25 years of BioPark Charleroi: boldness, innovation and collective adventure at the heart of a visionary European model
‘We didn’t know it was impossible, so we did it.’ Twenty-five years ago, a bold gamble was taken in Charleroi: to establish a centre of excellence dedicated to life sciences in a region undergoing rapid redevelopment.
A quarter of a century later, BioPark Charleroi has established itself as one of the most dynamic biotech hubs in Europe.
On November 5th, to celebrate this milestone anniversary, the afternoon was dedicated to showcasing research projects across the campus’s academic teams and companies. The evening was more institutional in nature, with many voices gathered in the Maçonnerie building on Campus UCharleroi, paying tribute to the ambitious and collective journey that had been undertaken.
At its origin lay strong ambitions on what was still a farmland
On 13 October 1999, the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) inaugurated the Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine (IBMM) in Gosselies. At the time, the site was still just a farmland, but the ambition was clear: to build a research campus capable of generating a lasting economic and scientific impact for the region.
From the outset, the ULB joined forces with IGRETEC and Sambrinvest to create a strong link between academic research, industrial innovation and regional development. Together, these partners laid the foundations for an ecosystem that would become a driving force for biotech growth in Wallonia. In 2010, UMONS joined the project, contributing to the creation of the Centre for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging.
The strength of the collective: an effective model for innovation
The success of BioPark Charleroi is based on a collective vision: that of a campus where academics, investors and industrials work together to develop solutions that benefit health and society.
The collaboration with UMONS has reinforced this dynamic: ‘Combining research and teaching through BioPark Charleroi is a win-win operation on several levels: for universities, but above all for the population and the economic redevelopment of the Charleroi area,’ emphasises Rector Philippe Dubois.
In terms of infrastructure, the partnership with IGRETEC has enabled the development of five biotech incubators and eight hectares ready to welcome the businesses of tomorrow. Among them is Biotech 5, which, in strategic partnership with Wallonie Entreprendre, will host the EU Biotech Campus as of 2026. This represents 25,000 m² of modular space dedicated to the future European training centre for bioproduction professions and to welcoming new businesses.
‘This quarter of a century is above all a collective story, a story of audacity, commitment, innovation and cooperation,’ recalled Michel Coulon, director of the ULB Charleroi Centre, during the ceremony.
25 years of research, collaboration and growth
Today, BioPark Charleroi brings together:
• Three research institutes (IBMM, IMI, CMMI, in collaboration with UMONS);
• More than 112 innovative companies, from start-ups to multinationals;
• 3,500 qualified professionals;
• A training hub dedicated to biotechnology professions.
Since its creation, BioPark Charleroi has generated more than €3.2 billion in cumulative transactions and has established itself as a major player in the socio-economic redevelopment of Wallonia.
For Annemie Schaus, Rector of the ULB, BioPark Charleroi represents a unique ecosystem where research laboratories, technology platforms and innovative companies interact.
A fully assumed European ambition
Beyond the figures, BioPark Charleroi has become a vibrant and integrated ecosystem where public and private players cooperate. It attracts foreign companies and positions itself as a driving force in European scientific and industrial diplomacy.
For Dominique Demonté, CEO of BioPark Charleroi, the objective is clear: ‘We want to make BioPark Charleroi one of the top five clusters in Europe by 2030.’
This ambitious goal is based on the levers that have shaped its success: agile governance, a long-term vision, the ability to adapt to technological change and a deep culture of collaboration.
2050: A glimpse into the future
During the 25th anniversary celebrations, Dominique Demonté invited the community to imagine what 2050 might look like. In this imaginary future, BioPark Charleroi is home to 350 companies and 25,000 professionals, establishing itself as one of the five largest bioparks in Europe.
Is this fiction? Perhaps, but it is an inspiring projection, grounded in today’s momentum.
The BioPark’s 25th anniversary does not mark an end, but a new stage. New infrastructure, new talent and international collaborations will soon enrich this Walloon success story.