30 March, Heidelberg. Today the formal kick-off meeting of CELIS project took place on line. CELIS stands for ‘Cluster Exchange in Life Sciences – internationalisation of SMEs’ and is one of the 13 European Strategic Cluster Partnerships for Excellence (ESCP-4X) selected under the last call for proposals of the European Cluster Excellence Programme (COS-CLUSTER-2018-03-02).

CELIS combines some of the world-class life science ecosystems in Europe: BioRN Life Science Cluster Rhine Neckar (Germany), Smart Hub Flemish-Brabant (Belgium), Biopeople: Denmark's Life Science Cluster (Denmark) and Tartu Biotechnology Park (Estonia).

The project helps clusters, networks and business and innovation support organisations to maximize opportunities linked to cross-sectoral and inter-regional cooperation and internationalisation. It offers them and their members unique opportunities to expand their   relationships and to enhance public-private partnerships.

“Through the project, the partnership will have the opportunity to improve its competences and strategies for better serving its cluster members. Moreover the partnership will implement the ClusterXchange pilot scheme, in its first edition ever!” says Annalisa Zuccotti (BioRN), coordinator of the project.

ClusterXchange will offer financial support to visiting cluster members for matching with peers from other clusters, to take advantage of growth opportunities emerging from collaboration (e.g. uptake of advanced technologies, development of joint projects, follow-up of a matchmaking event, etc.).

The exchanges will be facilitated by CELIS events, the EventXchange that will take place in the four different regions and focus on digitalisation, clinical useful biomarkers, companion diagnostic, micro and nano-electronics and multi-omics.

In addition the partnership discussed also the project and ClusterXchange programme can accelerate research and development in the fight against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

We are looking forward to an active participation and fruitful exchanges of our members within and beyond the partnership.

Useful links:

CELIS Project website: https://www.health-axis.eu/celis

COSME Data Hub: https://cosme.easme-web.eu/?mode=7&topics=COS-CLUSTER-2018-03-02

EventXchange (constantly updated): https://www.health-axis.eu/celis-events

BioRN Life Science Cluster Rhine-Neckar

BioRN is the science and industry cluster of the Rhine-Main-Neckar region around Heidelberg, one of Germany’s strongest biotech hubs. It is a non-profit network fostering health innovations and serving its members by creating a rich translational ecosystem as well as promoting, representing and connecting the regional innovation stakeholders.

Our vision is to develop the region into a world-leading life science cluster attracting international investments and top global talent.

BioRN has more than 100 institutional members, including the top academic and research institutions, 7 global pharmaceutical companies, a large range of small and medium-sized enterprises bolstering the life science ecosystem as well as local government organizations and interest groups.