biosaxony at BIO-Europe 2024: Successful joint appearance strengthens international partnerships

A characteristic feature of BIO-Europe is the high density of decision-makers and investors who arrange meetings in advance via a partnering platform in order to expand business relationships, explore opportunities for cooperation and expand their network. The aim of the Saxon joint stand was to present innovative projects and Saxon expertise in the field of life sciences and to promote international exchange. And this was a complete success.

Strong dialogue and valuable contacts

The joint stand in Saxony attracted numerous visitors from all over the world, including interested parties from the USA, Great Britain, Japan, Pakistan, Israel, Great Britain, South Korea and New Zealand. „Among other things, we had valuable discussions with bacteriophage innovators from all over the world, with whom we would like to collaborate as part of our future transfer and research centre“, says André Hofmann, Managing Director of biosaxony. Dr Carola Graf, Head of Biotechnology at biosaxony, added: „Another focus of our trade fair presence was on the field of radiopharmacy. With the new Saxon radiopharmaceutical cluster nukliD® we want to promote corresponding innovations. Saxony offers the ideal conditions for this with its excellent research infrastructure and highly qualified specialists.

Visitors were also interested in the presentation of MEDICAL FORGE Leipzig, an accelerator for young innovative medical technology companies on the BioCity Campus Leipzig. MEDICAL FORGE makes it easier for international start-ups and companies to enter the German healthcare market and offers them support in areas such as regulatory advice, technology promotion and market access. Our stand was a real magnet for medtech companies, even though the focus of BIO-Europe is more on pharmaceuticals and therapeutics," emphasises Simone Haubner, COO of MEDICAL FORGE.

Community spirit at the Saxon stand

Among others, the Dresden-based company qualitype GmbH, a software specialist for digital laboratory processes, presented itself at the stand. Dr Isabell Hilger, responsible for business development at qualitype, emphasised the extraordinary synergy and networking at the Saxon stand: "Many of the new contacts made were of interest to several companies, so that discussions could be dynamically expanded and everyone involved could benefit from the growing network.

Open exchange and inspiring atmosphere

Dr. Anja Rösler, Head of Medical Technology and Company Advisor at BIO CITY LEIPZIG and representative of LEVG – Leipziger Entwicklungs- und Vermarktungsgesellschaft, confirmed this impression and added that „this year the life science industry seemed to meet the current challenges with an ‚extra‘ openness and informal exchange”. „The supporting programme and the relaxed atmosphere certainly contributed to this, especially the inspiring evening programme, such as the Swedish dinner at the site of the Nobel Prize awards.“

Networking and internationalisation

The Saxony Economic Development Corporation (WFS) was also active at the stand. Barbara Weigert, Project Manager Inward Investment at WFS, explained: "At the trade fair, we were able to arrange potential research contacts, provide information about funding programmes and discuss specific steps with interested companies on how they can integrate themselves into the Saxon economic system. In addition, biosaxony partner Rechtsanwaltsgemeinschaft LUTHER was available to answer questions on German framework conditions.

Weigert also attached particular importance to expanding the company's international presence: "We have finalised future events in Switzerland and Japan in order to further position Saxony internationally as a location for biotechnology and life sciences.

Leipzig as a future location for biotechnology