Dresden, 30 May 2024 – The Saxon cluster for biotechnology, medical technology and the healthcare industry, biosaxony e.V., celebrated its 15th anniversary. Founded in 2009 with just 22 members, the association now has over 140 members and makes a significant contribution to the development of the life sciences sector in Saxony and beyond. To commemorate the impressive journey completed so far, biosaxony hosted a celebration on the Elbe paddle steamer „MS Leipzig“ on 29 May 2024.
A look back at 15 years of success
The biosaxony e.V. was founded at a time when the biotechnology sector in Saxony was relatively new. With the support of individuals and companies, a strong network was created that is now active far beyond the borders of Saxony. Important milestones were the founding of BIO CITY LEIPZIG in 2003 and the BioInnovationsZentrum Dresden (BIOZ) in 2004. The founding meeting of biosaxony e.V. at the BIOZ in 2009 was the decisive step towards closer networking of the industry players.
A success story with many chapters
Since its foundation, biosaxony has achieved numerous successes: From the founding of new companies and the growth of existing companies to the creation of highly qualified jobs and many innovative projects. The association promotes close cooperation between science and industry and supports new companies in scaling up their business models. Dr Oliver Uecke, CEO of biosaxony e.V., emphasised during the ceremony: "The wind in our sails is the curiosity of the people who join us! We promote innovative ideas and help with attracting investors, recruitment and regulatory and technical issues. We will maintain this successful course in the years to come.“
Future-oriented projects and expansion of the home base
In the coming years, biosaxony will continue its successful work and set new priorities, particularly in the areas of applied artificial intelligence, treatment of common diseases, cell and gene therapy and radiopharmacy. Another major project is the expansion of the home base for biotechnology in Saxony: a new laboratory, office and prototyping complex with 10,000 square metres of space for biotech companies is being built on the site of the former exhibition hall 12 in Leipzig, which will be available from 2027. Private players are also creating several 10,000 square metres of space here for further development. Around 4,000 metres of coveted laboratory capacity is being created in Dresden for spin-offs and growing companies.
Celebratory anniversary event
The anniversary celebration on the „MS Leipzig“ began with an opening speech by Dr Oliver Uecke. The successes of the association to date were honoured and space was created for discussion and exchange. A highlight of the event was the presentation of the fourth biosaxony award to founding director Hans-Jürgen Groüe for special services to the development of the biotechnology sector in the Free State of Saxony. The four-hour event looked back on the past 15 years and at the same time focussed on future challenges.
Activities soon under a new flag
With the founding of the biosaxony association, biosaxony Management GmbH was also established in order to develop further business activities in the name of the association. However, these now encompass more than just biotechnology and are not only focussed on Saxony. So it was time to adapt the GmbH to the new realities. As part of the e.V. celebrations, biosaxony Management GmbH officially announced its rebranding. biosaxony Management GmbH becomes leap:up GmbH. Leap up“ is the English expression for „jumping into the air“ – and is intended to make it clear in a figurative sense what it is all about: the aim is to promote innovative ideas and companies across national borders in new, up-and-coming fields of technology and to help them achieve a breakthrough. leap:up GmbH aims to promote growth and progress by supporting start-ups and established companies alike in reaching new heights and realising their full potential. The aim is „to move from thinking to action, from scientific theory to entrepreneurial practice and from potential to real economic success. leap:up wants to establish itself as a life science enabler with international aspirations“, says André Hofmann, Managing Director of biosaxony Management GmbH and soon the new leap:up GmbH.
Thanks to supporters and partners
Special thanks go to the biosaxony members, network partners, industry supporters, the employees of the Saxon State Ministries, the economic development organisations of the Leipzig, Dresden, Radebeul and Radeberg city councils, the Saxony Economic Development Corporation, the Saxon Development Bank and the sponsors of the anniversary celebration.
