At the Novalis Science Park (Marche-en-Famenne), construction has just begun on a new modular incubator, which will soon be helping biotech start-ups continue their development.
The Novalis BoostUp Center, a biotech incubator
By the end of 2022, biotech companies that want to come to the Novalis Science Park will be able to benefit from state-of-the-art facilities that meet the specific needs of this kind of business.
The Novalis BoostUp Center, where Boost refers to the concept of acceleration and incubation, is a building designed to provide start-ups with the right environment for their first products, whilst minimising the financial risks. They will have access to modular facilities with areas that have already been set up in accordance with GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices) suitable for their production processes. Start-ups will be able to use this tool to get started quickly and easily, allowing them to focus on developing the biotherapeutic solutions of the future, and thus ensure their growth.
An innovative building
The Novalis BoostUp Center is designed to accommodate a maximum of 4 biotech start-ups in a dynamic co-working environment, offering the opportunity for them to benefit from a space that can house prefabricated clean rooms.
This 1,900m² facility will include a large industrial space (900m²), offices (350m²) and a well-equipped laboratory area (50m²). The industrial space is designed to accommodate containers equipped with GMP-classified grade C clean rooms. These containers can be connected to shared utilities such as electricity, waste outlets, ventilation, air conditioning etc.
Facilities available from late 2022
Construction work began, managed by Archipelago in Brussels and Ekium in Gosselies, on 7 June at the Novalis Science Park in Marche-en-Famenne. It includes a number of lots:
- lot 1 (construction of the building and its surroundings) will be carried out by Liège-based MOURY for €2,795,225.86 excluding VAT;
- lot 2 (HVAC and sanitation) will be carried out by DELTA THERMIC in Herstal for €746,162.10 excluding VAT;
- lot 3 (electricity) will be carried out by COLLIGNON in Briscol (Érezée) for €513,945.71 excluding VAT.
The building will be ready for business by the end of 2022.
The total cost of the work is €4,055,333.67 excluding VAT. This project is part of the SOWAFINAL 2 alternative financing programme of the Walloon Investment Plan and is receiving a grant worth €2,727,280.
Novalis Science Park
Established in a unique setting in Luxembourg Province in 2014, the Novalis Science Park is a ten-hectare science park dedicated to housing companies involved in animal and environmental health to support the development of human health.
This ecosystem, which offers the perfect environment for biotech development, has a 6,000m² business centre, the Novalis Business Center, which is currently home to 14 spin-offs and start-ups keen to build on the initial stages of their research work. In addition to financing solutions and support services provided by IDELUX, these flourishing companies can rely on all the expertise of the only Walloon joint research centre accredited in the field of life sciences and specialising in preclinical research, the CER Group.
The Novalis BoostUp Center will be an additional link in the chain of support available to develop the biotech ecosystem in Belgian Luxembourg. Together with its companies and partners, the Novalis Science Park adds to Belgium’s international reputation in the biotech sector.
