The BioPark was created through a unique combination of political, scientific and social factors resulting in a supportive ecosystem for drug discovery and development across the spectrum of life sciences companies from innovative start-ups through to global players.
The roots of the BioPark were created by ULB in 1999 when the University founded the Institute for Medical and Molecular Biology (IBMM) in Charleroi, employing 250 researchers, and creating a home for three spin-off companies:
In 2004 and 2011, two additional institutes were created by ULB on the BioPark:
In 2010, i-Tech Incubator (now BioPark Incubator) was founded on the BioPark to accelerate the creation of start-up companies offering support in the fund-raising process, the creation of business plans, market validation, etc.
Today Brussels South Charleroi BioPark encompasses the full biotech innovation chain from target identification to commercial biomanufacturing with the presence of leading university research institutes, service providers, fast growing companies, world class venture capital players and international business expertise. This provides a rich environment in which to collaborate and grow businesses. It also creates a dynamic, highly qualified talent pool.
Since January 2019, the development of Brussels South Charleroi BioPark is coordinated by BSCB Dev, the legal entity responsible for coordinating the activities at the BioPark. The main shareholders of BSCB Dev are ULB, Sambrinvest, Igretec, Charleroi Entreprendre and EEBIC Ventures.