Jump to content
Powered by BIOPRO BW
Show menu

Clusters and networks

The Baden-Württemberg research and business landscape is characterised by a large number of clusters, networks and bioregions.

The Baden-Württemberg branch of the BPI (German Pharmaceutical Industry Association) encompasses more than 50 pharmaceutical companies. It represents the interests of the affiliated companies regarding economic, legal and health-political issues, provides on-site assistance and has regional bodies that discuss pharma-specific issues.

Baden-Württemberg International (BW_i) is Baden-Württemberg’s competence centre for the internationalisation of business, science and research. BW_i provides support for small- and medium-sized companies, clusters and networks, universities and research institutions as well as regions and municipalities for all issues relating to internationalisation.

BIOPRO Baden-Württemberg GmbH is the strategic partner of the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors in Baden-Württemberg. BIOPRO acts as the central point of contact for research institutions, companies and networks. Its goal is to promote innovations, move Baden-Württemberg forward as an important biotechnology location and provide the industry and the general public with comprehensive information.

As a cross-border network, BioLAGO connects life sciences research institutions and companies in the Lake Constance region. On behalf of and together with its 80 members from Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Liechtenstein, BioLAGO promotes the transfer of knowledge and technology to develop marketable services and products in the region.

The Freiburg BioRegion is a partner of the tri-national BioValley cluster that pools the life sciences potential in the European Tri-national Metropolitan Upper Rhine Region through the centres of Freiburg (D), Basel (CH) and Strasbourg (F). The BioValley stands for exemplary cross-border networking between industry and science.

BioRegio STERN Management GmbH promotes the development of the regional life sciences sector. Since 2001, STERN has been representing the interests of the life sciences sector vis-à-vis government and local authorities, the media and associations as well as providing advice on grant applications and corporate financing. Key focus areas are regenerative medicine, medical technology and the automation of biotechnology.

The BioPharma Cluster South Germany, a life sciences cluster between the Ostalb district and Lake Constance, is a key European region focussed on the development and production of biopharmaceuticals. The University and University Hospital of Ulm, the Biberach and Ulm Universities of Applied Sciences, the Science Park Ulm, research institutions in industry and university-affiliated research institutes guarantee the transfer of knowledge and technology into the development of new products, processes, applications, materials or services.

The high concentration of science and industry in the life sciences has led to the emergence of an effective biotech cluster in the Rhine-Neckar region. Research and development carried out by the majority of life sciences companies in this area revolves around molecular medicine.

bwcon is a network of around 600 companies and research institutions and is the top business initiative dedicated to Baden-Württemberg as a key location for innovation and high-tech. bwcon’s eHealth Forum Freiburg provides a platform for discussion, information and exchange of views to the ITK and medical technology sectors, health insurance companies, hospitals and physicians.

Mannheim and its metropolitan region are a hotspot of medical technology in Europe and also provide a unique economic, clinical research and job environment for expanding medical technology companies. The BMBF provides funds of up to 30 million euros for the development of the “intervention area of the future”.

The MedicalMountains Cluster Management in Tuttlingen offers a pan-regional network that strengthens the international competitiveness of local companies working in the field of medical technology. MedicalMountains creates the framework for innovation and technology transfer, represents the interests of companies and offers specific qualification opportunities and services.

MicroTEC Südwest is an intersectoral technology cluster in southwest Germany with a unique concentration of innovative companies, excellent research and education institutions as well as intermediaries that promote microsystems technology, now a key modern technology. The leading-edge cluster is managed by the association MST BW.

The coordination office, in cooperation with regional partners, is aiming to make long-term improvements in telemedical care and treatment in Baden-Württemberg.

Photonics BW is a innovation network that promotes optical technologies through research, development and application, education and training, champions young researchers and carries out public relations work in Baden-Württemberg. The network is specifically focussed on optical technologies in the areas of medicine and biotechnology for which Photonics BW organises regular meetings for experts.

The Baden-Württemberg VCI branch represents more than 130 pharmaceutical and medical technology companies with a total workforce of around 47,000 people. The VCI - German Chemical Industry Association - represents the political and economic interests of its member companies in the domains of healthcare and the environment and supports its member companies in their activities.

Website address: https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/location/networks