In April 2021, BioM Biotech Cluster Development has been awarded the GOLD Label of the European Cluster Excellence Initiative (ECEI) for the 2nd time. The cluster management organisation for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry in Munich and Bavaria receives this recognition after a careful and successful quality assessment by designated experts. The renewed certification confirms that BioM is one of the leading cluster organisations in Europe.
As part of the evaluation process, BioM had to demonstrate its competencies on the basis of 31 specific criteria. Part of the quality assessment was the successful partnership of BioM with Japanese biopharma regions, namely Osaka Prefecture and Kawasaki City. Those hold an immense potential for successful business and R&D collaborations. Importantly, in comparison with other more similar markets, Japan is a country where BioM as a cluster management organisation can make a difference for SMEs approaching the different and complex market with bundled, demand-driven support initiatives.
"We are extremely pleased to receive this recognition, which confirms our work and commitment," says Dr. Stephanie Wehnelt, Head of International Affairs and responsible for the GOLD Label process at BioM. "For us, however, being amongst Europe's top cluster organisations also means continuing to improve and expand our activities and performance. Only in this way we can optimally leverage the innovation potential provided by the local biotech network of industry and science."
The ECEI GOLD Label "Excel in Cluster Excellence" is an independent certification and is awarded to cluster management organisations that demonstrate high-quality and sophisticated cluster management. The label is valid for two years and can then be renewed after a review of selected criteria.