Biopôle, the renowned life sciences campus in Epalinges-Lausanne, celebrates 20 years of groundbreaking achievements with the inauguration of the Leucine Building.
Biopôle, a flagship life sciences campus in Epalinges-Lausanne (canton of Vaud), marked its 20th anniversary with the inauguration of the new Leucine Building. This state-of-the-art, 9,500 m² facility, developed in partnership with the Caisse de pensions de l’État de Vaud (CPEV) and Retraites Populaires, symbolizes Biopôle’s continued growth and its pivotal role in Western Switzerland’s thriving life sciences ecosystem.
The celebratory event was attended by State Councillor Isabelle Moret and key figures from the academic and economic spheres, who praised Biopôle’s enduring contributions to the region’s innovation landscape. The new building not only strengthens the physical connection between the north and south campuses but also demonstrates Biopôle’s commitment to fostering collaboration within its vibrant community of over 170 companies and institutions.
A visionary approach to life sciences growth
Founded by the canton of Vaud in December 2004, Biopôle has evolved from its inaugural building in 2008 into a bustling hub of life sciences excellence. Today, the campus features 10 buildings, hosting over 2,500 employees, including 800 academic professionals from UNIL and CHUV.
Nasri Nahas, CEO of Biopôle SA, attributed this success to the campus’s unique blend of infrastructure, collaborative vision, and entrepreneurial spirit. “The innovative vision of the canton of Vaud laid the groundwork for Biopôle’s achievements. We owe much to the entrepreneurs and partners who continue to drive this community forward,” he stated.
Biopôle’s contribution to the life sciences sector is exemplified by its strategic initiatives, including the StartLab and the Digital Health Hub. StartLab, a shared, fully equipped laboratory space inaugurated in 2018, has supported over 50 start-ups, with 80% still operational today. Additionally, Biopôle’s Vanguard Accelerator provides tailored support for high-potential companies such as HAYA Therapeutics, which recently won the Top 100 Swiss Startup Awards.
In the heart of Western Switzerland’s thriving life sciences ecosystem
Biopôle’s achievements are a cornerstone of Western Switzerland’s life sciences ecosystem, often referred to as the “Health Valley.” This region is renowned for its density of biotech, medtech, and pharmaceutical companies, bolstered by institutions like Lausanne’s CHUV and Campus Biotech in Geneva. Biopôle’s focus on collaborative innovation aligns with the region’s strengths in sustainability, research excellence, and access to talent.
In financial terms, companies based at Biopôle have collectively raised CHF 2.4 billion since the campus’s inception, a testament to its ability to attract investment and foster groundbreaking developments. A recent study revealed that 178 products have been developed on the campus, 89 of which are already on the market.
The Leucine building, a bridge to the future
The newly inaugurated Leucine Building is more than just a physical structure, it represents Biopôle’s forward-looking strategy. Designed to meet the needs of both start-ups and established firms, it exemplifies a commitment to providing cutting-edge infrastructure that fosters innovation.
In parallel, Biopôle’s collaboration with 10 major companies underscores its role as a bridge between start-ups and the broader industry, ensuring that innovation thrives within and beyond the campus walls.
Marking 20 years of activity, Biopôle’s milestones underscore the role of regional collaboration in advancing the life sciences industry. Combining tailored infrastructure, support services, and integration into the broader Health Valley, Biopôle provides an environment that supports innovative solutions with wide-reaching societal benefits.
