Bayer further expands global incubator network with Bayer Co.Lab Berlin and welcomes MyoPax as first resident

Berlin, November 28, 2024 – Bayer today announced the inauguration of its new life science incubator Bayer Co.Lab Berlin, located on the Global Headquarters Campus of Bayer’s Pharmaceuticals Division, near world-renowned research and clinical institutions. MyoPax GmbH, a Berlin-based start-up company specializing in muscle regeneration therapies and a spin-off from the Charité Universitaetsmedizin and the Max-Delbrueck-Center of the Helmholtz Association, will move into the new facility as the first resident.

Bayer Co.Lab Berlin is part of Bayer’s global network of life science incubators situated in key innovation hubs, including Cambridge (USA), Kobe (Japan), and Shanghai (China). The incubator will provide state-of-the art laboratories, collaborative working space and tailored support for start-ups, serving as a crucial pillar in advancing local innovation in the heart of Berlin.

“Biotechnology plays an incredibly important role in the ongoing development of Berlin’s pharmaceutical and healthcare sector. The new Bayer Co.Lab facility in Berlin will enable us to bring science and business even closer together, propelling us towards our shared goal of developing pharmaceuticals and medical therapies faster than before,” said Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin. “The opening of the Co.Lab in Berlin is a meaningful step in our plan to make Berlin the nexus of an even greater healthcare industry here in Germany. I want to thank Bayer AG for this fruitful cooperation and for their confidence in Berlin as a centre of science and innovation.”

“The establishment of Bayer Co.Lab Berlin is an important milestone of Bayer's external innovation strategy, aimed at fostering open collaboration within the biotechnology ecosystem,” said Juergen Eckhardt, MD, Head of Business Development & Licensing at Bayer Pharmaceuticals. “Complementing the future Berlin Center for Gene and Cell Therapies, Bayer Co.Lab Berlin is a launch pad for Europe´s top scientists and entrepreneurs and will play a central role in Berlin’s life sciences ecosystem.”

Through the global community of bespoke incubators, Bayer provides a comprehensive offering to support startups turning their ideas into reality. Startups joining Bayer Co.Lab Berlin will benefit from a well-equipped facility, a global community of like-minded entrepreneurs, mentorship from Bayer experts across multiple domains, as well as facilitated connections to ecosystem partners. This tailored approach will ensure start-ups thrive in a supportive environment that enables them to rapidly advance their innovations towards the clinic.

"We are very excited to be the first resident company at Bayer Co.Lab Berlin", said Verena Schoewel-Wolf, CEO of MyoPax. "The incubator will not only provide us with state-of-the-art laboratory space, but also access to Bayer's local and global expertise in R&D, manufacturing, regulatory and other areas to further our mission of delivering effective muscle regeneration therapies with our proprietary muscle stem cell platform."

The recently announced Berlin Center for Gene & Cell Therapies, which will have the unique infrastructure for Europe of a cutting-edge incubator and state-of-the art production facility, will be home to Bayer Co.Lab Berlin from 2028, further strengthening this vibrant ecosystem and providing a pathway for growth for resident companies.

About Bayer Co.Lab
Bayer Co.Lab is a pioneering global network of life science incubators focused on disruptive innovation and scientific breakthroughs. With strategic locations around the world, in Berlin, Germany; Cambridge, USA; Kobe, Japan; and Shanghai, China, Bayer Co.Lab connects early-stage entrepreneurs with world-class expertise, resources, and global networks – with no strings attached. Bayer Co.Lab empowers visionary startups by providing state-of-the-art facilities, expert mentorship, and a vibrant community where they can transform groundbreaking ideas into impactful healthcare solutions. To learn more, visit https://colab.bayer.com/.

About Bayer
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. In line with its mission, “Health for all, Hunger for none,” the company’s products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2023, the Group employed around 100,000 people and had sales of 47.6 billion euros. R&D expenses before special items amounted to 5.8 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.

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