Samsung Biologics and U.S.-based pharmaceutical leader Eli Lilly have announced a groundbreaking partnership to establish a new hub for Lilly Gateway Labs (LGL) in South Korea. The collaboration, which represents a significant step in fostering innovation in the biotechnology sector, will benefit local startups and is poised to strengthen South Korea's position in the global biotech arena.
A Milestone for Open Innovation in South Korea
On March 10, Samsung Biologics revealed it had signed an open innovation partnership with Eli Lilly. The partnership will see the creation of a Lilly Gateway Labs hub in Songdo International City, Incheon. This initiative is notable as it marks the first time a global pharmaceutical company's open innovation program has entered South Korea in collaboration with a domestic partner.
The South Korean facility will be only the second LGL hub located outside of the United States, with the first established in China. Lilly Gateway Labs, which was launched in 2019, focuses on nurturing promising biotech startups by providing resources such as state-of-the-art laboratory and office facilities, research and development collaboration opportunities, mentoring, direct investment, and assistance in securing external funding.
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Focus on Biotech Startups
The new hub aims to support approximately 30 biotech startups, selected jointly by Samsung Biologics and Eli Lilly. Biotech companies involved in the LGL program have collectively raised over $3 billion in funding since its inception, with more than 50 drug development programs having been accelerated through the initiative. The new site is expected to help South Korean biotech startups expand their presence in global markets.
"Because LGL directly selects high-potential biotech startups and supports them through direct and indirect investments, joint research opportunities, and business development support, the new hub is expected to significantly expand opportunities for Korean biotech companies to enter global markets", the announcement stated.
Centralizing Innovation in Songdo
The Lilly Gateway Labs hub will be housed within Samsung Biologics’ "C-Lab Outside", a new open innovation center currently under construction. The facility, part of Samsung Biologics’ second Bio Campus, is scheduled for completion in 2027. Spanning five floors and covering 12,000 square meters (approximately 3,500 pyeong), the center will serve as a dedicated space for fostering innovation in the biotechnology sector.
The partnership also extends the scope of Samsung’s C-Lab Outside program, which was originally launched by Samsung Electronics in 2018 to incubate startups across various industries. Over time, the program has expanded to include initiatives within the financial and biopharmaceutical sectors, further showcasing Samsung’s commitment to supporting innovation across industries.
Strengthening South Korea’s Biotech Ecosystem
The decision to establish the hub in South Korea reflects the country’s growing reputation in the global biotechnology sector. Open innovation programs like Lilly Gateway Labs have increasingly turned their attention to South Korea in recent years, citing the nation’s advanced technological capabilities and immense growth potential. Eli Lilly, in particular, chose to collaborate with Samsung Biologics to tap into these strengths.
By leveraging the expertise of both companies, the new hub is expected to play a key role in bolstering South Korea’s biotech ecosystem and creating opportunities for local startups to thrive on a global stage.
This partnership is a clear demonstration of the potential of cross-border collaboration in driving innovation and fostering growth in the life sciences industry. With the backing of two industry giants, the new Lilly Gateway Labs hub is set to become a cornerstone of South Korea’s biotech future.