Biopharma 4.0 (B4.0) Alliance
BCG and NIBRT, as part of the Biopharma 4.0 (B4.0) Alliance, have launched the world’s first Innovation Centre fully dedicated to Biopharma Operations
NIBRT’s Aoife Barron shows visitors how Augmented Reality can be used to improve visibility of batch progress during fermentation
The Innovation Centre showcases the latest Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies in Biopharma manufacturing, quality control and training excellence. These technologies are integrated with core operating processes to enable proof-of-concept use cases on new innovations and new ways of working, situated in a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) simulated environment.
The implementation of these technologies in the biopharma industry could lead to productivity improvements of up to 40% especially when combined with Lean methodologies. Whilst Europe has typically been a leader in biopharma innovation, the industry as a whole is behind other industries and the adoption of next generation technologies is key to maintaining this advantage.
“Biopharma has traditionally lagged behind other industries in the adoption of cutting edge technologies, and the B4.0 Alliance identified that a key barrier to this was the provision of a safe GMP space to learn about, experience and co-create digital use-cases as well as understand regulatory perspectives,” says Frank Cordes, Managing Director & Partner at BCG, and Operations practice lead for Western Europe. “We therefore hope this Centre will encourage companies to experiment with new technologies and develop talent, ensuring the industry can leverage the value from I4.0.”
The Innovation Centre allows visitors and alliance members to discover I4.0 technology demonstrated in a GMP environment, be inspired by Biopharma manufacturing specific use cases and also allows companies to co-create or pilot digital solutions to their specific challenges in a safe GMP pilot environment.
The Alliance is a unique collaboration between leading players in the biopharma industry, selected innovative technology providers and industry experts from BCG and NIBRT.
Explore each room of the Innovation Centre using this interactive graphic
There are various ways to get involved in the B4.0 Innovation Centre and to learn about the technologies on show and the power of Industry 4.0. There are workshops, round-tables and training offerings as well as a more collaborative membership model designed to accelerate the implementation of I4.0 for Biopharma companies.
