Creating the action plan for the Baltic-Nordic biotech cluster

Creating the action plan for the Baltic-Nordic biotech cluster

BIOCONNECT is an international project funded by Horizon Europe (ID 101134908), with the goal of developing an integrated innovation action plan for a more interconnected Baltic biotechnology ecosystem, facilitating new regional links through initiatives targeting academia, startups, industry, talent, capital, policymakers, and the wider society.

Ecosystem, united

BIOCONNECT is implemented by a 7-member Baltic-Finnish consortium involving key stakeholders from the region’s major biotech hubs:

Since 2003, LithuaniaBIO brings together companies, universities, and researchers in biotechnology. Its aim is to support the Lithuanian biotech industry in addressing global life quality and environmental issues.

As the highest-rated research organization in Latvia, LIOS has been at the forefront of life sciences innovation since 1957 with a track record of 18 original and 100 generic medicines, publishing 70 papers annually.

As part of the University of Tartu, ECB is Estonia’s leader in developing bioprocesses and creative synbio solutions to address global challenges in biosustainability, through both fundamental and applied research.

The Life Sciences Center at Vilnius University is ranked in the top 4% by QS World University Rankings. With advanced research facilities, expert faculty, and international ties, LSC is at the forefront of Lithuanian biotech innovation.

On a mission to catalyze the DNA-Economy, Finland’s Synbio Powerlabs offers end-to-end services at their R&D lab in Espoo as well as Europe’s largest pilot facilities in Lappeenranta, including reactors of up to 2 x 27,000L.

The Food Tech and Bioengineering Lab at TalTech is focused on addressing global challenges of biosustainability, including sustainable production of food and feed, as well as biochemicals and materials.

Leading the consortium is the Biocatalyst Foundation, an independent NGO with the goal of growing the bioeconomy in the Baltics and Europe at large, focusing on talent, startups, and ecosystem development.

Project’s objectives

BIOCONNECT aims to help develop the biotech innovation ecosystem by strengthening local and cross-border links between all quadruple helix stakeholders across the region:

1. Mapping and Analysis

Establishing a data-driven understanding of the current state of the Baltic biotech innovation ecosystem as well as common goals across stakeholders and countries. See the Ecosystem page for the full stakeholder database and report.

2. Ecosystem Action Plan

Creating a joint biotechnology innovation Action Plan for the Baltic region, focusing on cross-border cooperation, regional synergies / deduplication, inclusivity, ethics, and diversity. The full document is available on the Action Plan page.

3. Pre-Implementation

Building the foundation for successful future realization of the Action Plan’s components by engaging key stakeholders, outreach, and establishing the Baltic Biotech Hub. See our News section for the latest updates and events.

Latest news

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