The first edition of the Galáctica International Fair for Inventions and New Patents, from Vilanova I la Geltrú (Barcelona), was held in 1993. A previous study of the inventions sector in Catalonia and in overall Spain showed a need to create a professional contest pertaining to inventions and patents. At that time there was only one invention fair in Ses Salines (Balearic Islands) that had been held twice. However, it appeared that there would not be a third edition because Granollers, the Basque Country and Madrid, among others, did not see positive results nor a future for inventions fairs.

These deceiving results contrasted with those obtained from international competitions, which garnered more attention and professional acknowledgement. Moreover, Spanish inventors stood out at fairs in Geneva, Brussels, Paris, Pittsburg and Sydney. As this happened the Spanish Office of Patents and Brands registered hundreds of new patents and models of interest each year.

In Vilanova this outlook favoured the creation of a well-known competition for the creativity in Catalonia and in the whole of Spain and so Galáctica was born. The first edition took place in May 1993 under tents in the splendour of the Ribes Roges Park (Vilanova i la Geltrú), and is still remembered today for its singularity. In its first year Galáctica received heavy press attention throughout the country, despite negative economic results.

The fair has developed, year after year, and attained a double appeal that attracts both the general pubic as well as professionals. Galáctica has become a reference for inventors and is part of the principal agenda of national fairs.

The most recent data shows the fair’s positive development, which has more than 150 inventors, 15,000 visitors and 2,000 professional accreditations.