Biovia: the New Health Innovation Cluster Forging a Path to a Healthier Future for All

Biovia reflects a One Health vision: a holistic approach that recognizes the interdependence of human and planetary health. This approach is strongly supported at the EU level, yet most clusters remain fragmented, with different sectors operating in their own silos.

Flanders is choosing a different route. With Biovia, the region has become the first in Europe to establish a cluster for all sectors at the crossroads of human and planetary health innovation: biotech, healthtech, agtech and sustainable chemistry. By uniting into one powerful, collaborative ecosystem, we can create solutions to our most complex and pressing societal challenges. One Cluster for One Health – a bold step forward for Flanders and a strategic fit with the EU’s vision for the future.

“Biovia brings together all the stakeholders in health innovation – companies, research institutes, universities, hospitals, service providers, investors and government. By drawing on the strength and diversity of the whole ecosystem, we can create meaningful change and grow stronger, together,” says Jérôme Van Biervliet, Managing Director of VIB and Interim Chair of Biovia’s Board of Directors.

Building a Thriving, Flemish Innovation Ecosystem

Biovia aims to create a self-sustaining, resilient health innovation ecosystem in Flanders. That means supporting the creation of new companies, but also their growth into globally competitive players – unicorns showcasing our success on the world stage.
The cluster supports planetary health companies that are progressing the sustainability agenda of Flanders and Europe. The region is a global leader in agricultural innovation, bioengineering and precision fermentation – technologies helping us build towards a more sustainable, circular bioeconomy.

Equally, Biovia brings together members dedicated to human health, where digital and scientific breakthroughs are opening doors to precision and personalized medicine. But these companies need support if they are to have a transformative impact on people’s health.

“Flemish R&D is giving rise to excellent patient solutions, but our current healthcare system is failing to adopt them,” says Ann Van Gysel, CEO of Biovia. “The business models of many hospitals or reimbursement programs aren’t well-adapted to integrating new technologies, meaning Flemish companies are often forced to turn to foreign markets or move overseas – a loss of local knowledge, talent and value. We need to ensure that our healthcare system is future proof, so we can continue to offer the best solutions to patients.”

Catalyst, Connector and Compass

As one of six spearhead clusters supported by Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (VLAIO), Biovia is uniquely positioned to accelerate health innovation across the region. The organization supports members through:

• Earmarked funding to support collaborative R&D project
• Member services like training, workshops and international opportunities
• Strategic initiatives to accelerate progress on topics chosen by members, such as ATMP and Health Data
• Partnering and Matchmaking through events including Knowledge for Growth, Science for Health and the HealthTech Investor Summit

Biovia is uniquely able to build towards long-term strategic goals by acting as a unifying force for all the stakeholders in our ecosystem and keeping an eye on the big picture. The organization hosts discussions with members to identify issues and enact solutions to complex hurdles encountered by entrepreneurs in Flanders, creating an environment that is more supportive of innovation and growth – addressing today’s challenges but also anticipating the needs of tomorrow.

“We don’t just connect people – we help them to solve problems, build partnerships and unlock the potential of their solutions,” says Van Gysel. “Our purpose is clear: to cultivate innovation that changes lives – taking root here in Flanders but growing beyond our borders towards true global reach. This is a living network where every connection counts, and every step forward is a step towards a brighter, healthier and more sustainable future for everyone.”

The region cannot risk falling behind other international innovation hubs, whether for human or planetary health. Biovia is therefore cultivating an integrated network of stakeholders, where innovative companies are guided to streams of funding, fresh talent and expertise, as well as work together towards supportive regulations and policies.

“We are a region strong in health innovation,” says Van Gysel. “But we need to adjust our systems to welcome these new technologies into the market. Companies are currently overburdened with unnecessary procedures and hurdles to market access. We are joining forces with everyone who is eager to tear down those barriers. Together, we can build a sustainable, thriving ecosystem that supports the growth of our companies, creating value for our economy, our healthcare and our people.”

About Biovia
Biovia is the health innovation cluster for Flanders, uniting human and planetary health into one vibrant ecosystem. It is an industry-driven membership organization bringing together all sectors at the crossroads of health innovation: biotech, healthtech, agtech and sustainable chemistry. Biovia is one of six spearhead clusters supported by Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (VLAIO). The organization has more than 450 members and partners from all stakeholders: companies, research institutes, universities, hospitals, service providers, investors and government. Biovia supports members with funding, services, strategic initiatives and networking opportunities in order to build an ecosystem where Flemish innovation can take root and grow stronger, together. Biovia cultivates connections and forges a path to a healthier future for people and planet.

More at: https://flanders.bio/ and https://medvia.be/

Media Contact
Ellen Telleir, Press Relations, Biovia - ellen.telleir@flanders.bio