Baltic States Join Forces to Launch the Baltic Biotechnology Hub initiative

The establishment of the Baltic Biotechnology Hub is an ambitious initiative by life science and biotech organziations from Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, aimed at uniting the region’s biotechnology sector and positioning the Baltic States as leaders in innovation. The Baltic Biotechnology Hub is not merely an infrastructure project but a new perspective—one that integrates the region into a unified innovation space. It is a place where solutions to the world’s greatest challenges are born, and a sustainable model for the future of the Baltic States is created. This initiative marks an exciting beginning, shaping the biotechnology sector of the region for decades to come.

The initiators of the Baltic Biotechnology Hub are the Biocatalyst Foundation (Latvia), the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (Latvia), the Association LithuaniaBIO (Lithuania), Vilnius University Life Sciences Center (Lithuania), the Estonian Center for BioSustainability (Estonia), Tallinn University of Technology (Estonia), and Synbio Powerlabs (Finland).

The BIOCONNECT project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme.

This hub will serve as a dynamic platform for collaboration among businesses, academia, policymakers, and society, promoting international partnerships, resource sharing, and strengthening the region’s competitiveness in the global market.

What will this hub bring?

● Accelerating Innovation: By connecting talents and resources, the hub will drive the development of new biotechnological solutions addressing global challenges such as climate change and public health.
● Talent Development: In collaboration with universities and research centres, new educational programs and initiatives will be created to attract and nurture highly skilled professionals.
● Attracting Investments: Leveraging the region’s potential, the hub will become attractive for investors looking to support promising biotechnology projects.
● Building a United Regulatory Voice – A coordinated and unified approach in EU regulatory discussions will significantly amplify the region’s influence. When three countries align their positions and actively participate in discussions, they become a much stronger force. The goal is not only to engage in regulatory debates but also to establish and advocate for a unified regulatory position that reflects the interests and needs of the Baltic biotech sector.
● Engaging Society: Through public events, seminars, and information campaigns, the hub will raise awareness of the importance and benefits of biotechnology in everyday life.

Launched at the end of 2023, the BIOCONNECT project under the European Union's „Horizon Europe“ Research and Innovation program laid the foundation for developing the region‘s biotechnology ecosystem. On January 30, in Tartu, Estonia, a comprehensive action plan was presented, outlining more than 40 initiatives aimed at sector economic growth and enhancing the Baltic region’s international visibility. A publicly available mapping of companies, research institutions, and clusters across the Baltic States was also introduced. The short presentation and Action plan can be found here.

Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency.