European Pavilion at BIO 2023: cross-border partnering, trade diplomacy and practical lessons for EU biotech

For the second year running Europe staged a collective presence at the BIO International Convention. The European Pavilion positioned itself as a focal point for partnering and market entry in the United States. BIO 2023 ran a broad programme of keynotes, thematic sessions and marketplaces that organisers say are intended to foster connections between industry, academia and government. Marcel Kaminstein, Senior Manager for International Relations at BIO, described the event as a platform for what he called science based trade diplomacy and for enabling European innovators to find partners and support in international markets.

What #StandUpForScience means in practice

BIO chose the hashtag #StandUpForScience as its thematic backdrop. The phrase functions as both a public advocacy message and an internal rallying point for the sector. For BIO, the concept is about defending science from political and ideological interference while actively promoting science as the basis for trade and policy engagement.

What attendees could expect at BIO 2023

BIO 2023 was programmed for a wide range of audiences from investors to academic researchers. Highlights included plenary and keynote sessions, thematic panels, the Start-up Stadium that spotlights emerging companies, and sector specific spaces such as the Innovation Zone by the National Institutes of Health. BIO also hosted reception events including a European Night Reception, an APAC Summit and a Wednesday evening reception with a special guest performer. The convention routinely advertises an intensive calendar of partnering and networking opportunities.

Why the European Pavilion matters for cross-border innovation

Organisers and European programme managers argue that a consolidated European presence serves two functions. It signals political and commercial intent from Europe and it creates a visible hub where start-ups and SMEs can meet a range of international delegations in one place. For smaller companies, sharing infrastructure and promotional services at a pavilion reduces costs and increases visibility.

Which European companies exhibited under EIC support

The European Innovation Council supported a delegation of EIC funded SMEs to exhibit at BIO 2023. Delegates were selected through a competitive process focused on internationalisation readiness, technological fit and commercial potential. The companies spanned medical devices, diagnostics, therapeutics and related digital health and sustainable biotech solutions.

The European Pavilion was located at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center at Booth C-1911. The EIC also organised a one day online preparatory workshop for delegates that covered market briefing, logistics and how to approach the US biotech market.

EIC trade fair programmes and pre event support

The European Innovation Council runs trade fair support programmes to help awardees with international exposure. Earlier iterations were called Overseas Trade Fairs Programme 2.0. The initiative evolved into the broader EIC International Trade Fairs Programme 3.0 which runs through 2026. The ITF Programme offers curated participation at strategic trade fairs across sectors and regions and provides coaching, market briefings and business services to selected companies.

From networking to deals: realistic expectations

Trade shows like BIO are intense networking environments. They can accelerate introductions and generate leads but they seldom create immediate large scale commercial outcomes on their own. Converting meetings into partnerships requires follow up, contract negotiation, clinical or regulatory work and often additional financing. Smaller companies must therefore measure return on investment beyond immediate meetings and track medium term metrics such as qualified leads, signed nondisclosure agreements, pilot agreements and first sales.

Practical advice for European innovators attending BIO

Marcel Kaminstein and EIC programme managers emphasised planning and flexibility. Their recommendations are tactical and familiar to experienced trade fair participants. They are also designed to address the specific friction points European companies face when entering the US market.

Kaminstein suggested three strategic activities to overcome internationalisation barriers. First use one on one partnering to rapidly connect with potential collaborators. Second participate actively in networking events to create opportunities for informal conversation that can lead to formal partnerships. Third become a BIO member to access educational webinars and classes that help navigate the US business environment.

A measured view on outcomes and next steps

BIO 2023 and the European Pavilion provided a concentrated set of opportunities for visibility and networking. The structured support from EIC programmes reduces some costs and improves readiness for market entry. At the same time the common hazards of cross border expansion remain: regulatory alignment, reimbursement strategy, local partnerships and the need to translate introductions into contracts. Trade fairs are useful nodes in an internationalisation strategy. They are not a substitute for sustained business development and institutional support.

For European companies the clear implication is to treat trade fairs as one component of a larger plan. Use preparatory workshops, secure local advisors in target markets, set measurable follow up objectives and budget for the downstream work needed to turn contacts into pilots and revenue.