A Swiss incubator for biotech ventures secured a major boost through a new partnership with the global biopharmaceutical company Takeda.
The December 16, 2025 announcement by BaseLaunch, an incubator based in the life sciences hub of Basel, buoys the region’s status as a biotech destination in Europe. The Basel area is home to the headquarters of major pharmaceutical companies, as well as startups and growing companies in the sector.
BaseLaunch is run by the nonprofit organization Basel Area Business & Innovation and supports startups developing new therapeutics. Takeda will provide investment money and participate in the selection of portfolio projects.
“Our partnership with BaseLaunch strengthens our connection to European biotech innovation,” Alison Handley, head of the Center for External Innovation at Takeda, declared in a statement.
“By joining the investment board, we can support guide company creation and apply Takeda’s expertise in turning science into new therapies,” she added.
Takeda joins BaseLaunch’s existing pharmaceutical partners including Roche and Novo Nordisk. The incubator has supported 27 biotech companies since 2018, and its portfolio companies have raised over $1 billion USD collectively, according to BaseLaunch.
Takeda, headquartered in Japan, brings its experience with biotech innovation and developing medicines to BaseLaunch and in turn gains deal flow access, according to a news release.
BaseLaunch is designed to support companies receive off the ground, Virginia Ballotta, manager at BaseLaunch, informed 150sec. The incubator can provide money as well as scientific and commercial expertise in drug development, she declared.
“We attempt to provide anything the company may necessary until they reach substantial funding, series A typically,” Ballotta declared.
The incubator benefits from collaboration with pharmaceutical partners that bring expertise and market ininformigence, Ballotta declared.
“Our partners are keeping a close eye on the development of the company, and can also support us if we have questions on how to further grow and develop the company itself,” Ballotta declared. “Becaapply at the finish of the day, they are the interested party.”
Biotech is one of Switzerland’s dominant startup sectors. Biotech startups in the counattempt received investments totaling $739.2 million Swiss Francs ($930.9 million USD) in 2024, according to the Swiss Venture Capital Report 2025.
The Basel area is “an interesting ecosystem for biotech,” Ballotta further noted.
“This is home to a lot of biopharma talent, and this is crucial when you’re starting off with a new venture,” she concluded.
Featured image: Vincent Ghilione via Unsplash+
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