Tue, 23 Dec 2025
Building the Next Generation of a global life sciences hub
As global pharma companies increasingly collaborate with early-stage innovation platforms, BaseLaunch has emerged as one of Europe’s most influential biotech incubators. With 27 startups supported across diverse therapeutic areas and modalities, BaseLaunch is helping shape the future of biopharma innovation. In this interview, Stephan Emmerth, Director at BaseLaunch, shares insights into the incubator’s scientific priorities, partner engagement model, and Basel’s growing prominence as a global life sciences hub.
BaseLaunch has supported 27 biotech companies across multiple modalities. What scientific or therapeutic areas are you prioritizing as you build the next generation of startups?
BaseLaunch supports biotech startups developing therapeutics. However, we are therapeutic area and modality agnostic. We receive applications from a range of therapeutic areas and modalities and have supported programs in Oncology, Neurology, Immunology, Rare diseases, Cardiovascular or Infectious Diseases, as well as Small Molecules, Biologics, Vaccines or Cell and Gene Therapies. We are open and interested in any innovative idea that falls under therapeutics.
How does BaseLaunch differentiate itself from other incubators when it comes to building companies from inception through Series A?
BaseLaunch’s unique proposition stems from the support and financing we provide to our portfolio companies and the partnerships that we have built with global Pharma and VC players. We select projects together with our Partners AbbVie, CSL, Johnson & Johnson, Novo Nordisk, Pureos Bioventures, Roche and Takeda, who have also skin in the game through their financial contributions towards us, to support the convertible loans we give to the ventures. Also, they provide us with an unrivalled perspective on the sector. There is no secret “good-for-all” method, instead we focus on giving portfolio companies customized support towards their successful Series A financing.
How do pharma partners such as AbbVie, Roche, Novo Nordisk, Johnson & Johnson, CSL, and now Takeda actively engage with BaseLaunch portfolio companies beyond financial backing?
Our pharma partners are part of our Selection Committee; therefore, our portfolio companies have a chance to build relationships with several pharmas early on. We foster these relationships that will help to promote collaborations, partnerships and equity investments. Also, we get input from our partners on topics such as competitive positioning, indication strategy, derisking paths for our ventures, for example.
Is BaseLaunch primarily attracting European founders, or are you seeing increasing interest from scientists and entrepreneurs globally?
At BaseLaunch, we accept innovative projects worldwide. We receive a significant number of projects from outside of Europe and have supported companies with founders from many nationalities.
What makes Basel particularly attractive for international founders looking to build globally competitive biopharma companies?
The Basel Area represents a highly relevant life-science ecosystem with more than 800 companies in the sector established in the region. With headquarters from not only large corporations but also many biotech SMEs and startups. The region is home to an extensive talent pool with nearly 35,000 professionals and researchers from top-tier academic institutions in the region. Altogether, Basel provides the talent, the network and the finances young ventures need.
Looking ahead, how do you see BaseLaunch evolving over the next five years as European biotech innovation gains increasing global prominence?
With more global players, like Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. joining BaseLaunch, we aim to keep growing our impact in Europe and beyond. By partnering with such leaders in the field, we aim to continue to help small companies and projects evolve into large biotech to provide impactful therapies worldwide.
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