This year, the Free State of Saxony can look back on a quarter of a century of targeted funding for biotechnology. Since the start of the biotechnology offensive in 2000, Saxony has invested more than one billion euros and developed into one of the leading locations for life sciences in Germany. With more than 300 players and over 15,000 employees in the core areas of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical technology, the industry is now a key driver of innovation and an important economic factor for the Free State of Saxony.
On the occasion of the anniversary, Minister of Economic Affairs Dirk Panter visited the BIO CITY Leipzig innovation campus today and emphasised:
"The biotechnology offensive is a Saxon model for success. It has not only created highly qualified jobs, but has also contributed to Saxony being at the forefront of future technologies such as personalised medicine, biotechnological processes and medical technology-based innovations in Germany today. BIO CITY Leipzig epitomises this success like no other place in Saxony. We will continue to strengthen the innovative power of this industry in the future with smart funding and optimal framework conditions."
Biotechnology in Saxony is characterised by close links between science, business, administration and politics. Outstanding research institutes, innovative start-ups and internationally active companies characterise the industry. The key areas of medical technology, bioinformatics, diagnostics and new therapies as well as industrial biotechnology in particular set standards.
Anniversary event in Leipzig
At the anniversary event in Leipzig, representatives from politics, science and business as well as guests from Germany and abroad honoured the successes of the past 25 years. The presentation of current flagship projects was followed by an outlook on the challenges ahead. The focus was on securing investments, expanding international cooperation and further developing future markets.
Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer said in Leipzig:
"The biotechnology offensive is a Saxon success story. It is thanks to the smart decisions of many stakeholders from science, industry and the state government that the Free State is now one of the most dynamic life sciences regions in Germany. Saxony offers an attractive ecosystem for start-ups and innovative companies in the fields of biotech, medtech, pharma and digital health, which is characterised by excellent universities, clinics and the strong Biosaxony network."
.
Economy Minister Dirk Panter emphasised in this context:
"Biotechnology is a driver of innovation, growth and employment in Saxony. With the targeted promotion of infrastructure, research and start-ups, we have created an environment that attracts talent and has international appeal. The successes of the past 25 years are an incentive to continue on this path together."
The industry is currently facing significant challenges: These include better access to venture capital, the acceleration of authorisation procedures and the integration of artificial intelligence into research and production. At the same time, the growing markets for green technologies and the increasing importance of health issues worldwide offer great opportunities for Saxon companies.
Thomas Horn, Managing Director of Wirtschaftsförderung Sachsen GmbH (WFS), emphasised:
"The success story of the biotechnology offensive is also the success story of the special ecosystem here at the location. Over the past 25 years, partners from business, science, clusters and networks have created an environment that particularly supports interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation thanks to the funding. Beyond biotechnology, this ecosystem also forms the basis for pioneering developments in other related fields such as medical technology, digital health and radiopharmaceuticals. With formats such as the annual Life Sciences Forum and various project workshops, we specifically support cross-sector collaboration, for example with companies from the textile industry, mechanical engineering, software or microelectronics. In this way, we bring together different players from many sectors to explore new applications and promote cooperation, for example in robotic solutions for care, innovative medical textiles or sensor-based diagnostic technologies."
.
The biotechnology offensive will remain a central element of the Free State's innovation strategy in the future. With the expansion of digital expertise, the promotion of companies and close networking with other technology sectors such as the semiconductor industry, Saxony will continue to expand its success in the life sciences.
Media information of the "Free State of Saxony" from 12 June 2025
