Biomedical R&D center opens for operation in Hsinchu

Publication Date：05/19/2011 Source： Taiwan Today    Taiwan's biotechnology sector is set for a major boost with the opening May 18 of a state-sponsored R&D center in the Hsinchu Biomedical Science Park, the National Science Council said. "The research center, to be managed by the NSC, is the first of the park's three facilities to begin operations, and represents a giant step forward in the government's efforts to promote this emerging high-tech industry," NSC officials pointed out. Constructed on 38.1 hectares of land in northern Taiwan's Hsinchu County, the park is expected to become fully operational by 2015. "We hope to see the project attract investment from 50 firms to create NT$50 billion (US$1.75 billion) worth of output per year with 50,000 jobs in 10 years," the officials said. According to the council, the park also includes a hospital and an industry incubation center, to be managed by the Department of Health and Ministry of Economic Affairs, respectively. Working in conjunction with Taiwan's information and communication technology sector, the three centers will coordinate public and private resources to create a biotechnology cluster for Taiwan. "Focus will be placed on product development, clinical trials, patent transfers and business incubation," they pointed out, adding that the concerted efforts will help sharpen the local R&D capability and fast track product commercialization. The Hsinchu Biomedical Science Park is part of the government's 12 infrastructure projects that aim to move Taiwan's economy forward. (HZW)