Bayer Berlin develops a life sciences campus

Bayer is undergoing a major transformation of its research, production and administration site in Berlin. The goal: to create an internationally renowned life sciences campus that brings together diverse companies and ecosystem players. Through close partnerships with institutions such as Charité and the state of Berlin, the aim is to develop innovative therapies and digital healthcare solutions, making them available to patients more quickly.

Berlin Center for GCT
A central component of this transformation is the Berlin Center for Gene and Cell Therapies (BC-GCT), which is being established in a public-private partnership with Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. The centre will offer a unique combination of infrastructure in Europe, including an incubator and a GMP-certified manufacturing facility. The aim is to accelerate the development of innovative cell and gene therapies and represents a significant step forward in the field of regenerative medicine, addressing critical healthcare needs.

The centre will serve as a beacon for research and development, attracting top talent and fostering a culture of innovation. It will provide essential resources for startups and established companies alike, helping them navigate the complex regulatory landscape for cell and gene therapies. By facilitating collaboration between academia and industry, the centre aims to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into clinical applications, ultimately benefiting patients who are in dire need of effective treatments.

Bayer Co.Lab Berlin
Launched in November 2024, Bayer Co.Lab Berlin is a key element of Bayer’s external innovation strategy. As part of a pioneering global network of life science incubators – including Cambridge (US), Shanghai (China), Kobe (Japan) – Bayer Co.Lab connects entrepreneurs with world-class expertise, resources, and global networks. By identifying Europe’s top scientists and entrepreneurs, Bayer Co.Lab Berlin supports early-stage life science companies bringing their brilliant ideas to life. Startups remain independent through a no-strings-attached agreement while receiving invaluable mentoring from Bayer experts and industry leaders, along with access to state-of-the-art laboratory and office facilities. The community is designed to nurture entrepreneurial spirit and drive disruptive innovation.

Bayer Co.Lab focusses on breakthroughs in cutting-edge fields aligned to Bayer’s global research strategies. Two companies are already part of the Berlin community. MyoPax, a clinic-ready start-up specialising in stem cell and gene editing technologies to develop muscle regeneration therapies, is the first resident company and was recently awarded a prestigious European Innovation Council Accelerator grant. Captain T Cell, developing potentially best-in-class autologous and first-in-class allogeneic T cell therapies to fight cancer, is the latest addition to the community.

In the future, Bayer Co.Lab Berlin will co-locate with the BC-GCT to empower more startups, expand the offering, and cultivate a strong entrepreneurial community all under one roof. By creating a vibrant ecosystem, Bayer supports the next generation of healthcare innovators, transforming groundbreaking ideas into viable products and services that can significantly impact patient care.

The Supply Center Berlin
The Supply Center Berlin is Bayer’s excellence centre for manufacturing of parenteral dosage forms. The GMP manufacturing facility enables supply of high-quality medicinal products to patients around the globe, whether it is an aseptically manufactured biotechnological or terminally sterilised small molecule product. Being fully embedded in the Berlin Campus, the Supply Center offers integrated cutting-edge manufacturing solutions for the Bayer portfolio as well as contract and development manufacturing services to external partners. Bayer experts support all stages of the product life cycle from clinical to commercial, including complementary services such as supply chain management, procurement, quality and beyond. For further information please send an email to info@bayer.com.

Strengthening Berlin and Bayer
The planned campus development is a clear commitment to Berlin as the global headquarters of Bayer’s Pharmaceuticals Division. This initiative aims to create new jobs and foster a robust network of employees from various sectors within the healthcare ecosystem. Additionally, the project may have a positive influence on the local labour market, potentially contributing to the economic vitality of the Berlin region.

The development will include state-of-the-art facilities that meet the highest standards of research and production. By investing in cutting-edge technology and infrastructure, Bayer is positioning itself as a key player in the life sciences industry, ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow’s healthcare landscape. The site already offers rental options for chemical and biological laboratories of 300 square meters or more as well as office space of various sizes. For more information please contact info@bayer.com

Sustainable urban development
The Life Science Campus will not only promote research and development but also contribute positively to urban development. The campus will be partially open to the surrounding urban space, support the development of neighboring districts, and align with Bayer’s commitment to sustainable development. Extensive green spaces and meeting zones will be designed to ensure a high quality of stay and contribute to the overall well-being of the community. Additionally, sustainable energy supply and mobility concepts are being planned to promote environmentally friendly transportation.

Integrating green infrastructure will improve the campus’s aesthetic, air quality, and biodiversity. Bayer’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the campus itself, as the company aims to set an example for responsible corporate practices in the life sciences sector. By prioritising eco-friendly practices, Bayer is working to minimise its environmental footprint while maximising its positive impact on society.

A vision for the future
The Life Science Campus embodies a vision for the future of healthcare. By fostering collaboration among academic institutions, startups, established companies, policy makers and more, Bayer aims to create a dynamic environment for innovative ideas. This collaborative approach is vital to address the complex challenges faced by the healthcare industry today.

The campus will also serve as an educational hub, providing opportunities for professionals to enhance their skills and knowledge. By investing in human capital, Bayer is contributing to the growth of the entire healthcare ecosystem, ensuring a workforce ready to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving life sciences industry.
Bayer is committed to realising this vision, keeping Berlin at the forefront of the global life sciences landscape. By building a robust ecosystem that supports innovation and collaboration, Bayer is poised to make a lasting impact on the future of healthcare.

This article was originally published in European Biotechnology Magazine Summer 2025.