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Discovery and research, Finance and Investment, Technology and digital innovation

Hospitals and Belgian Companies Unite to Shape the Future of Healthcare

On 29 January 2026, 400 Belgian healthcare stakeholders — hospital executives, policymakers, and innovators — gathered in Brussels to help shape the future of healthcare. The objective was to connect hospital needs with the innovative technologies developed by Belgian companies. Two projects were honored during the event’s Innovation Awards: Baby Detect and SIM BLOOD.

MDR and IVDR Revisions Bode Well for European Medtech Innovation

In December 2025, the European Commission unveiled proposed revisions to the EU’s Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR). The changes aim to accelerate the path to market for medtech and digital health companies by making the rulebook easier to navigate without lowering the bar on patient safety. Innovators have greeted the announcement with cautious optimism.

Mind Over Money: US vs. European Investment Psychology in Biotech

Early-stage biotech investing has always demanded a high tolerance for uncertainty, and an uncanny ability to predict which fledgling technologies will one day reshape health. But one silent force shapes investment outcomes more often than we admit: psychology. At the intersection of capital and culture, we find a compelling and underexplored story — the differences between investors in the US and Europe, and how these contrasts play out in biotech.

European Biotech Act: New initiative to mobilize €10 billion investment for Europe’s biotech sector

The European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group have announced an initiative to mobilize €10 billion in investment in 2026-27 into the biotech and life sciences sector. The project aims to give a significant boost to the EU's competitiveness in biotechnology, by addressing the EU's current investment gap and mobilizing public-private investment into promising new health solutions.

Celebrating the Pitch Winners of HealthTech Investor Summit 2025

Europe’s healthtech pipeline was on full display at the HealthTech Investor Summit 2025 in Utrecht, with the regions brightest rising stars in the spotlight. From surgical robotics and implantable devices to bioelectronics and next-generation diagnostics, here are the pitching companies that stood out to both the judges and audience.

The FDA Reset and its Ripple Effect on European Biotech

In the past two years, a rapid succession of FDA policy shifts has fundamentally reshaped the regulatory landscape. These changes have created uncertainty for biotech companies around the world — lengthening development timelines, increasing demands for upfront capital, and amplifying modality-specific risks. European investors should now consider explicit regulatory strategies as essential to the success of their portfolio.

Healthtech Success: An Investor’s Perspective

Europe’s healthtech scene is buzzing, with innovators racing to re-shape how we prevent, diagnose and treat disease. Many of the field’s brightest stars will gather at the HealthTech Investor Summit in December to connect, compare notes and compete for attention. Ahead of the event, we asked one of the participating investors, Vlaamse Investeringsmaatschappij Vlaanderen (PMV) what they’re scouting for in Europe’s future healthtech champions.

A Champions League of European Health Innovation Clusters

Recently at the Medicon Valley Alliance Summit in Copenhagen, the spotlight was on European competitiveness. In a keynote, panelists from four of Europe’s leading life sciences hubs shared their intention to establish a “Champions League” of clusters, working as a team to strengthen health innovation for Europe as a whole.

ATB Therapeutics: Antibody Seeker Missiles for Cancer and Autoimmune Diseases

Antibodies have long held promise as a ‘magic bullet’ for cancer therapies, yet many antibody-drug conjugates face issues with toxicity and resistance. Belgian startup ATB Therapeutics is producing a new type of weaponized antibodies, using plants as mini factories for safe, effective cancer and autoimmune treatments.

Personalized medicine: Europe’s seeds are sown but not yet grown

To truly improve patients’ lives through personalized medicine, the seeds of innovation must be sown, and its capacity must be grown. Europe undoubtedly excels as an R&D hub, yet we fall behind when transforming ideas into tangible products and services. So how can we create an environment where personalized medicine can flourish and deliver real solutions for patients? That question was the focus of a recent meeting at the European Parliament where the PRECISEU consortium brought together key stakeholders to discuss the future of the field.

Improving biotech decisions by fostering team debate

What makes a biotech company soar or crash? Usually, people cite a combination of cutting-edge science, experienced team, smart business strategy and adequate funding. But there is another less obvious factor that is equally critical for company performance: the internal dynamics of the team. So how can a company create a culture of constructive disagreement to foster better decision-making?

Reclaiming the mind: How virtual reality helped one woman silence the voices in her head

After 30 years of schizophrenia, a Danish woman found freedom through virtual reality therapy. Now the startup behind it HekaVR is changing the face of mental health care. This emotional story of success will be shared in a keynote at the HealthTech Investor Summit on 8-10 December in Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Science for Health 2025: How to anchor innovation in Belgium?

Belgium puts a lot of resources into research and innovation, supporting the creation of spinouts and startups with brilliant potential health solutions. But as they grow, most of those companies eventually hit a point where local support isn’t enough—they have to look beyond Europe for their manufacturing, clinical trials, and funding needs. How can Belgium close this gap so companies can stay and thrive in Europe?

Germany’s Biotech Sector: Time to Wake the Sleeping Giant

Germany has long been considered a “sleeping giant” in European biotech—full of promise, but slow to rise. The country boasts world-class research institutions, a strong industrial base, and a rich pool of scientific talent. Yet for years, Germany has lagged behind smaller neighbors like Belgium, Denmark, and Switzerland when it comes to biotech start-up activity, early-stage investment, and company creation. But now, a shift may be underway—what will it take for the German giant to stir?

Science for Health 2025: Stronger Regions, Greater Impact

Belgium’s flagship “biology meets technology” conference returns to Brussels this fall with a clear message: collaboration is key to keeping Europe at the front of health innovation. On 4 November 2025, Science for Health will explore how Belgium’s regional strengths and synergies can be combined to accelerate ATMP and new modalities—such as radioligand therapies and digital health solutions—to reinforce the country's global position in biotech and healthtech.