Founded in 1966, VIB is a non-profit research institute that seeks to make investments in the life science sector and engages actively in the public debate on biotechnology. With 1,800 top scientists from Belgium and abroad, VIB unites the expertise of all its collaborators and research groups in a single institute to generate disruptive insights in the molecular underpinning of life. VIB's technology transfer activities translate research results into concrete benefits for society, including new diagnostics and therapies and agricultural innovations, often developed by young start-ups from VIB or through collaborations with other companies.