Wallonia has committed to investing €81 million over three years to catalyze significant advancements in the field of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP).
This ambitious project, led by BioWin and involving 26 partners across 12 work packages, is poised to yield transformative outcomes for the region's biopharmaceutical sector. Wallonia's strategic investment in ATMP underscores its commitment to driving innovation, economic growth, and job creation in the region. By harnessing the collective expertise of its partners and capitalizing on emerging opportunities in the biopharmaceutical landscape, Wallonia is poised to emerge as a leader in the global pursuit of advanced therapeutic solutions.
Key objectives and partnerships
The primary objective of this initiative is to invigorate Wallonia's ATMP sector by fostering collaborations between academia, research centers, and businesses, with a specific emphasis on enhancing large-scale manufacturing capabilities. By leveraging the expertise of its diverse partners, the project aims to accelerate innovation and propel the region to the forefront of European leadership in this rapidly evolving field.
Economic impact and job creation
One of the most significant outcomes of this investment is the creation of over 470 direct jobs and an additional 1,200 indirect jobs over the next five years. This infusion of employment opportunities is poised to stimulate economic growth and enhance the region's competitiveness on the global stage.
Government support and strategic significance
Willy Borsus, Minister of Economy and Vice-President of the Walloon Government, underscores the strategic importance of this project in attracting talent and knowledge to the region. By nurturing a conducive ecosystem for research and innovation, Wallonia aims to bolster its attractiveness as a hub for biopharmaceutical development, thereby securing its future prosperity.
Belgium's industrial significance in biopharmaceuticals
Despite its relatively small population, Belgium occupies a significant position in the European biopharmaceutical industry, with notable contributions in terms of employment, exports, and research and development investments. The ATMP market, characterized by its revolutionary approach to addressing unmet medical needs, is poised for exponential growth, with an anticipated annual growth rate exceeding 36% between 2019 and 2025.