BioRN Network e. V.

The “Leading-Edge Cluster for Cell-Based and Molecular Medicine” is characterized by a tight network of excellent research and a strong healthcare industry

Biotech Cluster Rhine-Neckar (BioRN) is one of Germany’s leading Cluster in the field of so-called red biotechnology. The network counts about 200 companies, societies and research institutions, all located in a 30 km perimeter of the historical region of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Ludwigshafen and Darmstadt.

The Cluster is partly based on internationally renowned research institutions such as the University of Heidelberg, the University Clinic of Heidelberg, Mannheim Technical College, the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and the Max-Planck-Institute for Medical Research. Furthermore, the cluster’s profile is shaped by approximately 90 small and medium-sized biotech companies as well as three global pharmaceutical companies. They develop, among other things, medication, diagnostic and technology platforms focusing on personalised medicine and cancer research.

The cluster’s coordination is handled by the institutions of BioRN Network and BioRB Cluster Management. The latter is a public-private-partnership between BioRN Network, Heidelberg Technology Park, Rhine-Neckar Chambers of Commerce and Industry (IHK) and the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region.

BioRN has been honoured as a leading-edge cluster for “cell-based and molecular medicine in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region” by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. This includes a subsidy of 40 million Euros of which some 40 R&D projects will profit by the end of 2013.

From a regional to the European life science network

In the course of internationalization, BioRN formed an alliance with the bio-medicine clusters of Cambridge (UK) and Leuven (Belgium) in 2010 (Health Axis Europe, HAE). One of its aims is the creation and coordination of joint projects with the European Union’s support. The EU’s digital subsidy database HAE R&D Community is now assisting us in achieving this goal. The EU funding applications are coordinated by the coordination offices involved.

This cluster meets the levels of excellence defined by the European Cluster Excellence Initiative (ECEI) and was awarded with the GOLD-Label.