National Overview

The turnover of the Biotechnology sector in Portugal reached 36.5 million euros in 2019, and the average turnover per company was 337.8 thousand euros. Between the years 2011 to 2019, turnover in the Biotechnology sector increased by 33%. However, the average turnover per company or per employee remains below the average observed in the 28 countries of the European Union.

In Portugal, the biotechnology sector is growing fast. From 2016 to 2020, the turnover of the more than 200 companies surveyed in the Portugal Biotech study, more than tripled. Exports represent more than 60% of the turnover for 53% of biotechnology companies in our country.

Biotechnology’s Target Markets:

According to the study, Portugal Biotech, the companies’ main target markets are in the areas of human health (36.0%), agri-food (20.0%), and environment (16.0%). In Portugal, biotechnology ranks 5th in the 35 technological rankings regarding patent publications. More than 80% of all patents published by Portuguese biotechnology companies took place in the last ten years.

Sector Qualification

The study also reveals that this is a sector with highly qualified teams, in which about 86% have at least a college degree. 59% of employees are women, and the average age of employees is lower than the national average: 51% are under 35 years old, compared to 32% nationally.