Bayer launches Bayer Co.Lab AdVenture platform in China to accelerate access to global investment network enhancing biotech innovation

Berlin, Germany, September 8, 2025 – Bayer today announced the launch of Bayer Co.Lab AdVenture, a new platform for its Bayer Co.Lab global life sciences incubator network, which aims to connect venture capital partners globally. Bayer Co.Lab AdVenture bridges tenants of high-potential biotech startups with leading venture capital firms, accelerating access to global financing and investment networks, thereby advancing the translation of early-stage ideas into impactful global solutions.

This significant advancement was introduced on the first anniversary of Bayer Co.Lab Shanghai, which also welcomed two additional Chinese biotech startups into its vibrant community. These milestones signify a pivotal moment in Bayer’s open innovation strategy and reinforce its commitment to deeply rooting in countries with a strong innovation footprint, while fostering global connections.

“Collaboration is essential to driving pharmaceutical innovation,” said Juergen Eckhardt, M.D., Head of Business Development and Licensing at Bayer’s Pharmaceuticals Division. “With the introduction of Bayer Co.Lab AdVenture, we are partnering with leading venture capital firms to empower biotech start-ups by providing access to global financing and investment networks that accelerates their growth. We will continue to deepen collaboration with innovators and partners, driving transformative innovations to address global health challenges and improve outcomes for patients worldwide.”

The inaugural partners of Bayer Co.Lab AdVenture include Shanghai Industrial Investment Capital (SIIC), Legend Capital, IDG Capital, and Bayland Capital. Drawing on deep investment expertise and strong local networks, these firms will support Bayer Co.Lab resident startups with strategic advice and curated investment opportunities.

At the anniversary event, Bayer Co.Lab Shanghai welcomed OTR Therapeutics and Nutshell Therapeutics as new start-up resident whose research & development (R&D) directions closely align with Bayer’s global strategic priorities, reflecting a shared commitment to innovative, high-potential treatment modalities that address high unmet medical needs.  

About Bayer’s Open Innovation in China
With more than 140 years of presence in China, Bayer continues to expand its innovation footprint. Bayer has established two global R&D centers and four world-class production facilities in China. More than 80 percent of Bayer's major multi-center clinical trials are conducted in China, covering both early and late-stage clinical development.

Bayer has also forged robust academic-industry partnerships, establishing long-term collaborations with prestigious universities, including Tsinghua University and Peking University, resulting in over 100 joint research projects to date that facilitate the translation of cutting-edge science into new drug development.

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. We empower visionary startups by providing state-of-the-art facilities, expert mentorships, and a vibrant community where they can transform groundbreaking ideas into impactful healthcare solutions. Join us in shaping the future of healthcare and Bringing Your Brilliant Ideas to Life. 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 2024, the Group employed around 93,000 people and had sales of 46.6 billion euros. R&D expenses amounted to 6.2 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.

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Forward-Looking Statements
This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer’s public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.