UCB Belgium: A global hub of healthcare innovation

Recognized by the European Innovation scoreboard, Belgium has positioned itself as a powerhouse in healthcare and pharmaceutical innovation, with a unique blend of academic rigor and industry expertise driving its success. This thriving ecosystem is characterized by strong collaboration between leading research institutions and pharmaceutical companies, setting Belgium apart on a global level. The partnership between UCB and KU Leuven, a renowned research institution, is a prime example of the country's collaborative spirit. With the potential to span early discovery to clinical proof of concept we are working to advance healthcare innovation, addressing unmet patient needs, and solidifying Belgium’s influence in the global healthcare landscape.

Belgium’s academic landscape is home to institutions like KU Leuven, which are not only centers of education but international communities where innovative research forms the basis of all their academic programs – they act as a catalyst and connector for innovation and scientific discovery. Like UCB, KU Leuven is at the forefront of cutting-edge research. They play a pivotal role in translating academic insights into practical healthcare applications with a keen focus on moving from ‘science to business’. That makes them a great partner for UCB; from unlocking the secrets of chemicals, cultivating the promises of pharmaceuticals and expanding into biologics, peptides and gene therapy, we at UCB are on a mission to continuously innovate. We also recognize that we cannot solve the world’s healthcare challenges alone, and so we know the value gained from collaboration across disciplines, geographies and stakeholders. Innovation has no boundaries, and real breakthroughs will result from the use of new technologies and trust-based collaboration and partnerships.

At the core of Belgium’s healthcare success is its collaborative ecosystem. The partnership between UCB and KU Leuven exemplifies how academia and industry are incentivized to work hand in hand to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovative science. The culture of collaboration is stimulated by open conversations, translating from the world of academia to drug development. Building a connection based on similar motivations develops an organic relationship between the two parties, and in turn creates the best environment for collaboration and partnerships.  

The healthcare innovations born from Belgium's collaborative efforts have far-reaching impacts beyond its borders. Developments made in Belgium are being adopted worldwide, driving improvements in patient outcomes and setting new standards in the pharmaceutical industry.  As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, Belgium remains well-positioned to spearhead change in innovation. The future promises even stronger academic-industry collaborations, with emerging trends pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery. Belgium’s long-term vision as a hub of healthcare innovation is anchored in its commitment to fostering partnerships that fuel ongoing advancements. Through this sustained collaboration, Belgium will continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of global healthcare.

Belgium’s healthcare innovation ecosystem, driven by collaborations between UCB and KU Leuven, is a powerful force in the global pharmaceutical industry. The country’s continued commitment to partnership and innovation ensures its influence will only grow, leading to new breakthroughs and closing the gap of unmet needs globally.  

We recently spoke with Bart Geers, an Investment Manager from KU Leuven, Research & Development about innovation and the need for collaboration and partnerships across academia and the pharmaceutical industry. Watch the video to learn more.