Madrid, Spain, 2 June 2010

Today, EuropaBio and ASEBIO, the Spanish Biotechnology Association, will co-host a roundtable

discussion for SMEs in Madrid, Spain.

The roundtable, which takes place towards the end of European SME Week, aims to focus on the European Framework Programmes and on improving financing. EuropaBio, which represents 1800 Biotech SMEs, is committed to working together with its National Associations, such as ASEBIO, to tackle the unique set of challenges that these organisations face in becoming financially sustainable.

Commenting on the event, Tom Saylor, Chair of EuropaBio’s SME Platform said: “Biotech SMEs represent an important pillar of the knowledge-based economy. However, they require long timetables and considerable financial resources to capture the value of Europe's strong scientific capabilities. While Europe generates a large number of biotech SMEs very few reach significant points of value. SME Week offers the opportunity to bring focus to the crucial role that biotechnology plays in ensuring a strong future economy for Europe.”

One year on from the publication of EuropaBio’s paper ‘Access to Finance: A Call for Action’ this roundtable will provide an overview of the improvements and the remaining challenges faced by these enterprises. Special focus will be placed on FP7 with the presentation of a set of recommendations on how to adjust the European Framework Programmes to meet the specific needs of biotech SMEs.

Nathalie Moll, EuropaBio’s Secretary General concluded: “For small organisations these groups play a big role in generating some of Europe’s most valuable biotech innovation. They are built and formed by some of the most visionary, dedicated scientists and researchers that Europe has to offer and they will be instrumental in finding solutions to some of our most pressing healthcare, energy, environmental and food security challenges. Today’s roundtable represents an important opportunity for us to work together towards providing EU financial lifelines for these organisations

through adapting FP7 consortium requirements and directing calls for proposals towards SMEs with better levels of funding.”

For further information please contact:

Julie Kjestrup, SME Platform coordinator, EuropaBio

Tel: +32 2 739 11 78

gsm: +32 485 36 99 16

Email: j.kjestrup@europabio.org

or

Joanna Dupont Inglis, Communications Manager, EuropaBio

Tel: +32 2 735 0313

gsm: +32 476 607135

Email: j.dupont@europabio.org