About us
A short introduction
BIO.NRW
The biotechnology network in NRW
In 2009, BIO.NRW became the official network for the biotechnology and life sciences industry in North Rhine-Westphalia. Commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of North Rhine-Westphalia (MWIKE), we are committed to promoting and strengthening North Rhine-Westphalia as a business location both nationally and internationally.
Our key topics
Bioeconomy
The bioeconomy aims to replace fossil fuels with renewable, biological resources and thus foster sustainable business practices. Plants, microorganisms, and biotechnological processes are central in making materials and products more environmentally friendly. One example is the production of bioplastics, which have the potential to replace conventional plastics made from petroleum in the long term. Another example is in agriculture, where the bioeconomy is helping to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides by using natural alternatives. North Rhine-Westphalia actively supports this development through strategic funding programmes and networks connecting science and industry.
Industrial biotechnology
Industrial biotechnology, also known as white biotechnology, uses biological processes to make production methods more efficient and sustainable. Microorganisms and enzymes often replace conventional chemical processes, saving energy and reducing waste. Practical applications include the production of biosurfactants for environmentally friendly cleaning agents or the development of biofuels from organic waste. North Rhine-Westphalia is driving industrial biotechnology forward with its targeted funding and research networks. Its innovations are actively helping to shape a sustainable, climate-friendly industrial future.
Pharmaceutical biotechnology
Pharmaceutical biotechnology focuses on applications in the medical field and advances the development of new drugs, therapies, and diagnostic procedures.
It is decisive in producing biopharmaceuticals like insulin for diabetes patients or specific antibodies for the treatment of cancer.
A particularly pioneering field is gene therapy, which makes it possible to treat genetic diseases by specifically targeting the cause. In North Rhine-Westphalia, this area receives targeted funding in order to accelerate innovations in personalized medicine. Pharmaceutical biotechnology is thus helping to continuously improve healthcare and develop new therapeutic approaches for diseases that are still difficult to treat.
Our Team
Managing Director
Financing / International networks
Senior Project Manager
Pharmaceutical biotechnology /
Funding
Senior Project Manager
Industrial biotechnology /
Biotech databases
Senior Project Manager
Bioeconomy / Internationalisation
Senior Project Manager
Public Relations / Communications
Senior Project Manager
Pharmaceutical biotechnology /
Public Relations
Executive and Team Assistant
General enquiries
Manager Finance and Controlling
Internationalisation
Working Student
Public Relations / Communications
(on parental leave)
Senior Project Manager
Pharmaceutical biotechnology
strategic partner
BIO Clustermanagement NRW GmbH is our reliable partner for the organization of events and trade fair participation. With their expert know-how, they guarantee that things run smoothly and provide tailor-made solutions.
Dr. Bernward Garthoff
Managing Director BIO Clustermanagement NRW GmbH, Business Angel Network BIO.NRW
The BIO.NRW network
BIO.NRW is the umbrella brand for all local and regional life sciences networks in North Rhine-Westphalia. These include BioCologne, BioIndustry e.V., BioRiver e.V, LifeScienceNet Düsseldorf, MedLife e.V., and Gesellschaft für Bioanalytik Münster e.V.
We are also affiliated with:
Frequently asked questions
In 2009, BIO.NRW became the official network for the biotechnology and life sciences industry in North Rhine-Westphalia. Commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of North Rhine-Westphalia (MWIKE), we are committed to promoting and strengthening North Rhine-Westphalia as a business location both nationally and internationally. The BIO.NRW office is run by Forschungszentrum Jülich.
We promote technology transfer by creating networks between science, industry, and the public sector. We offer a central platform for all topics involving life sciences and we organize events and initiatives to facilitate knowledge transfer between research institutions and commercial enterprises. This helps to quickly translate scientific findings into marketable products. We also support startups and SMEs when it comes to financing and internationalization with a view to successfully bringing innovative technologies to market.
We are networked across a wide range of industries, including biotechnology, bioeconomy, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, textiles, construction, and energy production. Collaboration with stakeholders in these areas creates synergies that drive innovation along various value chains.
Our activities reach across international markets such as the USA, Singapore, and Europe. By participating in global trade fairs and conferences and by establishing strategic partnerships, we enable companies to access international markets. This strengthens the competitiveness of North Rhine-Westphalian companies and facilitates the exchange of knowledge at the global level.
Biotechnology uses biological organisms, enzymes, and cells to develop innovative products and processes to deliver building blocks for the bioeconomy. It is used in medicine, agriculture, and industry, for example in vaccines and bioplastics. The bioeconomy primarily aims to replace fossil fuels and to encourage an environmentally friendly economy. While biotechnology develops actual technologies, the bioeconomy encompasses the entire sustainable use of biological resources as a whole.