The CSL Behring Research External Innovation (REI) team in Europe and Biopôle SA announced that they are to form a corporate partnership before the end of the year. The partnership aims at bringing the Biopôle ecosystem and its start-ups closer to this global biotechnology leader and opening up networking opportunities within the scientific community. Biopôle will support CSL in its outreach to and engagement with biotech companies and associated academic institutions.

Through this partnership, CSL and its REI team will highlight their key objective of increasing global collaboration on external early projects to feed and support the growth of their research pipeline looking to 2030 and beyond. The partnership will offer access to R&D and technology development opportunities in specific research areas in which Biopôle and its partners are active.

Europe’s biotechnology industry is growing rapidly, and partnerships are a key component of its success. Biopôle launched the corporate partnership programme in 2020 with the aim of building upon the collaborative research and business environment that is a key distinctive feature at Biopôle. Nasri Nahas, CEO at Biopôle SA, says: ‘We are thrilled to be launching this partnership with CSL Behring, which helps the expansion of our network beyond our community of innovative companies and research institutes. The CSL Behring REI team was a stand-out choice as our corporate partner due to the company’s significant skills and expertise and its unique access to key scientific and business resources.’

Interview with Sam Hou, Director of Research Bern, Therapeutic Areas, CSL Behring AG

Why did CSL choose Biopôle in western Switzerland?

Biopôle sits at the heart of one of the most dynamic and innovative life sciences start-up ecosystems in the world. It is Switzerland’s largest life sciences cluster, and it includes not only biotech companies and start-ups but also a number of Switzerland’s leading universities.

What are the benefits that result from this partnership?

Partnering with Biopôle gives CSL direct access to its ecosystem and its extensive network, with unique opportunities for introduction, discovery, dialogue, mentoring, potential partnering and collaboration. CSL also has access to on-site facilities such as offices, meeting rooms and StartLab facilities to boost future projects.

What are CSL’s expectations of this partnership?

CSL expects to find and develop opportunities that fit and expand its portfolio of therapeutics, platforms and knowledge.
CSL’s therapeutic areas and platforms are:



Do CSL and Biopôle already have shared projects or initiatives today?

Biopôle has introduced CSL to local and regional academic leaders, allowing them to learn of CSL’s interests and apply for CSL’s Research Acceleration Initiative to promote research collaboration. Biopôle is also actively scouting on behalf of CSL, and this has introduced CSL to a number of local biotech companies and potential partners.