Biotechnology

A whole range of Bavarian universities such as the Ludwig Maximilian University and the Technical University of Munich prove the high expertise in biotechnological research and teaching. Just like the universities in Würzburg and Regensburg, they have gained international renown in this technology of the future. Numerous young academics with an excellent biotechnological education leave the universities year after year. They bring their newly acquired skills to the industry.

Biotechnology research in Bavaria also takes place in a number of renowned non-university research institutions such as the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Health as well as the Max Planck Institutes of Biochemistry, Neurobiology and Psychiatry. These more than 70 research institutes work closely with biotechnology companies and universities on cutting-edge biotechnological research. Current research trends, such as the use of artificial intelligence, digitalization and personalized medicine, play a special role. These trends also make it possible to work on more efficient drug development in collaboration with industry.

In Bavaria, biotechnology companies come across a number of well-organised networks and biotech regions that are networked in the Biotechnology Cluster Bavaria. IBB Network GmbH provides support for the implementation of new partnerships. BioM, as the Bavarian Biotechnology Cluster, bundles these regional networks at a Bavarian level. The focus is primarily on strengthening the networking of science and industry as well as the international positioning of Bavaria as a biotechnology location. BioMed Würzburg, the IBB network and BioPark Regensburg create additional opportunities at regional level. Their offers are diverse and include laboratory space, advice on company structuring, support in the search for specialists and access to funding. BioPark Regensburg, for example, has set up the Brain 8 network, which pools the accumulated knowledge at the location. Through local consultants in the areas of business start-ups, through to patent and contract management. Current research trends, such as the use of artificial intelligence, digitalization and personalized medicine, play a special role. These trends also make it possible to work on more efficient drug development in collaboration with industry. BayOConnect is a central platform for the biotechnology sector in Bavaria. Over two days, companies, scientists and life sciences enthusiasts from Bavaria and around the world come together to discuss current trends and forward-looking developments. BayOConnect opens the doors to a Bavarian ecosystem that is characterized by innovation, dynamic growth and a culture of shared success.

The networks are also of great value at international level. They raise the profile of Bavarian biotechnology companies at major trade fairs such as BIO-USA or the BIO-EUROPE. Ensure that biotechnology from Bavaria is recognised worldwide and open the doors to international markets and collaborations. The October 2020 version went digital due to COVID-19. Which has opened up new perspectives despite the circumstances. However, it is not only the international networking and that of the biotechnology players among themselves that is important, but also that of the Biotechnology Cluster with related Bavarian clusters. The Biotechnology Cluster is closely interlinked, for example, with the Medical Technology Cluster in the development of medical therapy and diagnostic devices and procedures. Networking takes place at all levels.

BioTech start-ups will find an excellent network of industry and research institutions in Bavaria. Good contacts to venture capital and funding institutions provide excellent conditions. Professional support promotes innovation and rapid growth. The Innovation and Start-up Center (IZB) in Planegg-Martinsried and Freising Weihenstephan is currently home to around 38 start-ups. The direct proximity to the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, the Technical University of Munich (TUM), the Max Planck Institute and leading biotechnology companies creates an incomparable network for innovation and progress in biotechnology. 

With its focus on medical biotechnology in Martinsried and on life science in Weihenstephan, Regensburg & Würzburg, Bavaria has established itself over 25 years as one of the top ten biotechnology centres in the world. BioPark Regensburg provides support through individual start-up advice with the Brain 8 network and the Start-up Guide Regensburg. The Bio-Kai at the port of Straubing Sand provides a high-quality infrastructure in the field of green biotechnology and offers many individual services for start-ups, such as the start-up competition PlanB - Biobased.Business.Bavaria. 
UnternehmerTUM Healthcare supports innovations in medical technology, biotechnology and the healthcare sector in general. Laboratory space is provided in the Bio.kitchen to give the life science community a platform for free experimentation. 
BioM in Munich also offers many support options for start-ups. Since 2024, it has also had a physical incubator, the MAxL, which offers the perfect conditions for a successful start-up.The BioPark Regensburg provides personalised start-up advice and the BioCubator in Straubing offers a high-quality infrastructure in the field of green biotechnology. Likewise the “Bio.kitchen”, which is the first publicly accessible BioTech laboratory in Germany, is made available by the UnternehmerTUM start-up centre. In addition, the BioM BioTech cluster in Munich with its virtual start-up accelerator BioM inQLab offers comprehensive support for young companies. Founder teams can be coached at the BioEntrepreneur Bootcamp or Mentor Circle. The scene’s local networking takes place through the BioEntrepreneur Lounge. In the area of financing and funding, there’s the Startup Pitch & Partner Program BioVaria as well as the m4 Award, which is supported with around 2.5 million euros p.a. by the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs in the field of medical biotechnology. Furthermore, the extensive BioAngels network allows for direct contact with investors. 

Are you planning to expand your BioTech company or start-up in Bavaria? Invest in Bavaria not only supports you in your search for a suitable location, but also throughout the entire settlement process. Even after you have settled in Bavaria, we will not leave you out in the cold. We will put you in touch with relevant networks, associations and clusters. Simply get in contact with us – the international team at Invest in Bavaria is looking forward to hearing from you.