Samsung Biologics and Lilly Discuss Open Innovation and Biotech Growth at BIO KOREA 2026
On April 30, Samsung Biologics participated in a joint session with Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) at BIO KOREA 2026, where the companies shared plans to support emerging biotech companies and contribute to the advancement of next-generation therapies through the C-Lab Outside × Lilly Gateway Labs Open Innovation Center.
During the session, Samsung Biologics introduced its plans to foster a stronger biotech ecosystem through strategic partnerships, start-up support programs, and continued investment in industry growth. The company showcased a collaborative model that combines Samsung’s start-up acceleration program, C-Lab Outside, with Lilly’s biotech incubator platform, Lilly Gateway Labs (LGL).
“Through this joint initiative with Lilly, Samsung Biologics aims to provide biotech companies with access to research infrastructure, mentorship, and broader industry networks to help accelerate innovation and long-term growth,” said Sangmyung Lee, Vice President and Head of CDO Development.
He also shared the company’s broader efforts to support innovation across the sector. “Samsung Biologics has invested in promising biotech companies through the Samsung Life Science Fund*, while additional initiatives, including an industry growth fund, are planned to help strengthen the broader R&D ecosystem. We will continue our commitment to creating an environment where emerging biotech companies can innovate and grow.”
* Samsung Life Science Fund: A strategic investment fund set up by Samsung Biologics, Samsung C&T, and Samsung Bioepis, and managed by Samsung Venture Investment Corporation.
Scheduled for completion in July 2027, the LGL × C-Lab Outside Open Innovation Center will be located within Samsung Biologics’ Bio Campus II in Songdo. The center is expected to serve as a platform for nurturing up to 30 jointly selected early-stage biotech companies focused on innovative therapeutics and next-generation modalities, with recruitment expected to begin later this year. The five-story building will provide dedicated lab space ranging from 59.3 m² to 83.6 m², designed to support start-up incubation, collaborative research, and business development.
As one of Asia’s rapidly expanding biotechnology hubs, Songdo offers a strong manufacturing base, growing talent pool, and close connectivity across the biopharmaceutical value chain. The region continues to attract investment as a strategic center for future healthcare innovation.
Innovation in healthcare is increasingly driven by collaboration across companies, technologies, and ideas. Through this strategic partnership with Lilly, Samsung Biologics aims to expand opportunities for emerging biotech companies by combining global expertise with a strong local environment for innovation. By strengthening the biotech ecosystem, the collaboration is set to advance the development of future medicines.
On April 30, Samsung Biologics participated in a joint session with Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) at BIO KOREA 2026, where the companies shared plans to support emerging biotech companies and contribute to the advancement of next-generation therapies through the C-Lab Outside × Lilly Gateway Labs Open Innovation Center.
During the session, Samsung Biologics introduced its plans to foster a stronger biotech ecosystem through strategic partnerships, start-up support programs, and continued investment in industry growth. The company showcased a collaborative model that combines Samsung’s start-up acceleration program, C-Lab Outside, with Lilly’s biotech incubator platform, Lilly Gateway Labs (LGL).
“Through this joint initiative with Lilly, Samsung Biologics aims to provide biotech companies with access to research infrastructure, mentorship, and broader industry networks to help accelerate innovation and long-term growth,” said Sangmyung Lee, Vice President and Head of CDO Development.
He also shared the company’s broader efforts to support innovation across the sector. “Samsung Biologics has invested in promising biotech companies through the Samsung Life Science Fund*, while additional initiatives, including an industry growth fund, are planned to help strengthen the broader R&D ecosystem. We will continue our commitment to creating an environment where emerging biotech companies can innovate and grow.”
* Samsung Life Science Fund: A strategic investment fund set up by Samsung Biologics, Samsung C&T, and Samsung Bioepis, and managed by Samsung Venture Investment Corporation.
Scheduled for completion in July 2027, the LGL × C-Lab Outside Open Innovation Center will be located within Samsung Biologics’ Bio Campus II in Songdo. The center is expected to serve as a platform for nurturing up to 30 jointly selected early-stage biotech companies focused on innovative therapeutics and next-generation modalities, with recruitment expected to begin later this year. The five-story building will provide dedicated lab space ranging from 59.3 m² to 83.6 m², designed to support start-up incubation, collaborative research, and business development.
As one of Asia’s rapidly expanding biotechnology hubs, Songdo offers a strong manufacturing base, growing talent pool, and close connectivity across the biopharmaceutical value chain. The region continues to attract investment as a strategic center for future healthcare innovation.
Innovation in healthcare is increasingly driven by collaboration across companies, technologies, and ideas. Through this strategic partnership with Lilly, Samsung Biologics aims to expand opportunities for emerging biotech companies by combining global expertise with a strong local environment for innovation. By strengthening the biotech ecosystem, the collaboration is set to advance the development of future medicines.
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