Flanders: Western Europe's Life Sciences Hub

Did you know that it was Flanders researchers who decoded the DNA sequence of genes, developed pioneering drugs for pain management, anesthesia and schizophrenia treatment, created tPA thrombolytic therapy for myocardial infarction, were the first to use stem cells in bone marrow transplantation, and built a laboratory on a chip for early breast cancer detection? Flanders, the Flemish Region located in the north of Belgium, may be small in terms of surface area, but it hosts one of the most exciting and vibrant life sciences ecosystems in the world. With its strategic location in the north of Belgium, positioned right in the center of the European network and specifically between four major players that have proven their strength in the life sciences field—the United Kingdom (London-Oxford-Cambridge), France, Germany and Switzerland—Flanders has become a successful place in life sciences due to many factors such as excellent supporting incentives and a talented workforce. The high level of academic-industrial collaboration in Flanders creates a dense network of "human health industry" players who trust each other and develop through the innovations they share.

Key Strategic Research Centers

Imec, a strategic research center for nanotechnology, plays a very important role in electronic design for the pharmaceutical and health sectors. It focuses on technologies in areas such as lab-on-chip, neuropores and wearable technology in health that can enable easier diagnosis and comprehensive treatment methods. VIB, Flanders' biotechnology institute, is a broad source of knowledge, expertise and infrastructure related to pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial applications. Scientists at VIB are recognized pioneers in their fields worldwide. With 5 universities, 1,700 employees from 76 nations and 8 research centers, VIB focuses on excellence in science, translation of scientific knowledge and reaching the public. VITO is an independent Flemish research organization in the field of clean technology and sustainable development. Sustainable health solutions is one of its research areas. VITO develops new applications, measurement methods and biomarkers for preventive health services, health management and disease prevention.

Universities and Academic Hospitals

Flanders not only has 5 universities with internationally renowned life sciences departments and research teams; the region also hosts 4 academic hospitals for research collaboration. Flanders universities represent the first pillar of the higher education system and play an important role in Flanders' R&D output. The region's 5 universities produce nearly 90% of Flanders' non-private sector scientific output. When it comes to health-focused universities, KU Leuven and Leuven University Hospital excel in life sciences. The institution has a fully-fledged Life Sciences Campus employing 1,300 researchers and offering 2,000 beds. The Leuven Medical Technology Center coordinates research groups related to robotics and automation, drug management, tissue regeneration and bionic systems. The Drug Design and Discovery Center technology platform accelerates small-molecule drug discovery and is responsible for developing drugs to treat AIDS, cancer, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease and others. VUB and Brussels University Hospital operate their own strategic research centers in neuroscience, reproductive medicine, diabetes, oncology and cardiovascular studies. Ghent University Hospital is one of the largest and most specialized hospitals in Flanders, and Ghent University hosts key centers of medical expertise and research groups. The Department of Basic Medical Sciences is engaged in translational medicine in the fields of anatomy and embryology, stem cell biology, medical physics, physiology, radiobiology and tissue engineering. Hasselt University's BIOMED research institute employs more than 140 researchers to investigate neuroscience, autoimmunity, cell physiology and biophysics and new areas of morphology and histology. University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital are known for their international research in cardiology, clinical biology, hematology, immunology, metabolic disorders, molecular imaging, neurosurgery and more.

Technology Implementers, Accelerators and Sector Organizations

Located in or near major Flanders cities such as Ghent, Leuven, Antwerp and Hasselt, there are various bio-incubators, pharmaceutical innovation accelerators and science parks that support life sciences startups. These include BioVille, BlueHealth Innovation Center and StartupVillage. Cluster and sector organizations such as FlandersBio, beMedtech, Healthcare Belgium and Agoria's Health Technology Club provide support, guidance and collaboration opportunities to industry players to encourage knowledge exchange, business growth and innovation. When it comes to pharmaceuticals, the world's 10 largest players operate key facilities in Flanders. Janssen Pharmaceutica, Pfizer, Sanofi and Novartis are among the big names taking advantage of Flanders' advantages.

Significant Tax Savings on New Ideas

Are you developing biotechnology for the next disruptive innovation or a groundbreaking drug? The region offers incentives targeting research-intensive sectors such as pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. The innovation income reduction represents 85% of the net gain a company obtains from innovation tax and allows companies to reinvest funds to support their continued development.

Other Generous Incentives for R&D Initiatives

The R&D investment reduction corresponds to 13.5% of the purchase value or qualified asset or 20.5% of the amortization amount of the investment. R&D companies are also exempt from paying 80% of researchers' personal income withholding tax in certain scientific fields.

Do You Have an Innovation? Contact VLAIO

Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (VLAIO), a government organization responsible for promoting growth, innovation and entrepreneurship, is an ideal funding partner for companies in all sectors developing new products and services. Depending on the type of R&D activity and company, VLAIO offers a range of support programs and grants that can fund up to 50% of your innovation project. Moreover, VLAIO provides expert advice and guidance to businesses seeking to sharpen their competitive advantages.

Contact Flanders Investment&Trade

Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) is your expertise on every aspect of doing business in Flanders. This government organization provides comprehensive support to companies wishing to invest in Flanders through its offices in over 100 locations worldwide. In partnership with VIB, VLAIO and FlandersBio, Flanders Investment&Trade offers the services of a dedicated life sciences welcome team with expertise in providing support and guidance to foreign life sciences and biotechnology investors in Flanders. You can visit the website to get in touch.   Prepared by: Flanders Investment&Trade (FIT)