Institut Quimic de Sarria (IQS)

What Institut Quimic de Sarria (IQS) does

Institut Quimic de Sarria (IQS) is a private, nonprofit university foundation in Barcelona, founded in 1905 and operating as a founding member of Universitat Ramon Llull. It delivers higher education across two constituent faculties — IQS School of Engineering (chemistry, chemical engineering, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, pharmacy, industrial engineering, applied mathematics) and IQS School of Management (business administration, marketing, international business, tourism/hospitality) — plus doctoral programs, executive education, the IQS Tech Transfer research/industry-collaboration arm, and the IQS Tech Factory entrepreneurship unit. The institution holds ABET accreditation for engineering programs and AACSB accreditation for management programs, and occupies a 23,868 m² Barcelona campus that includes 8,700 m² of specialized laboratories and a newly inaugurated (~2024) ~2,000 m² INNOHUB IQS pilot plant focused on Industry 5.0, advanced manufacturing, flow chemistry, CO2 capture and human-machine interaction.

IQS generates revenue primarily through tuition fees for undergraduate, dual, master and doctoral programs (annual subscription model, with scholarships available), supplemented by research and technology-transfer contracts via IQS Tech Transfer and corporate training/In-Company solutions through IQS Executive Education. Its GTM motion combines a sales-led admissions process (open days, interviews, online applications, International Office outreach) with a community-led flywheel leveraging a 500+ corporate-partner network, alumni advocacy and programs like STEM4her and the IQS Startup Challenge. International growth is supported through Triple Degree programs with IESEG Paris and Sheffield Business School, plus MIT-Spain (MISTI) and ERASMUS+ mobility partnerships. The institution also operates two wholly-owned affiliates — IQS Tech Transfer SA and Fundación Empresas IQS — to formalize research commercialization and corporate fundraising.

Name

Institut Quimic de Sarria (IQS)

Legal name

Instituto Químico de Sarriá CETS Fundación Privada

Website

https://iqs.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1905

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

IQS is a private nonprofit university in Barcelona (founded 1905), part of Universitat Ramon Llull, offering ABET- and AACSB-accredited programs in engineering, sciences and management, plus executive education, tech transfer and a new Industry 5.0 pilot plant.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Technical and Trade Schools (6115)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

STEM-Focused Research Universities (Engineering & Applied Sciences) (EDAHABAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Engineering & Technology Institutes (Comprehensive) (EDAHAEAA), Technical Universities with Computing, Data & AI Focus (EDAHAEAK)

Keywords

• Higher education services
• Engineering education programs
• Business management education
• University research services
• Technology transfer services

Headquarters

HQ city

Barcelona

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Educational Services: IQS generates revenue primarily through tuition fees for undergraduate degrees, dual degrees, master's programs, doctoral programs, and executive education. The institution offers various programs in engineering, chemistry, biotechnology, business administration, marketing, and international business. Programs include scholarships and financial aid options.
2. Research and Technology Transfer Services: IQS Tech Transfer generates revenue through research projects, consulting services, and technology transfer activities with industry partners. The university develops applied research solutions for companies across various sectors including chemistry, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and industrial engineering.
3. Corporate Training and Executive Education: IQS Executive Education provides specialized training programs for professionals and companies, including in-company solutions, postgraduates, and continuing education programs.
4. Customized Business Services: IQS provides services to customers through corporate partnerships, internships coordination (IQS Careers), and career placement services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

IQS is a private university in Barcelona operating through two faculties — IQS School of Engineering (Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacy, Industrial Engineering, Applied Mathematics) and IQS School of Management (Business Administration, Marketing, International Business, Tourism and Hospitality Management). It delivers undergraduate degrees, dual degrees, master's degrees, doctoral programs, and executive education, complemented by IQS Tech Transfer (industry research), IQS Tech Factory (entrepreneurship), and IQS Executive Education for professionals.

Product overview

IQS (Institut Quimic de Sarria) is a private university in Barcelona, founded in 1905, consisting of two faculties: IQS School of Engineering and IQS School of Management. The institution offers a comprehensive portfolio of educational products including undergraduate degrees, dual degrees, master's degrees, dual master's degrees, doctoral programs, and executive education. IQS School of Engineering provides programs in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacy, and Applied Mathematics. IQS School of Management offers Business Administration, Marketing, International Business, and Tourism/Hospitality Management. The institution also operates specialized divisions including Executive Education for professional development, Tech Transfer for industry collaboration, and Tech Factory for entrepreneurship support. The portfolio includes combined degree programs pairing engineering and business disciplines, as well as international programs such as the Triple Degree in International Business with partner universities in Paris and Sheffield.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• IQS School of Engineering: Engineering school offering programs in chemistry, chemical engineering, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, pharmacy, industrial engineering, and applied mathematics.
• IQS School of Management
• IQS Executive Education
• IQS Tech Transfer
• IQS Tech Factory
• IQS Alumni
• IQS Career Services

Products and services

• IQS School of Engineering - Undergraduate Degrees
• IQS School of Management - Undergraduate Degrees
• Dual Bachelor's Degrees
• Master's Degrees in Engineering
• Master's Degrees in Management
• Dual Master's Degrees
• Doctoral Programs
• IQS Executive Education
• IQS Tech Transfer
• IQS Tech Factory
• Triple Degree in International Business International undergraduate program allowing students to study in three different cities (Barcelona, Paris at IÉSEG, and Sheffield at Sheffield Business School) over multiple years, earning degrees from multiple universities.

Quantifiable outcome

• QS Business Masters Rankings: Marketing ranked #1 in Spain and #21-50 globally
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• HAAS AutomationcoreTechnology or IntegrationHAAS Automation, world leader in manufacturing technology, has its own laboratory within the INNOHUB IQS - Planta Pilot facility. The laboratory is equipped with precision machinery and advanced manufacturing systems to bring Industry 5.0 to education and applied innovation.
• ZoetisminorOthersAnimal pharmaceutical company where IQS students complete internships. Zoetis provides practical work experience opportunities for chemistry and life sciences students.
• AC MARCAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner supporting the INNOHUB IQS innovation hub. AC MARCA collaborates with IQS in research, innovation, and knowledge transfer initiatives.
• Carburos MetálicoscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustrial gases company partnering with IQS on the INNOHUB innovation hub, supporting research and development activities in industrial applications.
• Ernesto VentóscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFragrance and flavor company collaborating with IQS through the INNOHUB initiative, supporting innovation in cosmetics and perfumery research.
• LETI PharmacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPharmaceutical company partner supporting IQS’s research and innovation ecosystem through the INNOHUB initiative.
• LLEALcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChemical industry partner collaborating with IQS on research projects and innovation initiatives through the INNOHUB ecosystem.
• MolinscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustrial manufacturing company partnering with IQS for the INNOHUB innovation hub, supporting Industry 5.0 research and development.
• RocacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBathroom fixtures and heating manufacturer collaborating with IQS on innovation and technology transfer projects.
• WerfencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDiagnostic and hospital equipment company partnering with IQS through the INNOHUB innovation hub for healthcare technology research.
• Universitat Ramon LlullcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIQS is a founding member of Ramon Llull University, a prestigious private university consortium in Barcelona. IQS School of Engineering and IQS School of Management are constituent faculties.
• IÉSEG School of Management (Paris)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner institution for Triple Degree program in International Business, allowing students to study one year in Paris, France as part of their degree.
• Sheffield Business SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner institution for Triple Degree program in International Business, enabling students to spend one academic year studying in Sheffield, England.
• MIT-Spain Program (MISTI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIQS participates in the MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives program, providing opportunities for student exchanges and collaborations with MIT.
• Kircher NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational network of universities where IQS participates in international officers meetings and collaborates on student mobility initiatives.
• Beta Gamma SigmaminorOthersInternational academic honor society recognizing academic excellence in AACSB-accredited business schools. IQS School of Management students are inducted into this society.
• 500+ Partner CompaniescoreOthersOver 500 companies collaborate with IQS for student internships, career placement, research projects, and industry-academia knowledge transfer.
• Foreign Universities (ERASMUS+)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNumerous international university partnerships through ERASMUS+ and bilateral exchange agreements for student and faculty mobility.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• IE University: Private Spanish university combining business, law, engineering, and applied science programs, with strong international recruitment and AACSB-equivalent accreditations. Directly comparable to IQS as a private, STEM-and-management-focused Spanish institution targeting international, fee-paying students through differentiated dual-degree offerings.
• ESADE: Barcelona-based private business school with AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA accreditations, offering undergraduate, master's, MBA, and executive education. Directly comparable to IQS School of Management as a fellow top-tier Spanish private institution in the same city, with overlapping corporate partnerships and a similar private-university positioning.
• IÉSEG School of Management: AACSB- and EQUIS-accredited French business school partnered with IQS on the Triple Degree program. Directly comparable to IQS School of Management on accreditation profile, program scope, and the institutional partnership already formalizing cross-border student mobility.
• Tecnun - Universidad de Navarra: Engineering school of Universidad de Navarra offering degrees in industrial, telecommunications, and mechanical engineering with applied research labs. Comparable to IQS School of Engineering as a private Spanish engineering school with industry-linked curriculum and similar size profile.
• Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC): Barcelona-based public technical university offering undergraduate and graduate programs in chemistry, chemical engineering, industrial engineering, and biotechnology. Closely comparable to IQS School of Engineering on academic scope and geography, while serving as the primary public-option competitor on price.
• Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM): Spain's largest public technical university, delivering programs in industrial, chemical, and biomedical engineering with strong industry linkages. Comparable to IQS as a Spanish STEM institution competing for the same prospective engineering students and corporate research partnerships.
• ESPCI Paris - PSL: Paris-based elite engineering school specializing in chemistry, physics, and biotechnology, with deep industrial research ties. Comparable to IQS School of Engineering on its chemistry-and-engineering focus, applied research orientation, and European industrial partnership model.

Broad incumbents

• Universitat de Barcelona (UB): Large public research university in Barcelona offering chemistry, pharmacy, and engineering-adjacent programs. Comparable to IQS on overlapping STEM program portfolio and shared Barcelona catchment, while serving as the lower-cost public benchmark in the same city.
• Universidad de Navarra: Private Spanish university with engineering (Tecnun), business (IESE), and science programs. Comparable to IQS as a fellow Spanish private university combining STEM with management, drawing on a similar premium-tier positioning and corporate sponsorship ecosystem.
• Politecnico di Milano: Italy's largest technical university, with strong programs in industrial engineering, chemistry, and management engineering. Comparable to IQS as a leading European STEM-and-management institution with significant international student intake and industry-funded research.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/iqs-barcelona
• Instagraminstagram.com/iqs_url
• Xx.com/iqsbarcelona
• Facebookfacebook.com/iqsbarcelona

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 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 Institut Quimic de Sarria (IQS)