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BioTech

Invest in Ghent - BioTech

Invest in Ghent’s BioTech

The business of BioTech

Ghent is home to some of the most innovative biotechnology companies in the world. We’ve been pioneering biotechnologies since the 60’s, combining knowledge, experience and talent to attract both international investors and skilled professionals to our small but vibrant city.
 

Our BioTech scene at a glance

  • Industrial Biotech

    Ghent has a high potential biobased ecosystem, where knowledge and innovation go hand in hand with operations. The advantages are easy access to biobased feedstock, the business and research enablers and the big market demand. Pillars of this ecosystem are the Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant, North Sea Port, Ghent University, VIB (Institute for Biotechnology) and VITO.

    Invest in Ghent industrial biotech

  • Agro- and Foodtech

    In Ghent top science meets industrial entrepreneurship at the largest Agro-Biotech campus of Europe. Ghent University in collaboration with the VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology has a long-standing tradition of converting basic science into successful industrial entities such as Plant Genetic Systems, CropDesign, Devgen and Aphea.Bio. 

    invest in Ghent Agro- and Foodtech

  • Life Sciences Biotech

    This ecosystem in Ghent is developing new Life Sciences solutions to improve the lives of patients and citizens. The arrival of VIB, the expertise at UZ Gent, the presence of flanders.bio and a highly educated population have led to a powerful and thriving ecosystem in this region. With the proximity and access to the digital ecosystem the assets are present for further growth.

    Invest in Ghent Life Sciences Biotech

  • of Europes best biotech is in Belgium

    70% of Europe’s top 10 cash-generating biotech businesses are based in Belgium

    70% of Europe's best biotech is in Belgium

  • in waste separation in the world

    Flanders is a world leader in waste separation and processing of organic waste and plastic packaging

    Number 1 in waste seperation in the world

  • for integrated bioenergy production

    Flanders has the best integrated bioenergy production complex in Europe

    Number 1 for integrated bioenergy production

  • R&D hub

    Flanders plays host to the largest R&D hub for
    plant biotech and industrial biotech in Europe.

    Number 1 R&D hub

  • top European biotech businesses

    7 of Europe’s top 10 cash-generating biotech businesses are based in Belgium

    7 out of 10 top European biotech businesses

  • annual investment

    the Flemish government invests 2.5 billion euros
    in local R&D initiatives every year

    2.5 billion euros annual investment

Why you should invest in our BioTech scene

  • Invest in Ghent Biotech scene

"Since the pioneering work by Van Montagu/Shell in plant engineering, Ghent has built up a successful ecosystem for plant, medical and industrial biotechnology. Although these sectors look very much different in application, they have cross-fertilised each other, making the ecosystem very attractive to find talent and specific expertise. This, together with the presence of the Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant, a unique open access pilot infrastructure for scale-up of innovative biobased processes and products, makes Ghent a top location in Europe for biotech."

Dr. Hendrik Waegeman, Business Operation Manager of Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant

Get to know our BioTech ecosystem

  • Invest in Ghent biotech space

Making space for biotech

  • Invest in Ghent - BioTech - Making space for biotech

 

Contact your Biotech investment advisor

Els Pandelaere
+32 497 43 40 99
Els.Pandelaere@stad.gent

More services & guidance
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Discover our other tech industries

  • DigiTech

    Our public policy makers and private trendsetters are butting big on digital tech for Ghent’s future business growth.

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  • CleanTech

    As a proud green city we’re eager to continue exploring new technologies that benefit our city, our citizens and our environment.

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Learn more about Ghent and what we have to offer

  • 5 reasons to choose Ghent

    Wondering if Ghent is the right place for you, your business and your employees? Here are 5 reasons to live, work and invest in our marvellous and quirky city.

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  • A world of talent & expertise

    Ghent is home to one of the most educated workforces in the world thanks to our forward thinking citizens, employees and academic institutions.

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  • Life in Ghent

    Ghent offers both small-town charm and big-city excitement, a perfect balance between tranquility and activity, history and modernity, tradition and innovation.

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