The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), alongside the Flemish Institute of Biotechnology (VIB), inaugurated the new Bio Incubator Brussels (BIB) on Thursday. This new facility aims to strengthen Brussels' position in the biotechnology sector.
Equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and offices intended for start-ups, the goal is to attract talent in the burgeoning sector. "With its international institutions and robust research infrastructure, the City of Brussels is offering an ideal environment for innovative companies. The Bio Incubator Brussels will provide an additional advantage to attract and support young biotechnology enterprises," the VUB stated in a press release.
Jan Steyaert, Scientific Director of the VIB-VUB Centre for Structural Biology, described the Bio Incubator Brussels as an "unprecedented opportunity" for young companies in Brussels.
"For years, we have had successful biotechnology spin-offs like Ablynx, Biotalys, and Confo Therapeutics, but until now, they had to start up elsewhere in Belgium or abroad. We can now offer them a solid base in Brussels, where scientific research and entrepreneurship go hand in hand," he said.
The BIB is located in the heart of the VUB campus. Here, companies "will have access not only to high-tech infrastructure but also to a stimulating scientific environment," according to the VUB. It provides six modular laboratory units, ranging from 70 to 200 square metres, and seven office spaces for companies wishing to establish themselves there.
