INCUBATORS IGNITING BIOSCIENCE ECOSYSTEM

Incubators and accelerators are driving small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Asia through the development of novel therapeutics and encouraging innovations and commercialisation. Biotechnology incubators provide a stimulating environment that attracts investors, talent, and companies to collaborate on research, thereby fostering industry growth. While the appetite for laboratory space is constantly growing among biotech ventures, countries in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region are actively investing to construct life science hubs that foster innovation strategies and strengthen R&D capabilities. Let’s explore prominent startup incubators and accelerators in key APAC economies that are cultivating biotech innovations to create unicorns.

- Hithaishi C Bhaskar

The development of innovative clinical therapeutics involves a complex transition from drug discovery to clinical trials to manufacturing and marketing. The APAC region is experiencing an increase in the demand for R&D facilities which can incubate innovative startup ideas in a cost-effective space. In national interest, state-maintained incubators are offering infrastructure and R&D facilities to meet the high specifications while maintaining environmental standards and biosafety requirements. Many early-stage R&D and late-stage therapeutics developments are supported by government funding and initiatives, which incubate research endeavours before they become commercially viable. Further, Accelerators can reinforce the incubator through mentoring and network-building opportunities to propel the startup’s growth and strengthen its value proposition.

The governments in the APAC region are making efforts to promote biotechnology activities in their countries by setting up biotechnology parks, incubators, as well as pilot projects through public-private partnerships. The gradual emergence of co-labs and incubator programmes strengthens R&D capability while governments facilitate financial and tax incentives to foster a startup ecosystem. In addition to providing experimental space and equipment, personnel exchange and support programmes help researchers translationally advance their ideas, to help spin out businesses. In short, incubators are crucial avenues to unlock the commercial value of startups through commercialisation.