STERN BioRegion - startup Centres

All good ideas need a home. In the STERN BioRegion, biotech startup centres provide fledgling companies with a roof over their head at favourable rates. From laboratories to office and storage space, the premises are tailored to fit the specific requirements of the biotech industry. Excellent financing and consulting models are also available.

Life Science Center Esslingen – LSC

Opened in April 2000, the LSC provides a total of 2,000 m² of office and lab space to help companies just starting out set up business on their own. This makes the LSC a key platform for successful company development in the STERN BioRegion. The LSC is currently home to five life science companies with around 50 employees.

In 2002, Esslingen set up a life science fund totalling approximately 2.5 million euros to provide financial support to new business founders and entrepreneurs in the area.
The concept is having the desired effect. The first company to participate was Ars Arthro AG (now Arthro Kinetics PLC), which has since been listed on the stock exchange.

Esslingen also actively promotes educational initiatives in the region in order to ensure a constant flow of new talent into the biotech industry. This includes a graduate course in Biotechnology at the University of Applied Sciences Esslingen and the opening of a biotechnology high school, the Käthe-Kollwitz-Schule, in September 2002.

Technologiepark Tübingen-Reutlingen– TTR

Two locations with a single concept – research and application are combined at the TTR, with Tübingen focussing on biotechnology and Reutlingen mainly concentrating on the development of high-tech products.

The technology park opened in 2001 and by the start of 2004, over half of the 18,000 m² available was occupied by up-and-coming new companies. More than 30 businesses are now located at its two sites.

The secret behind the technology park’s success is its special customised units and logistical support. Virtually all kinds of labs, GMP-compliant rooms, cleanrooms, production facilities and conference areas can be provided – catering completely to the founders’ requirements. And the fact that the modern premises have an attractive exterior certainly also helps.
As a wholly-owned subsidiary of L-Bank, the TTR enjoys excellent financial security, providing the companies located here with excellent long-term security and prospects.

There are also various kinds of technical and management assistance available – something that companies at the TTR find especially helpful in the initial stages. This and the proximity to numerous research facilities at universities and institutes represent major locational assets.