Barcelona has secured its position as one of the world’s foremost destinations for artificial intelligence (AI) investment, according to the newly published Global Location Trends 2025 report by IBM and Moody’s.
The Catalan capital is now the third city globally for attracting foreign-backed AI projects, surpassed only by London and Singapore. The ranking means Barcelona leads the European Union in this field, underscoring its growing reputation as a hub for advanced technology and innovation.
The report also places Catalunya as the top region across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) for jobs linked to foreign AI investment, accounting for 20% of all positions created in Spain. Madrid follows with 14%. Within the EMEA region, Barcelona ranks third for employment generation behind London and Dubai.
The findings reflect a significant expansion of international tech hubs in the city. According to the Tech Hubs Overview study by Mobile World Capital Barcelona and ACCIÓ, there are now 160 international technology hubs in Catalunya, up 9% from last year. In 2024 alone, these hubs created more than 6,100 jobs, employing nearly 35,000 people in total.
Catalunya’s AI sector is thriving, with nearly 500 companies specialising in the field. Their combined turnover exceeds €2.15 billion, sustaining around 14,500 jobs. The adoption of AI is also accelerating: last year, 24% of Catalan firms with more than nine employees invested in AI technologies — almost double the 12.6% recorded in 2023.
Investment has not been limited to startups. Major projects include data centres, global consultancy expansions and innovation labs, positioning Barcelona as a strategic gateway for technology firms entering Europe. The Generalitat’s trade and investment agency ACCIÓ reports that 37% of all foreign projects it attracted in 2024 were technology-based, with AI at the forefront.
Barcelona’s ability to attract and retain such investment is being closely monitored by policymakers, who see the sector as a key driver of economic growth, skilled employment and competitiveness.
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