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. For example, the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Health in Munich with several development projects is part of the leading-edge "m4 – Personalised Medicine and Targeted Therapies: A New Dimension in Drug Development" cluster.

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. On a regional level, the BioMed Würzburg and BioM networks in the Munich area open up new opportunities. They define their own remit as advising on financing and funding programmes as well as increased networking between science and industry. A successful alliance of more than 13 partners is demonstrated by the lighthouse P4 medicine project DigiMed Bavaria, which was launched in 2018. With over 20 million euros in funding from the Bavarian State Ministry of Health and Care, it is considered one of the most promising developments worldwide. Comprehensive data sets of patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease, stroke or genetic risk factors are combined in a highly secure IT infrastructure to benefit disease risk prediction, prevention as well as treatment. Founders and entrepreneurs will find an infrastructure here that offers them extensive support. Together we are strong!

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. Ensure that biotechnology from Bavaria is recognised worldwide and open the doors to international markets and collaborations. BIO-Europe, planned for 2023 in Munich, is intended to bring together thousands of international decision-makers at Europe’s largest forum for new partnerships in biotechnology. 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 60 start-ups. With its focus on medical biotechnology in Martinsried and on life science in Weihenstephan, Bavaria has established itself over 25 years as one of the top ten biotechnology centres in the world. 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.