From top science to societal impact to accelerating the biotech ecosystem - the VIB story

28 November 2024 - Ghent ICC

VIB's mission is to push the boundaries of scientific discovery, transform it into disruptive biotech innovations and support the growth of the life sciences ecosystem in Flanders (Belgium). VIB drives the translation of research discoveries into innovative products and technologies for patients and society. VIB has created 39 spin-offs in the healthcare and agrifood sectors and has partnered intensely with private industry, generating over €350 million in income. Griet will touch on the central role VIB plays in the biotech ecosystem, its start-up creation and how VIB actively launches novel initiatives that can further boost the growth of the sector, such as the launch of Vbio Ventures as VC fund and Biotope as company accelerator. Finally, Griet will also talk on how she ended up this role and what keeps her excited in the job, after >10years.

Griet Vanpoucke | Head New Ventures | VIB

Griet Vanpoucke, PhD is Head New Ventures at VIB. With her team she translates exciting science from the research institute into successful novel ventures and has in this role launched 20 companies over the past years. She currently serves as non-exec Director on the Board of Orionis Biosciences, Montis biosciences and Jay Therapeutics and supports several companies through interim management positions or as board observer. Previously she R&D director at Pronota, a biomarker discovery and diagnostics VIB start-up company, until the company was acquired in 2014.Dr. Vanpoucke holds a PhD in Biotechnology from Ghent University and did a postdoc at the MRC in Edinburgh, UK.

FULL PROGRAMME HERE