At a Glance
- Company: Samsung Biologics; Eli Lilly and Company
- Location: Bio Campus II, Incheon, South Korea
- Capacity: Five‑storey, 125,000 ft² site for up to 30 companies
- Focus area: Early‑stage and emerging biotech innovation hub
- Next steps: Facility completion targeted for July 2027
What happened?
Samsung Biologics has signed a collaboration agreement with Eli Lilly to establish a Lilly Gateway Labs site in Korea, the first Gateway Labs location in the country. The new hub, to be built at Samsung Biologics’ Bio Campus II in Incheon, will provide lab and collaboration space for up to 30 early‑stage and emerging biotechnology companies jointly selected by the partners.
Why does it matter?
The project aims to strengthen Korea’s role as a regional biotech innovation centre by giving small companies access to high‑end infrastructure, operational support and big‑pharma know‑how. By embedding a Gateway Labs site inside one of the world’s largest CDMOs, the partners hope to accelerate drug discovery and development and draw more global biotech activity into the Korean ecosystem.
Who’s behind it?
Samsung Biologics, a leading contract development and manufacturing organisation, will design, develop and operate the new facility. Lilly Gateway Labs, part of Lilly’s Catalyze360 platform, will provide customised scientific engagement and access to Lilly’s global network, building on a model that has already supported resident companies raising more than 3 billion USD across over 50 therapeutic programmes.
How was it achieved?
Under the collaboration structure, Samsung Biologics is responsible for the five‑storey, 125,000 ft² building and core research infrastructure, including flexible labs, shared equipment and collaboration areas. Lilly Gateway Labs will curate programming, scientific guidance and networking to help resident biotechs move projects from discovery into development and manufacturing.
What’s next?
Construction at Bio Campus II is underway, with completion targeted for July 2027 before companies begin moving into the space. Beyond hosting individual tenants, the partners say the hub is intended to catalyse broader ecosystem effects, from talent development to cross‑border partnerships, as Lilly expands its Gateway Labs network beyond existing sites in the US and China.