Patron

Greetings by Hubert Aiwanger - Deputy Prime Minister of Bavaria and Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs

I’m delighted that BioVaria 2025 is once again bringing together important players from research and industry here in Munich to shape the future of biotechnology. Biotechnology is a key technology of our time – not only in combatting pandemics, but also in treating serious illness such as cancer, autoimmune and degenerative diseases. The innovative power of biotechnology has immense societal value and strengthens Bavaria’s leading position as a centre for generating future-oriented technologies.
The Bavarian State Government recognizes the strategic importance of biotechnology, providing an excellent ecosystem that promotes research, financing and start-ups. The official opening of the Munich Accelerator Life Sciences & Medicine (MAxL) in June 2024 was a significant milestone. This incubator provides EUR 8.5 million in targeted funding for pre-seed start-ups, closing a critical gap in support for young biotech companies. Our successful m4 Award pre-seed competition also continues. Since its inception, 35 research projects with spin-off potential have received the award, and 17 spin-offs have been established – including one last year. 
The latest figures from the EY Start-up Barometer confirm Bavaria’s success as a centre for start-ups and investment. In 2024, 538 start-ups were founded here – more than in any other federal state. Furthermore, Bavaria has overtaken Berlin in terms of its investment volume. It is particularly gratifying that the health sector, with a financing volume of EUR 958 million, has received the most investment after the software and analytics sector – a clear acknowledgement of its immense importance. Within the health sector, about half of this investment flowed into biotechnology start-ups, highlighting the impressive innovative power of this branch.
Platforms such as BioVaria play an essential role in this dynamic ecosystem. They enable the exchange between scientists, investors and companies and pave the way for successful partnerships. I wish you exciting discussions, valuable impulses and an inspiring time here in Bavaria!