs.
• MIT Spain ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIQS is a founding member of the MIT Spain Program, which connects Spanish institutions with MIT's global network, research collaborations, and educational initiatives. The foundation website explicitly notes this membership as a key institutional affiliation.
• La Caixa FoundationcoreOthersLa Caixa (CaixaBank) is a member of Fundación Empresas IQS and promotes financial aid programs for large families of IQS students. The foundation also collaborates in honoring the legacy of Juan Antonio Cuatrecasas through institutional projects.
• Hospital Sant Joan de Déu BarcelonacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIQS and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona established a Joint-Lab partnership for pediatric bio-3D printing, advanced materials, and computational simulation. The collaboration creates a stable pathway for advancing bio-impression 3D technology into clinical applications for pediatric care.
• SCIEXcoreTechnology or IntegrationSCIEX partnered with IQS to establish the IQS-SCIEX Demo Lab, a demonstration laboratory promoting research in high-resolution mass spectrometry techniques for chemical analysis. The partnership supports IQS's analytical chemistry research capabilities.
• Fundación Princesa de GironacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIQS and Fundación Princesa de Girona jointly award scholarships to promote young talent. IQS participates in the foundation's technology expeditions and the 'Generación Propósito' social leadership program, with 14 finalist projects presented at IQS.
• In-Move by RailgrupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIQS signed a collaboration agreement with In-Move by Railgrup to promote training and research activities, supporting the railway and mobility sector's educational and research needs.
• CovestrominorOthersCovestro partnered with Fundación Empresas IQS to sponsor the 'Aquí hay Química' competition, promoting interest in chemistry among students.
• Catalonia Hotels & ResortsminorOthersCorporate member of Fundación Empresas IQS, supporting the foundation's scholarship and collaboration programs.
• MecaluxminorOthersMecalux, a leading warehouse management and storage systems company, is a member of Fundación Empresas IQS.
• AbertisminorOthersAbertis, the international toll road operator, joined Fundación Empresas IQS in 2018 as a corporate member supporting the foundation's educational mission.
• UNIJES (Universidades Jesuitas)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIQS is part of the UNIJES network (Compañía de Jesús / Jesuit network of universities and colleges). IQS hosts UNIJES events such as the Liga de Debate San Francisco Javier and participates in the network's annual reports, international conferences, and sustainability initiatives.
• IAJBS (International Association of Jesuit Business Schools)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIQS School of Management participates in the IAJBS, an international association of Jesuit business schools, attending annual conferences and promoting global collaboration among Jesuit business education institutions.
• CuatrecasasminorOthersCuatrecasas, a leading law firm, collaborates with IQS on the Master's in Wealth and Financial Management, contributing legal and regulatory expertise to the program.
• CarleosminorOthersCorporate member of Fundación Empresas IQS.
• DC Fine ChemicalsminorOthersCorporate member of Fundación Empresas IQS.
• GivaudanminorOthersGlobal flavors and fragrances company, corporate member of Fundación Empresas IQS.
• MesoesteticminorOthersMesoestetic, a pharmaceutical-aesthetic company, funds a master's scholarship through Fundación Empresas IQS.
• PuratosminorOthersBelgian multinational food company, corporate member of Fundación Empresas IQS.
• FluidraminorOthersFluidra, the pool and wellness equipment multinational, participated in an IQS conference organized by Fundación Empresas IQS, sharing insights on company growth and success strategies.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• EAE Business School: Barcelona-based private business school offering master's and executive education. Direct competitor to IQS School of Management for marketing, finance and operations master's students.
• IE University: Private Spanish university offering STEM and business programs with strong international orientation and corporate partnerships. Closest peer to IQS in combining engineering/technical education with business at a premium price point.
• ESADE Business School: Top-tier Spanish private business school with AACSB-equivalent accreditations, located in Barcelona. Competes directly with IQS School of Management for master's students and corporate partnerships.
• Universidad de Navarra: Spain's leading private Catholic university with strong STEM, pharmacy and management programs plus IESE business school. Comparable scale, prestige, employer ties, and dual academic-professional positioning.
• Universidad Pontificia Comillas: Madrid-based private Jesuit university with engineering (ICAI) and business schools, paralleling IQS's Jesuit heritage and dual-school engineering+management structure. Comparable corporate partnership model and STEM-business dual degrees.
• ESIC Business & Marketing School: Spanish private business school with strong marketing and digital programs. Closest comparable to IQS's #1 Spain ranking in Marketing (QS 2026).

Broad incumbents

• Technische Universität München (TUM): European technical university with strong industry partnerships, applied research infrastructure and dual academic-business programs. Comparable Industry 5.0/smart manufacturing positioning against IQS INNOHUB.
• Universitat de Barcelona: Major public research university in Barcelona offering chemistry, biotechnology, pharmacy and business. Sets public-sector benchmark for IQS's STEM and management programs at lower tuition.
• Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC): Large public technical university in Barcelona offering chemistry, chemical engineering, biotechnology and industrial engineering. Overlaps heavily with IQS School of Engineering at significantly lower price point, anchoring regional competition.

Regional players

• ESCP Business School: Pan-European business school with AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA accreditations and a Madrid campus. Comparable to IQS School of Management in triple-crown ambition and STEM-business dual-degree offerings across Europe.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/iqs-barcelona
• Instagraminstagram.com/iqs_
• Xx.com/IQSbarcelona
• Facebookfacebook.com/iqsbarcelona

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about IQS Barcelona