The biocluster located in the Greater Paris region is the first European park to receive the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) award.

Genopole, a French biocluster dedicated to research in the fields of genetics and biotechnology, announces it has received the AURP Award of Excellence for Outstanding Research Park. This is the first time a member outside the US has been acknowledged. The announcement was made during AURP’s International Annual Conference in Baltimore (Maryland).

The Outstanding Research Park Award recognizes research parks, science parks or innovation districts which have set up an exceptional ecosystem. These parks have made a significant contribution to the region by supporting a robust environment for innovation, entrepreneurship and commercialization activities, in close relationship with higher educational institutions.

Genopole is a French biocluster dedicated to genetic research and applied biotechnology, focusing on healthcare and the environmental sector. Genopole is particularly focused on gene therapy, regenerative medicine, personalized medicine and synthetic biology. One of these research centers is France’s leading sequencing center and one of the largest in Europe.

Genopole is very attractive as a landing pad into Europe for North American companies. Its real estate developments, technology platforms and infrastructure as well as support services to entrepreneurs are adapted to the needs of biotech entrepreneurs. Six foreign companies are already operating on the premises. Opening up to international partnerships is a strong component of its development strategy, also consistent with the policy of the government of the Greater Paris region and of the French state.

“We are honored that AURP has selected Genopole as a key European innovation ecosystem. This recognition is of primary importance as well as strategic relevance to Genopole as North America is a priority market for our innovative companies. It represents fertile ground for collaborative projects for our public research labs and companies,” said Jean-Marc Grognet, Genopole’s CEO.

“This first Outstanding Research Park award to a member outside the US shows AURP’s clear intention to develop international connections. In going global, AURP wants to facilitate greater transatlantic exchanges between North American and European cluster managers, companies and research organisations,” said Mason Ailstock, president of AURP’s board.