Top CEE investable projects 2026: BIO CITY, Vilnius, Lithuania

Project overview

BIO CITY is a multi-phase biotechnology campus under development in Vilnius, with complementary operations in Boston, designed to create one of Europe’s largest integrated biopharmaceutical ecosystems. Led by Northway Healthcare Group and biotech pioneer Professor Vladas Algirdas Bumelis, the project builds on the more than two-decade track record of Northway Biotech, a globally active contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO).

Structured across three major phases – BIO CITY I, II and III – the campus combines research, experimental development and large-scale manufacturing within a single platform. BIO CITY III focuses on protein biologics, advanced therapies and next-generation biopharmaceutical production, supporting the transition from scientific discovery to clinical and commercial-scale manufacturing.

The opportunity

BIO CITY offers investors and strategic partners access to a rapidly expanding life sciences platform with established international credibility and transatlantic connectivity through Northway Biotech’s operations in Lithuania and the United States. The project combines specialised R&D infrastructure with scalable production capabilities, creating opportunities across protein biologics, gene therapies, and other advanced therapeutic modalities.

As a privately led initiative, the development benefits from streamlined decision-making and phased expansion aligned with market demand. Its integrated model enables companies to access the full value chain for preclinical, clinical and commercial supply – from early-stage process development through to commercial biomanufacturing – within a single ecosystem.

The financials

The long-term development vision for BIO CITY is valued at up to approximately €7 billion, with projected employment generation of around 2,000-2,400 jobs over time. BIO CITY I is already operational, incorporating advanced protein biologics manufacturing facilities in Vilnius and the US.

A major milestone was reached in 2024 with the opening of the €80 million Gene Therapy Centre under BIO CITY II – the first facility of its kind in the Baltic region.

BIO CITY III is currently expanding, including the completion of a new logistics centre in early 2026 and the planned delivery of an Innovative Centre for Cell, Tissue and Organ Engineering & 3D Bioprinting later in the year.

Project sponsor

The project is developed by privately owned Northway Healthcare Group, with Northway Biotech, the trademark unifying Northway’s biotechnology companies, serving as the technical and operational anchor of the campus.

Significance

BIO CITY significantly strengthens Lithuania’s position within the global biotechnology and life sciences sector by expanding high-value research and manufacturing capacity. The project contributes to export-oriented economic growth while reinforcing the country’s role in advanced therapies, protein biologics and next-generation healthcare technologies.

The pitch

BIO CITY combines proven operational expertise with an ambitious long-term expansion strategy in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries. Backed by more than 20 years of international biotech experience and an established global client base, the project offers a scalable platform for advanced biopharmaceutical manufacturing and innovation.

Its focus on diverse biotherapeutics modalities and emerging treatment technologies positions it at the forefront of Europe’s evolving life sciences landscape.

Its focus on diverse biotherapeutics modalitiesand
emerging treatment technologies positions it at the forefront of Europe’s evolving life sciences landscape.