First cluster of biotechnology firms established in the Czech Republic

The cluster already associates twenty private companies and is preparing the entry of several public research institutions, including institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences. The association’s aim is to facilitate and accelerate development while strengthening the commercial activities of biotechnology organisations throughout the Czech Republic.

“Perhaps the most ambitious goal involving the association’s assistance is to build a National Centre for Biotechnological Production. If you only want to test an active substance, you need a certificate from such a facility. In the whole of Europe there are only a handful of these centres and construction of one here would substantially accelerate research and sales,” says Marek Moša, chairman of the board of directors, CzechBio.

Biotechnology laboratory at a cost of CZK 2 billion

A range of firms represented in the CzechBio association are also taking part in the BIOCEV project, whose aim is to build an international centre for advanced biotechnology and biomedical research. This centre will focus primarily on imaging techniques, stem cells and tissue replacement. The Czech Academy of Sciences has already purchased 5.5 hectares of land near Prague for the project, which has a budget of CZK 2.3 billion. The centre’s grand opening is planned for 2012.

“Because biotechnology is a key sector, we welcome and support all activities that promote its development in the Czech Republic,” says Alexandra Rudyšarová, acting CEO of CzechInvest. “Projects such as BIOCEV help to prepare top-level specialists in modern fields in the Czech Republic and in the long term help us to attract high-quality new investors.”

“Support for the large BIOCEV and ELI science projects and, in general, implementation of quality projects aimed at research, development and prospective sectors with higher added value is among the distinct priorities of the Central Bohemia region,” says David Rath, governor of Central Bohemia.