2020 was an exceptionally difficult year in terms of health and the economy. Our role at Genopole was to provide as much support as possible to companies in the biocluster. We are delighted that none of them went bankrupt as a result of the health crisis. On the contrary, we have seen sustained activity, with €300 million raised over the past year. Genopole has continued to pursue its mission of support and prospecting, as evidenced by the arrival of 13 new companies.
Advances in research
The pandemic has highlighted the need to continue developing research. Genopole has expanded its technological capabilities, particularly in the field of bioproduction, in line with regional and national policies designed to support the production of biopharmaceuticals in France. We are delighted that the Magenta project has been certified as an “Industrial Integrator” by the French government’s Grand Défi Biomédicaments initiative. This is a great recognition for us. Based at Genopole, Magenta, which brings together two Inserm laboratories specializing in gene and cell therapy, will be a meeting place open to researchers, startups, and manufacturers to stimulate the emergence of innovative biotherapies.
Expanding Our Reach: Key International Actions
Even amid border closures during lockdowns, Genopole has successfully expanded its international footprint.
Through the Gen.era project, spearheaded by Genopole and accredited by the European Commission, we have strengthened collaborations with leading European clusters. This initiative enables us to pinpoint high-potential markets in the United States and Asia for our startups specializing in digital genomics.
Additionally, Genopole has earned the prestigious European Business and Innovation Center (EU-BIC) certification, unanimously awarded by the European Business and Innovation Network (EBN). This distinction makes us the sole organization in the Île-de-France region recognized in the field of biotechnology.
What are your ambitions for 2021?
2021 marks a year of transformative opportunities, beginning with the launch of our new headquarters in Évry-Courcouronnes. This strategic investment, part of a dynamic business park, will significantly expand the biocluster’s footprint and influence.
For 2021, we are pursuing two key ambitions: accelerating our international development—especially across Europe—and driving the industrialization of the companies we support. These complementary goals align seamlessly, both on a global scale and locally, as we work in close collaboration with public authorities to bolster the region’s economic vitality.
Download our Annual Report, follow this link!
