BioLabs Global announces a new partnership with AbbVie to launch BioLabs-Heidelberg

lstevens73
Sep 29, 2021
4 min read

Updated: Sep 30, 2021

Ludwigshafen, Germany and Heidelberg, Germany 28.09.2021 – BioLabs Global (“BioLabs”), a network of shared lab facilities for high-potential life-science start-ups in key biotech innovation clusters, today announces that AbbVie has become a Gold Sponsor of BioLabs’ latest European location in Heidelberg, Germany.

AbbVie has been a sponsor of BioLabs Global and their affiliated sister companies since 2018, is a member of the BioRN Life Science Cluster Rhine-Neckar, and has a Research & Development and Operations site in Ludwigshafen; all of which make AbbVie a natural partner for the new BioLabs Heidelberg site. With this new three-year strategic sponsorship of BioLabs, AbbVie continues to demonstrate their on-going support of the BioLabs model and the development of the global biotechnology innovation ecosystem. Locally, AbbVie is increasing their integration into the start-up ecosystem of the Rhine-Neckar region by offering entrepreneurs in-residence at BioLabs-Heidelberg the opportunity to receive guidance and to leverage AbbVie’s expertise in translating innovative science into novel therapeutics to improve the lives of patients.

BioLabs Global and the city of Heidelberg have been working closely with BioRN, the leading non-profit membership network supporting the Life Science Cluster in the Rhine-Neckar region, to adapt their model to the German biotech ecosystem. The new BioLabs-Heidelberg facility will offer premium, turn-key, wet laboratory and office space, as well as access to premium scientific equipment, to early-stage, life-science companies. Additionally, entrepreneurs in residence at BioLabs-Heidelberg will have access to mentoring opportunities through BioLabs’ extensive network of strategic partners, now including AbbVie.

In further support of the start-up ecosystem in the Rhine-Neckar region, AbbVie will also be offering a “Golden Ticket” to select start-up companies once per year for the duration of their sponsorship. The Golden Ticket covers the cost of one lab bench for one year for the winning entrepreneurial scientist, or emerging biotech start-up company.

“AbbVie joining Biolabs Heidelberg as the fourth major sponsor demonstrates the company’s long-term commitment to the development of the Rhine-Neckar innovation hub and lays the foundation for longstanding partnerships, connecting the region’s growing biotech start-up ecosystem to the world-wide biotech community. It also further validates the need for the co-working concept to support entrepreneurs in Heidelberg.” said Julia Schaft, managing director at BioRN.

“After years of a successful partnership in the U.S., we are excited to be partnering with AbbVie again as we expand internationally in Germany. Many of our start-up companies have benefited from AbbVie’s mentorship and together we expect to continue to build on the vibrant environment and develop Heidelberg into a world-class center for innovation and entrepreneurship.” said Johannes Fruehauf, M.D. Ph.D., President and CEO, BioLabs.

“At AbbVie we always aim to follow the science and to engage early on with innovators and companies that push boundaries in areas of strategic interest to our R&D organization.” said Henry Gosebruch Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at AbbVie. “Given our strong German roots and commitment to the region, it is probably not a surprise that this philosophy is taking us to Heidelberg and the Rhine-Neckar Region, where cutting-edge innovation will now find a new home at BioLabs Heidelberg. We are excited to become part of getting this initiative off the ground.”

About AbbVie

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. AbbVie strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives and, with the acquisition of Allergan, is active world-wide in various important therapeutic areas like immunology, oncology, neurology, eye care, virology, and women's health, in addition to medical aesthetics products and services from its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. AbbVie is represented in Germany with headquarters in Wiesbaden and a research and manufacturing site in Ludwigshafen. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com and www.abbvie.de. Follow @abbvie_de on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn.

About BioRN

BioRN is the science and industry cluster of the Rhine-Main-Neckar region around Heidelberg, one of Germany’s strongest biotech hubs. It is a non-profit network fostering health innovations and serving its members by creating a rich translational ecosystem as well as promoting, representing, and connecting the regional innovation stakeholders. Our vision is to develop the region into a world-leading life science cluster attracting international investments and top global talent.

BioRN has more than 100 institutional members, including the top academic and research institutions, 8 global pharmaceutical companies, a large range of small and medium-sized enterprises bolstering the life science ecosystem as well as local government organizations and interest groups. www.biorn.org

About BioLabs Global

BioLabs is a membership-based network of shared laboratory facilities located in key geographies with proven biotech innovation clusters. BioLabs offers beautifully designed coworking environments that pair fully equipped and supported laboratories with furnished office space, and community-building event spaces. BioLabs also provides entrepreneurs with relevant programming and unparalleled access to capital and industry partners. These fertile, supportive ecosystems allow young companies to shift their focus from lab buildout and operations to experimentation and innovation so that they can reach their scientific potential quickly and achieve business success. With BioLabs’ flexible spaces, companies can start with a single lab bench and scale their footprint as they grow. The expanding BioLabs network of coworking lab facilities now comprises 10 sites in the US and announced openings in New Haven, CT, Saclay, and Paris, France and Heidelberg, Germany. www.biolabs.io

Media contacts

BioLabs Global

Susan Chase

VP Business Development

139 Main St, suite 401

Cambridge, MA 02142

www.biolabs.io

BioRN

Dr. Annalisa Zuccotti

BioRN Cluster Management GmbH

Communication & Events Lead

P: 49 6221 4305-113