Talent-CGT aims to position Europe as a leader in Cell and Gene Therapies (CGTs), addressing significant workforce shortages and aligning education with industry needs through entrepreneurial education and innovation. The initiative envisions a robust talent pipeline by 2030, equipped to scale transformative therapies, leveraging a consortium of leading educational institutions and industry partners across Europe.

Objectives: Talent-CGT is designed to revolutionize CGT education by developing a modular, standardized curriculum integrated with entrepreneurial and digital competencies. Key initiatives include a “Teach-the-Teacher” program to scale education sustainably, the creation of digital tools and open-source resources for equitable access, and building business impact through strategic partnerships and support for startup ecosystems.

Innovative Approach: The program distinguishes itself by:
– Embedding entrepreneurial acumen within CGT curricula to foster market-readiness.
– Utilizing digital tools to enhance accessibility and engagement across Europe, focusing on underserved regions.
– Implementing a comprehensive “Teach-the-Teacher” model that ensures sustainable growth and quality of CGT education.
– Establishing a business impact framework to align education with market demands, facilitating the launch and growth of startups and scaleups.

Entrepreneurial Impact: Talent-CGT strategically fosters innovation and entrepreneurship within the CGT sector by:
– Creating educational pathways that are closely aligned with industry needs, enhancing the employability and entrepreneurial capabilities of graduates.
– Developing public-private partnerships that catalyze innovation and accelerate the commercialization of new therapies.
– Supporting the creation and growth of startups through mentorship, access to testbeds, and innovation hubs.
– Enhancing Europe’s competitiveness and attractiveness as a leading hub for biotech and CGT industries.

Consortium and Collaborative Strength: The consortium includes Dutch universities known for their proximity to major European life sciences hubs, the University of Gdańsk, Poland and CESPU Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário in Portugal with their medical research excellence, and the Fearless League, a software company which ensures scalable digital solutions. This diverse partnership facilitates comprehensive regional development and addresses workforce gaps, setting a foundation for sustained innovation and market relevance.

Conclusion: Talent-CGT is poised to deliver significant entrepreneurial and educational advancements in the CGT field. By fostering a well-equipped workforce and integrating cutting-edge technologies and business strategies, Talent-CGT will ensure Europe remains at the forefront of healthcare innovation, making substantial contributions to the economy and society at large.

Project coordinator

Raymond Pieters, Professor, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht (contact)