Belgium Leads Europe’s Biotech Frontier Ahead of 2026 Biotech Act

Brussels, The Gulf Observer: As the European Union prepares to increase investment in biotechnology through its upcoming 2026 Biotech Act, Belgium is already making significant strides in the sector. The country’s leadership in biotech innovation is reflected in its record number of patent applications and a robust research ecosystem. However, experts emphasize that sustaining this momentum requires continued and strategic support.

Annick Verween, head of Biotope — a Flemish biotech incubator and investor based in Ghent — describes Belgium’s role in the field as both promising and challenging. Biotope, a spin-off of the Flemish Institute of Biotechnology (VIB), was founded in 2022 with support from the EU, the Flemish government, and the City of Ghent. It focuses on startup development in planetary science-related biotech.

“Biotope is just a small part of the bigger biotech puzzle,” Verween said, “but our mission to foster biotech startups in the EU capital gives us insight into Belgium’s strengths and hurdles.”

One key factor in Belgium’s success is its vibrant research ecosystem, particularly through institutions like VIB, which places 2,000 researchers across several universities. “Game-changing research is the starting point of everything,” Verween added.

Furthermore, Belgium’s grant system, while modest, offers startups flexibility to conduct feasibility studies and progressively secure larger funding — a model seen as more supportive than traditional large-scale funding competitions.

Still, Verween cautions that scientific excellence alone does not guarantee success. “We have many great scientists, but not all are entrepreneurs,” she said. Biotope thus plays a dual role, supporting science while guiding projects with an investment mindset.

With increasing geopolitical competition and trade conflicts, breaking into the biotech sector is more difficult than ever. Yet, Verween sees an opening for Europe to close the gap with global biotech leaders like the U.S. and Asia.

“Startups go where they feel most supported,” she explained. “Europe has a real chance to build strength in biotech — but only if it connects its research vision with market realities.”

While praising the 2026 Biotech Act for its ambition, she urged the EU to better align policy with investor insights. “We need to build more on each other’s knowledge,” she said, warning against repeating missteps already identified by industry experts.

Despite the challenges, Belgium’s reputation continues to grow. “Someone told me recently,” Verween concluded, “that Belgium is becoming the Silicon Valley of biotech — and I believe that’s not far from the truth.”