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Biotechnology in NRW
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Biotechnology in NRW

North Rhine-Westphalia boasts a first-class scientific research base, numerous internationally successful SMEs and a globally active chemical and pharmaceutical industry. In NRW the focus is on diagnostics and analytics, pharmaceutical and industrial biotechnology, nanotechnology, enabling technologies, and services. The innovations originating in the biotech sector find their way into wide-ranging applications – e.g. in healthcare/medicine, the chemical industry, food production and environmental protection.

Did you know ...

… that NRW accounts for more biotech patent applications than any other European region – by a wide margin?

… that QIAGEN developed the world's most reliable test for cervical cancer screening at its research center in NRW?

Biotechnology in NRW | Quick Facts

500

in NRW
Around 500 life science companies, more than 100 of which have proven biotech credentials, are based in NRW.

2,1 bn €

with 5,570 employees
In 2017, the biotechnology companies in North Rhine-Westphalia generated sales of nearly 2.1 billion euros with approx. 5,570 employees, equivalent to 51.6 percent of total German sales in this segment.

23

technology centers
23 of the 60 technology centers in NRW are geared specifically to biotech companies.

45

research facilities
With a total of 45 universities, universities of applied sciences and non-university research facilities in the field of biotechnology, NRW, together with the aforementioned technology centers, has an excellent university and research network.

Leading center for innovation in Europe

NRW as biotech-location in Germany

NRW takes an international top position especially regarding the field of medical-pharmaceutical biotechnology, also known as Red Biotechnology. With NRW and Bavaria at the top, Germany leads the ranking of European bio-pharmaceutical locations in 2018 for the fifth time in a row. The top spot is based mainly on the high number of 627 patent applications and 174,000 employes.

 

 

Biotechnology companies in NRW

NRW is home to numerous global heavyweights that are active in biotechnology and other sectors. In addition, numerous dynamic specialist biotech enterprises are located NRW:

AiCuris, artes, Direvo, Lonza, Numaferm, QIAGEN

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions

NRW.INVEST GmbH
Economic Development Agency of the German State of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW)
Völklinger Str. 4
40219 Düsseldorf
Germany

+49 211 13000-0
nrw@nrwinvest.com
To the contact persons

Germany’s No. 1 Economic Region

The excellent infrastructure, the central location and the high qualifications of the people make North Rhine-Westphalia an economic power of international standing. In terms of numerous economic statistics, NRW is world class.

BIO.NRW Cluster Biotechnologie Nordrhein-Westfalen

One of 16 state clusters, BIO.NRW functions as a catalyst for the sustained development of the North Rhine-Westphalian biotech sector.

Events

Digital Demo Day | Düsseldorf
13.02.2020

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Why an American unicorn is drawn to NRW
02.12.2019

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