New Science Act reinforces Gran Canaria as a premier location for R&D and innovation
Gran Canaria has strengthened its proposition for companies developing research, development and innovation activities with the entry into force of the new Canary Islands Science Act (Law 5/2026, of 16 July).
The new regulatory framework introduces measures designed to make the Canary Islands a more agile and competitive environment for R&D and innovation, combining administrative simplification, support for innovative projects, talent attraction and knowledge transfer with the archipelago’s differentiated tax framework.
A more agile environment for R&D and innovation
One of the main objectives of the new legislation is to create a more efficient framework for research and innovation activities. Projects declared strategic for the Canary Islands may benefit from urgent administrative processing and reduced ordinary procedural deadlines. It also reinforces coordination between the different agents within the Canary Islands Science, Technology and Innovation System.
For companies considering Gran Canaria as a location for R&D or technology development, the new framework provides greater regulatory stability and new mechanisms designed to facilitate the development of innovative projects.
A place to develop, test and transfer technology
The Act goes beyond research funding and strengthens the connection between science, technology and business. It promotes collaboration between research organisations, universities and companies, reinforces knowledge transfer structures and supports the creation and development of knowledge based companies and university spin-offs. This creates new opportunities for companies to use Gran Canaria not only as an operational base, but also as a location from which to develop, test and scale innovative solutions.
The new Science Act also introduces measures aimed at attracting, retaining and incorporating research talent into the Canary Islands innovation ecosystem. For international companies, this adds to Gran Canaria existing network of universities, research centres, technology organisations and scientific infrastructure, helping companies build and connect with specialised teams around R&D intensive projects.
Enhanced R&D tax incentives: up to 75,6%
These regulatory improvements complement one of Gran Canaria main competitive advantages for innovation intensive companies: the Canary Islands differentiated Economic and Fiscal Regime (REF).
R&D activities carried out in the Canary Islands can benefit from an enhanced Corporate Income Tax deduction of 45% of eligible R&D expenditure, and up to 75,6% on expenditure exceeding the average R&D investment of the previous two years, subject to the applicable requirements and limits. The regime also provides specific enhanced deductions for certain investments and qualified research personnel.
Why choose Gran Canaria for R&D and innovation?
The new Science Act reinforces an existing combination of competitive advantages: an enhanced tax regime for R&D, access to the Spanish and European innovation framework, research and technology capabilities, specialised talent and an institutional ecosystem increasingly focused on transferring knowledge into economic activity.
For companies evaluating locations for their next research, technology or innovation project, Gran Canaria offers a differentiated environment within Spain and the European Union to develop research and innovation activities.
Are you considering establishing or expanding an R&D or innovation project in Gran Canaria?
BEST in Gran Canaria provides personalised support to companies considering the island as a business location. We can help you assess available incentives, identify local research and technology capabilities and connect with potential partners across Gran Canaria’s innovation ecosystem.