Austria's biotechnology companies establish BIOTECH AUSTRIA - biotech industry association

BIOTECH AUSTRIA, the first specific branch association for the biotechnology industry in Austria was founded. The founding members include numerous companies and institutions of Austrian biotechnology. The foundation of the association arises from an initiative by board members of APEIRON Biologics AG, Haplogen Bioscience GmbH, Hookipa Pharma GmbH and Lexogen GmbH.

The aim of the association is to strengthen and promote cooperation between government, science and the biotech industry. The aim of BIOTECH AUSTRIA is the establishment of an independent, self-contained interest group for Austrian biotechnology, the promotion of an innovative and financially strong branch of industry within the Austrian economy and the representation of Austrian biotechnology at home and abroad. In order to make better use of synergy effects and to be able to speak with one voice in politics and society, BIOTECH AUSTRIA also intends to cooperate closely with other associations and clusters in Austria as well as with biotech organizations in Europe and the USA.

Austrian biotechnology offers cutting-edge technology and research and is considered an attractive, innovative employer. It currently includes around 150 companies with around 2,000 employees. Biotech is thus one of the most important industries of the future with high growth dynamics and creates significant innovations through intensive research and development activities. This opens up attractive prospects for the domestic market as well as for young scientific talents and specialists at home and abroad.

"The biotech industry is a very important economic sector in Austria", explains Peter LlewellynDavies, President of the newly founded BIOTECH AUSTRIA and CEO of APEIRON Biologics AG. “Biotechnology plays an immense role in human wellbeing, public health, and thus the economy. This year the corona pandemic has once again made it clear to everyone how vital the innovations in biotechnology are. The development and approval of the first SARS-COV-2 vaccine in less than a year shows the great potential and effectiveness of our industry."

Dr. Georg Casari, Vice President of BIOTECH AUSTRIA, CEO and founder of Haplogen Bioscience GmbH adds: “Our industry is a key driver of innovations in health care. In addition to the exchange of knowledge and experience within the new association, our members will in future be able to bundle their interests and speak to national and international decision-makers with one voice."

BIOTECH AUSTRIA's 30 founding members are biotechnology companies; extraordinary members and Sponsors such as KPMG Austria GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungs- und Steuerberatungsgesellschaft, PHARMIG - Association of the Austrian Pharmaceutical Industry, Erste Group Bank AG, Vienna Insurance Group AG Wiener Versicherung Gruppe, Herbst Kinsky Rechtsanwälte GmbH, Comites International GmbH and MC Services AG and Cooperation partners in the form of other associations or clusters such as LISAvienna, Vienna BioCenter. Support in founding the association was provided by Herbst Kinsky Rechtsanwälte GmbH, MC Services AG and Brandenstein Communications.

Further board members elected at the meeting next to Mr. Llewellyn-Davies and Dr. Casari are Dr. Reinhard Kandera, CFO of Hookipa Pharma GmbH and Dr. Alexander Seitz, CINO and founder of Lexogen GmbH.

In addition to the admission of further biotech companies, further extraordinary members such as regional interest groups, companies in the pharmaceutical industry, device and software manufacturers or other service providers in the field of biotechnology are planned. In addition, universities and other academic, scientific or other government institutions can acquire an associate membership.