Basel Area Business & Innovation, the strategic growth partner helping ventures in science and tech to land, launch and level up inside Europe’s life sciences supercluster, has announced a new collaboration with Korean biopharmas.
The partnership with Roche Korea, the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), and the Korea Technology Finance Corporation (KIBO) will help biopharma companies expand into global markets, including the US.
The collaboration is a new model for international ecosystem building, combining market access, industry experience, and collaboration. At its core, the partnership is about creating a clearer, faster path for Korean biotech and pharmaceutical companies to access global expertise, capital, and infrastructure, while also building stronger connections with key innovation markets across the globe.
“Innovation is global by nature, and the Basel Area Life Sciences Supercluster is becoming an international biotech gateway by empowering international companies to access its networks, infrastructure, and partners to grow their operations,” said Christof Klöpper, CEO of Basel Area Business & Innovation.
“By connecting Korean innovators with Basel, and by extension, with partners and opportunities across borders, we’re helping accelerate the next wave of breakthroughs.”
The partners will launch a joint open innovation programme in May 2026, starting with selected participating companies. Each organisation brings a distinct role.
Roche Korea will lead company selection and explore opportunities for funding, mentoring, and collaboration. KHIDI will promote and help operate the programme, identifying strong candidates. KIBO will evaluate companies and support access to financing to help accelerate growth, while Basel Area Business & Innovation will connect companies to the Basel Area Life Sciences Supercluster and provide access to infrastructure, including the Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area.
“Roche Korea is proud to participate in this meaningful project as a sponsor, helping high-potential Korean startups navigate the global stage. Our role is to empower these innovators by supporting them within the Basel Area Life Sciences Supercluster and providing access to expert mentorship,” says Ezat Azem, general manager of Roche Korea.
“We believe this will help to build a more interconnected biotech landscape where promising companies can more easily access the infrastructure and global networks they need to thrive.”
The agreement aims to bridge Korea and the global market, with plans to grow the programme and deepen international collaboration over time.