In 1989, Professor Raymond Hamers' laboratory at VUB discovered a new type of antibody in the blood of a dromedary. This led to the development of single-domain antibodies known as VHHs or Nanobodies® by former VIB researcher Serge Muyldermans. These tiny antibody fragments have resulted in the establishment of five VIB spin-off companies, including Ablynx, Biotalys, Confo Therapeutics, ExeVir Bio, and Animab. These companies are exploring the potential of VHHs as therapeutics for human and livestock diseases, crop protection, and drug discovery. Ongoing research at VIB continues to contribute to technological innovations in the VHH field.

In 2017, Professor Verstrepen received support from AB InBev and other partners to establish a state-of-the-art experimental brewery in Kasteelpark Arenberg, Leuven. The brewery serves as a platform for his team to investigate the behavior of yeast cells in large beer vessels. By bridging the gap between the laboratory and industry, the brewery and fermenters enable the study and testing of new yeast varieties, which can be applied in commercial beer production.

The group of Jurgen Del Favero (VIB-UAntwerp) developed an algorithm for PCR multiplexing, allowing highly reproducible simultaneous PCR amplification of hundreds of amplicons in a single reaction. This technology led to the creation of Multiplicom, a biotech start-up focused on developing innovative genetic analysis tools, including a non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) for detecting birth defects early in pregnancy.

VIB, in collaboration with Helena Biosciences, is set to commercialize a comprehensive blood test called Glyco Liver Profile for chronic liver diseases, a condition affecting up to 29 million people in the EU. This non-invasive test allows medical professionals to diagnose and monitor liver inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis, providing an accurate and personalized alternative to invasive techniques.

Plant science is one of the cornerstones of VIB research. In VIB's Center for Plant Systems Biology at Ghent University, scientists study the cellular mechanisms that orchestrate plant growth and responses to the environment. Together with research partners from Flanders and beyond, these innovative insights are developed into agricultural applications and technologies that benefit society.