HealthBio
Business at the forefront of science
The HealthBIO cluster strives to increase, internationalise and generate new biotechnology business in Finland. The cluster’s major target group consists of Finland’s approximately 150-200 biotechnology-related companies. A further aim is to support the creation of service enterprises derived from higher education research, and the transfer of technology from higher education institution to businesses.
To support business growth and internationalisation, the cluster actively participates in major partnering events within its sectors (pharmaceutical development, diagnostics, biomaterials) in order to acquire customer and financing contacts and visits. The cluster also strives to increase the visibility and raise the profile of the Finnish biotechnology sector, for instance by organising shared stands in international conferences and producing shared background and marketing materials (such as the BioFinland company catalogue) for use by companies and centres of expertise.
Networking activities
The cluster boosts networking between companies and with research institutions by organising various thematic seminars and national networking events. Seminars are also run on cross-disciplinary topics that are expected to provide new business opportunities in the growing industry. A further aim of the cluster is to improve business competence in the field by organising training events and participating in business research.
HealthBIO’s infrastructure projects gather together the (thematic) competencies of various centres of expertise under one umbrella, thereby increasing cooperation between areas and fostering their specialisation. The formation of larger competence hubs creates critical mass, provides opportunities for testing new operating models and helps in reaching an international clientele.
The HealthBIO cluster comprises four centres of expertise: Kuopio Innovation Ltd (Kuopio Region Centre of Expertise), BusinessOulu (Oulu Region Centre of Expertise), Culminatum Innovation Oy Ltd (Helsinki Region Centre of Expertise), FinnMedi Ltd (Tampere Region Centre of Expertise) and Turku Science Park Ltd (Southwest Finland Centre of Expertise).
Strategic areas of focus
Facilitating funding
In a survey conducted by HealthBIO, companies expressed a need for help, particularly in obtaining funding. HealthBIO carried out an analysis of funding bottlenecks and the funding needs of businesses, whose outcomes were published on the cluster’s anniversary in 2008. The report led to an investment partner event being held in Stockholm in 2009, the publication of a handbook, and the drafting of a new operating model together with investors. The cluster has also promoted the more efficient utilisation of EU funding.
Internationalisation
HealthBIO supports the internationalisation of companies and research institutions by participating in diverse partnership events and producing marketing materials. A particular emphasis is placed on China and the USA, but the cluster is also preparing to initiate partnerships in, and technology exports to, other growing markets. Through its Receptor venture, the cluster strives to boost the channelling of foreign biotechnology investments into Finland.
Training and business competence
In such a dynamic sector, the cluster’s operations include providing further education, predicting companies’ training needs and continuously developing business competence.
Contact details
Tero Piispanen
Programme Director
Tel.+358 (0)400 781 683
tero.piispanen(at)turkusciencepark.com
www.healthbio.fi
Turku Science Park Ltd
Itäinen Pitkäkatu 4
20520 Turku
Finland
Tel. +358 (0)2 880 3100
www.turkusciencepark.com
