The TUM Venture Labs, BioLabs and Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) today launched BioLabs|TUM, a new biotechnology innovation hub in central Munich. The initiative aims to empower early-stage biotech start-ups by providing access to state-of-the-art lab infrastructure, expert mentoring, and global industry networks.
BioLabs Located in a refurbished 1,800-square-meter facility, BioLabs|TUM will offer fully equipped laboratories and office space for 15-20 start-ups. The hub is designed to accelerate the development of breakthrough therapies by connecting scientific talent with venture capital and pharmaceutical expertise.
"We are thrilled to announce this collaboration with TUM Venture Labs and Lilly to launch BioLabs|TUM in Munich-marking a major milestone in expanding our innovation ecosystem in Germany," said Johannes Fruehauf, MD, PhD, Founder & CEO of BioLabs. "With world-class science, top academic institutions, and rising investor interest, Munich is the ideal launchpad for the next generation of biotech entrepreneurs."
The collaboration brings together BioLabs' proven coworking lab model, TUM Venture Labs ' academic innovation engine, and Lilly's global R&D and venture capital reach. Start-ups selected for the program will benefit from tailored programming, strategic guidance, and access to Lilly's scientific experts.
"World-class infrastructure"
"This partnership strengthens our mission to translate cutting-edge research into real-world impact," said Dr. Philipp Gerbert, CEO of TUM Venture Labs. "BioLabs|TUM adds world-class infrastructure and global connectivity to our vibrant startup ecosystem. The initiative reflects our shared commitment to translating scientific excellence into entrepreneurial success."
"BioLabs|TUM is an exciting and unique collaboration, which supercharges our collective experience of catalyzing scientific innovation and empowering emerging biotech companies to navigate the complexities of therapeutic discovery and development," said Julie Gilmore, Ph.D., Vice President and Global Head, Lilly Gateway Labs. "Lilly's investment in BioLabs |TUM, through our Catalyze360 model, enables us to partner on our shared passion for creating bold scientific breakthroughs. Munich's robust scientific community and strong academic institutions make it an ideal location for fostering early-stage innovation and helping to accelerate the development of innovative therapies that can make a meaningful difference for patients in Germany and around the world."
BioLabs|TUM is anticipated to open in early 2026.
- BioLabs is a network of shared laboratory facilities located in key geographies within well-established as well as more nascent biotech innovation clusters in the US, Japan, France and Germany. BioLabs offers a unique environment of coworking spaces that pair fully equipped and supported laboratories with furnished office space, and active community-building. BioLabs provides entrepreneurs with unparalleled access to capital through its affiliated venture fund Mission BioCapital and numerous industry partnerships. These fertile, supportive ecosystems allow young companies to shift their focus from lab buildout and operations to experimentation and innovation so that they can quickly reach their scientific potential and achieve business success. The BioLabs network of coworking lab facilities now comprises 17 sites, with additional sites under development. Munich will be the third lab location for BioLabs in Germany after Heidelberg and Berlin.
- This collaboration is part of the Lilly Catalyze360 model, which is a comprehensive approach to empower early-stage biotech start-ups across all therapeutic areas by providing access to funding as well as world-class lab space and/or drug development talent and resources through its three pillars: Lilly Ventures, Lilly Gateway Labs, and Lilly ExploR&D.
- The innovation ecosystem with TUM at its center is considered one of the most successful deeptech hubs in Europe. Its particular strengths are its strong, diverse network and extremely specific support. In initiatives and co-labs, start-ups work on innovations with established companies, experts, investors and administration. The TUM Venture Labs offer direct access to cutting-edge research, technical infrastructure and market expertise in twelve fields of technology. Most recently, more than 100 companies were founded at TUM in one year and more than 1,100 start-up teams were supported by UnternehmerTUM and the Venture Labs. UnternehmerTUM, which invests with its own venture capital fund, has twice been voted Europe's best start-up center by the Financial Times.
