Korean biohealth companies gain a new pathway into the Basel Area

The Basel Area is opening a more direct route for high-potential Korean biohealth companies looking to grow internationally.

Basel Area Business & Innovation has announced a new collaboration with Roche Korea, the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) and the Korea Technology Finance Corporation (KIBO). The partnership will support selected Korean biotech and pharmaceutical companies as they expand into global markets, including the United States.

The collaboration will launch as a joint open innovation program beginning in May 2026. It is designed to give participating companies clearer access to global expertise, capital, infrastructure and networks, while strengthening connections between Korea, the Basel Area and other key life sciences markets.

“Innovation is global by nature, and the Basel Area Life Sciences Supercluster is becoming an international biotech gateway by empowering international companies to access its networks, infrastructure, and partners to grow their operations,” said Christof Klöpper, CEO of Basel Area Business & Innovation. “By connecting Korean innovators with Basel, and by extension, with partners and opportunities across borders, we’re helping accelerate the next wave of breakthroughs.”

Each partner brings a specific role. Roche Korea will lead company selection and explore opportunities for funding, mentoring and collaboration. KHIDI will help promote and operate the program, including identifying strong candidates. KIBO will evaluate companies and support access to financing. Basel Area Business & Innovation will connect participating companies to the Basel Area Life Sciences Supercluster and provide access to infrastructure, including Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area.

For Korean biohealth companies, the agreement creates a structured pathway into one of Europe’s most concentrated life sciences ecosystems. For the Basel Area, it strengthens the region’s role as a practical bridge for international open innovation, where companies can connect with partners, infrastructure and expertise needed to scale beyond their home market.

The agreement is intended to become a flagship program bridging Korea and the global market, with plans to grow the initiative and deepen international collaboration over time.

Read more about the agreement in our media release.