In 2010, I arrived in Heidelberg as the Managing Director of the Technology Park. I knew Heidelberg as one of the three leading German biotech locations alongside Berlin and Munich. What fascinated me then, and still does, is that almost every link in the value chain can be found among the companies in and around Heidelberg, from basic research to international large-scale industry. For every topic—from mechanical engineering to chemistry to biology and medicine—you can find the right cooperation partner here. This is a crucial aspect for the prosperity of the Rhine-Neckar region.
As part of the public sector, we can be active in the pre-competitive areas of the value chain. We see ourselves primarily as intermediaries, communicators, and enablers. We identify internationally significant gaps in research and application. We offer laboratory and office space and help young companies establish their business models. Once the startups have established themselves, they continue their journey in the private sector. At that stage, financiers and customers are available to them, and they will face international competition. We then turn to new, promising startup ventures and support them in the best possible way.
This type of economic development is risky and time-consuming, but it is particularly sensible and successful in locations like Heidelberg. We believe that this is the only way to build innovative ecosystems that benefit the respective communities. Through our networking efforts, we contribute significantly to urban development. In recent years, the business models of some traditional large companies have come under pressure. This has caused concern in many communities: A one-sided economic structure may bring prosperity in good times, but it also carries significant risks in the event of an industry crisis.
Heidelberg, therefore, relies on a healthy mix of highly innovative companies that turn excellent research results into products, grow, and bring jobs and tax revenue to the city. Outstanding examples include AI companies like Aleph Alpha or drug manufacturers like AGC. Such successes cannot be planned, but they can be made more likely through the right startup support, ensuring that the innovation ecosystem and entrepreneurial spirit prosper.
"For 40 years, Heidelberg Technology Park has been one of the most important players in the innovation ecosystem of the German healthcare industry. Our success in these areas is based on our recipe for success, which can be summed up as commitment, cooperation, and communication."
Dr. André Domin
CEO of the Heidelberg Technology Park GmbH Member of the Executive Board of the Heidelberg Startup Partners e.V.
Excellent basic research, science, technology transfer, and startup support in Heidelberg
Leasing of Spaces
Since its inception, the Heidelberg Technology Park has focused on the creation, development, and leasing of spaces. We have continued to develop this central pillar.
Support for Start-ups and Spin-offs
We specifically support start-ups and spin-offs. Our accelerator programs also serve this purpose: the Life Science Accelerator BW, the Up2B Accelerator, the AI LAB, and the AI Garage.
Accelerating Technology Transfer
We aim to accelerate technology transfer and thus contribute to mastering current and future challenges, for example, in the field of artificial intelligence.
CEO OF THE HEIDELBERG TECHNOLOGY PARK
"For 40 years, Heidelberg Technologie Park has been one of the most important players in the innovation ecosystem of the German healthcare industry. Our success in these areas is based on our recipe for success, which can be summed up as commitment, cooperation, and communication."
Dr. André Domin
CEO of the Heidelberg Technology Park & Member of the Executive Board of the Heidelberg Startup Partners e.V.
THE SERVICE PROVIDER FOR PEOPLE'S HEALTH
"In the past 15 years, there has been constant development and a willingness to invest in Heidelberg. This opens up very interesting perspectives for us as an international company. We have the opportunity to continue growing, and we can rely on an infrastructure that keeps pace with our development. In the Technology Park, we are able to expand our premises, increase laboratory space, and thus create more capacity."
Dieter Kramer
Managing Director at AGC Biologics
THE BIOTECH PIONEER
"Starting my own company was one of the best ideas I've ever had. I was fortunate to always find the right contacts in science and industry in Heidelberg. I also had excellent support from the authorities, especially in the early phase when it came to setting up the first laboratories. It was a great collaboration. I always look back on it with joy."
Dr. Michael Paulista
Managing Director of the Biopharm GmbH
THE UNIVERSITY RESEARCHER
"Heidelberg boasts brilliant university facilities. An example is clinical pharmacology with its 'FIH (first in human) trial unit,' which, thanks to its excellent equipment and analytical lab, can conduct a Phase I study. Such structures are incredibly important for clinical development."
Prof. Dr. Stephan Urban
Deputy Coordinator Hepatitis, DZIF Professorship Translational Virology, Site Spokesperson Heidelberg
THE PHYSICIAN
"The Technology Park is extremely important for our future. With current funding of 22 million euros, we have left our 'incubator phase' at the University Hospital and found new premises in the Technology Park for the upcoming growth phase. All parties involved have collaborated well with experience and a willingness to learn. In the Technology Park, we have ample space to further develop and internationalize our company."
Prof. Dr. med. Patrick Most
Head of the Molecular and Translational Cardiology Section at Heidelberg University Hospital
FOUNDER WITH A REVOLUTIONARY IDEA
"We have been tenants in the Technology Park for almost 20 years now. The contacts on-site have helped us wherever they could. This was particularly valuable at the beginning of our activities when searching for suitable premises. The Technology Park allowed us to install a cleanroom in the building we use. This is not something to be taken for granted."
Dr. med. Christoph Ganss
CEO of the RHEACELL GmbH & Co. KG
counts the Technology Park today. In addition to the largest location in the Neuenheimer Feld, its spaces also include the BioPark Czernyring, the SkyLabs, as well as the BDC and LAB22 at the hip.
Life Science Accelerator | 164 |
Up2B Accelerator | 330 |
KI-Garage | 51 |
Pre-Seed & Pro-Tect BW | 25 |
Other Support | 124 |
provides the Technology Park for a variety of industries. Fields include life sciences, biotech, and medtech, as well as printed electronics and environmental technology.
are also attributed to the expansion of laboratory and office spaces and the corresponding support services for founders. Source: City of Heidelberg Office of Economic Development.
hosts the Technology Park hosts across its eight locations within the city of Heidelberg. These include both, established businesses and young start-ups.
In terms of innovations, Heidelberg ranks second in Baden-Württemberg. Source: Statistical Office of Baden-Württemberg.
with 8.6 new start-ups per 100,000 inhabitants, the city holds the title of the most startup-friendly municipality in Baden-Württemberg. Source: Startup-Verband and startupdetector.
Any knowledge-based company whose R&D aims to develop new products and services, or anyone who wishes to support the Technology Park as an innovation hub, can become an associate member.
On Thursday, July 18, 2024, we celebrated a lively summer festival together with many guests from politics, business, and science, featuring exciting keynote speeches – thank you for joining us!
Here are some impressions:
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