On March 13, 2025, VUB and VIB celebrated the grand opening of the Bio Incubator Brussels (BIB). Situated on the green VUB Main Campus in Etterbeek, this state-of-the-art facility is set to become an ecosystem where scientific innovation, entrepreneurship, and biotechnology converge.
A memorable opening event
The event began with speeches emphasizing the importance of the Bio Incubator Brussels. Jan Danckaert (Rector of VUB) highlighted the university’s commitment to research and innovation, while Jérôme Van Biervliet (Managing Director of VIB) discussed VIB’s role in supporting biotech start-ups.
David Moreels (Incubator Manager) introduced the incubator as a launchpad for biotech pioneers, offering state-of-the-art lab and office spaces. Gholamreza Hassanzadeh Ghassabeh (Head of VIB Nanobody® VHH Core) shared insights from a resident’s perspective, and Jan Steyaert (Scientific Director of the VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology) reflected on the lasting impact of Nanobody® technology.
Exploring the Bio Incubator Brussels
Following the speeches, attendees embarked on guided tours, offering a first-hand look at the incubator’s facilities. The tours were led by Marianne De Fossé, Jan Steyaert, David Moreels, and Peter Schelkens. They guided attendees through the incubator’s sustainable design, state-of-the-art research spaces, and flexible lab and office units. After the tours, the evening concluded with a networking drink, allowing researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals to exchange ideas and explore potential collaborations within the incubator’s ecosystem.
The launch of the Bio Incubator Brussels marks a new chapter for biotech entrepreneurship in Brussels. By providing high-quality lab and office spaces, it offers start-ups the resources they need to innovate and grow.
Looking for lab or office space in the BIB? Learn more here.
Curious for more? Watch the insightful report on Trends Kanaal Z, or read the interview with David Moreels (Incubator Manager) and Jan Steyaert (Scientific Director of the VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology).
