Can you please provide an overview of Biopôle and its role in Switzerland’s life sciences ecosystem?
Biopôle is a vibrant life sciences campus in Lausanne, Switzerland, that serves as a hub for innovation in biotech, medtech and digital health. Home to over 160 companies and institutions, ranging from start-ups to established industry players, Biopôle has created a thriving life sciences community within the wider Swiss ecosystem, where science and entrepreneurship intersect. With its close proximity to leading academic institutions like the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), the University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV) and the University of Lausanne (UNIL), Biopôle is ideally positioned to drive progress in life sciences by facilitating collaboration, innovation and growth.
How does Biopôle foster collaboration within the life sciences industry?
Collaboration is central to Biopôle’s mission. As Pierre-Jean Wipff, Director of Innovations and Partnerships, puts it: ‘We connect the dots, whether through opportunistic connections at our members’ request or via structured programmes like the Vanguard Accelerator and Corporate Partnerships.’ This flexible approach helps companies access the partners and resources they need to fuel innovation.
Biopôle also boasts a strong network of industry players, academics, start-ups, investors and experts, creating fertile ground for cross-disciplinary collaboration. Nasri Nahas, CEO of Biopôle SA, adds: ‘Our role is to bring the right people together to turn ideas into tangible healthcare solutions.’
What do you think attracted Novartis to join the Corporate Partnerships programme at Biopôle?
Novartis joined Biopôle’s Corporate Partnerships programme to increase its visibility within a constantly evolving, innovation-driven ecosystem, as well as to explore local partnerships. As Pierre-Jean Wipff notes, ‘Biopôle offers Novartis key opportunities to engage and/or collaborate with start-ups, academics and other major industry stakeholders in the region to drive R&D.’
Are there any specific areas of focus or expertise that Biopôle is particularly interested in collaborating on with its partners?
The Biopôle community thrives on diversity, with innovation driven by the convergence of various disciplines. However, the campus does have a particularly strong track record in oncology, personalised medicine, immuno-oncology and digital health. In the opinion of Nasri Nahas: ‘The future lies in the convergence of technologies, especially digital health, which is now at the core of almost every life sciences advance. We need to have a broader, more holistic view of health in order to fuel healthtech innovations that reach patients as efficiently as possible.’
Could you give some insights on how we could improve Novartis and Biopôle’s collaboration, so that it plays a more prominent role in the ecosystem of French-speaking Switzerland?
Novartis already plays a key role at Biopôle, with representatives serving on expert panels and juries for initiatives like the Vanguard Accelerator and Biopôle Start-up Fund. To strengthen this collaboration, Pierre-Jean Wipff suggests increasing Novartis’ physical presence and ‘human-to-human’ interactions, for example by fostering more informal meetings with members of the community. ‘Face-to-face interactions unlock new opportunities for collaboration,’ he explains.
How does the partnership with Biopôle benefit Novartis in terms of strengthening its innovative power?
Biopôle offers Novartis access to a network of high-potential start-ups and academic talent. In Pierre-Jean Wipff’s words, ‘Novartis can harness talented graduates from nearby institutions like UNIL, as well as entrepreneurs at cutting-edge start-ups.’ The campus’s location near the CHUV also facilitates collaboration with clinical experts, accelerating the transition of research into practice. Nasri Nahas underscores this advantage: ‘By participating in the Biopôle community, Novartis can tap into resources from across the life sciences industry, with start-ups, academic talent and clinical expertise all within easy reach. This confluence of talent and knowledge massively fuels innovation.’
What resources and support does Biopôle offer Novartis and its other corporate partners to facilitate innovation?
Biopôle provides corporate partners like Novartis with tailored resources, including start-up scouting, to identify emerging companies that align with their strategic interests. Pierre-Jean Wipff explains: ‘We actively scout start-ups that fit Novartis’ needs, connecting the company with the brightest minds in the ecosystem.’ Regular networking events and workshops also foster interaction among corporate partners, innovators and key players. In addition, regular meetings with the Biopôle team help partners stay agile and respond to new opportunities.
How does Biopôle ensure that collaborations between different partners are mutually beneficial and lead to innovative outcomes?
Biopôle fosters constant feedback and collaboration, holding monthly meetings with corporate partners to review ongoing projects and explore new opportunities. Pierre-Jean Wipff notes: ‘We ensure that collaborations advance towards meaningful outcomes by staying responsive to the needs of our partners.’ This approach guarantees transparency and alignment, helping all parties achieve their innovation goals.
Can you provide examples of successful collaborations between Biopôle and other companies?
While details remain confidential due to the long decision cycles and selective processes, Pierre-Jean Wipff acknowledges that a range of pilot projects, deals and commercial agreements have emerged from corporate partnerships. ‘Many discussions are ongoing, with promising developments in the pipeline,’ he says.
Can you highlight any future plans or projects that Biopôle and Novartis will be working on together?
Biopôle and Novartis plan to map regional activities to better understand potential collaboration opportunities. Nasri Nahas says: ‘We are focused on uncovering synergies between Novartis, start-ups, academic experts and clinical leaders within the ecosystem. Together, we aim to build a sustainable pipeline of innovations that will impact global healthcare.’
Pierre-Jean Wipff has a wealth of experience in assisting innovating life sciences start-ups. After several years as a innovation advisor at Innovaud, he joined the Biopôle SA team in 2022. © Biopôle SA, Nicolas Sphuler 2023.
Nasri Nahas took the lead at Biopôle in 2015, shaping its vision to position the campus as a vibrant community for both industry and academic leaders. Drawing on over 25 years of experience in life sciences, he promotes a culture of collaboration and innovation at the intersection of life sciences and entrepreneurship. © Biopôle SA, Nicolas Spuhler 2022