Health and innovation: BioWin calls for interregional synergies to elevate Belgium’s role in Europe

Bruges, May 14, 2025 – With over 200 companies and research institutions active in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medtech sectors, Wallonia is home to one of Europe’s most dynamic health ecosystems. As the European Union seeks to secure its strategic supply chains and elevate its health sovereignty through initiatives such as EU4Health and IPCEI Health, BioWin, Wallonia’s health competitiveness cluster, is calling for stronger collaboration between Belgium’s regions to position the country as a European leader in health innovation.

A high-value ecosystem

From fundamental research to industrial scale-up, Wallonia offers a fertile environment for innovation, built on a strong public-private collaboration model. BioWin brings together industrial and academic organisations committed to breakthrough innovation, particularly in advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), nuclear medicine, and medical devices.

“We must continue to develop our interregional collaborations. Synergies, especially between Wallonia and Flanders, will enable Belgium to gain greater weight at the European level. Our strengths are complementary: this is an asset we need to fully activate,” says Sylvie Ponchaut, CEO of BioWin.

Eyes on BioEquity: A Belgian ambition with European reach

BioWin’s participation in BioEquity 2025 reflects its ambition to amplify Belgium’s international visibility and competitiveness. It follows the recent strategic partnership with Biovia, Flanders’ health cluster, a collaboration that demonstrates a shared desire to unite Flemish and Walloon strengths to build a unified, visible, and competitive Belgian biopharma landscape.

“Our presence at BioEquity is meant to catalyse opportunities for Belgian companies with international potential, encourage public-private collaborations, and reinforce an environment where innovation drives impact,” adds David Honba, COO of BioWin.

Toward a Belgian Model of Health Innovation

As the European Commission steps up its efforts to improve health resilience, BioWin believes Belgium has the potential to define a new, integrated innovation model, one built on stronger interregional cooperation. This would allow the country to stand alongside the world’s most advanced innovation hubs while delivering long-term value to its citizens and regions.