Samsung Biologics Enters into Collaboration with Eli Lilly to Establish Gateway Labs Facility
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Samsung Biologics has announced a collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company to establish a new Lilly Gateway Labs facility in South Korea.
The new Gateway Labs site will function as a hub designed to support early-stage and emerging biotechnology companies as they move their scientific research towards development and manufacturing. The facility will include flexible laboratory spaces, research infrastructure, collaboration areas, and operational support services. It is expected to accommodate up to 30 biotechnology companies that will be jointly selected by Lilly and Samsung Biologics.
Under the agreement, Samsung Biologics will be responsible for developing and operating the facility, while Lilly Gateway Labs will provide scientific engagement and support to resident biotech companies. The initiative also aims to promote collaboration within the Korean life sciences sector.
The facility will be located at Samsung Biologics’ Bio Campus II and will consist of five floors covering approximately 125,000 square feet. Construction is expected to be completed by July 2027.
Beyond supporting individual biotech firms, the new site is expected to strengthen South Korea’s broader biotechnology ecosystem. It aims to attract international innovation activities, support talent development, and further position the country as a centre for early-stage life sciences research. By connecting local and global biotech start-ups with industry expertise, the initiative intends to accelerate the transition of scientific discoveries into development and manufacturing within the country.
The Gateway Labs model is designed to help biotech companies advance drug discovery and development by providing access to laboratory infrastructure and connecting founders and scientists with Lilly’s global network of experts. The programme operates as part of Lilly Catalyze360, which supports biotechnology innovation through access to funding, laboratory facilities, technology, and research and development capabilities.
Since the launch of the first Gateway Labs site in 2019, companies within the network have collectively raised more than US$3 billion and have progressed over 50 therapeutic development programmes.
The collaboration reflects broader efforts to expand global innovation networks in biotechnology while supporting the development of new therapies through partnerships between pharmaceutical companies and emerging biotech firms.
Source: samsungbiologics.com
