Hello Ms. Martens, you are a project manager in the investment team for the life sciences sector. Life sciences – that's almost a buzzword these days. What significance does this sector have for Thuringia?
So, we group together the fields of medical technology, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals under the umbrella of life sciences. Firstly, we have a truly long tradition in these areas, one we can build upon. I'm thinking of developments like the industrial production of microscopes and X-ray tubes, or even penicillin, which was first produced on an industrial scale in continental Europe in Jena. Today, we have over 600 companies and 30,000 employees in this sector. Thuringian companies are innovation leaders in the fields of microscopy, laser technology, and ophthalmology. In the field of biotechnology, companies developing lab-on-a-chip or organ-on-a-chip systems have successfully established themselves. At the same time, Thuringia attracts cutting-edge research in the diagnostics and treatment of infections such as sepsis or antimicrobial resistance. For example, the federal government is funding the Leibniz Centre for Photonics in Infection Research with over €120 million.
What would you say to an investor or company interested in Thuringia? What are its unique selling points?
I am truly convinced that Thuringia's outstanding expertise in optics and photonics, which is key to new processes, therapies, and innovations in the life sciences, is a strong unique selling point for us. Today, this is summarized under the term "biophotonics." In addition, we have an excellent research infrastructure, many extremely innovative SMEs, but also major players like ZEISS, Abbott, Bauerfeind… And as a small federal state – everything is located in a very small area, which also offers wonderful opportunities for cooperation and exchange on a very short path. "Innovation ecosystem" is the buzzword for this today. In Thuringia, this really works and is supported by dedicated industry clusters such as medways, the InfectoGnostics Research Campus, and OptoNet.
And what are your biggest challenges?
Besides the life sciences sector, I'm also responsible for investors from Western Europe and travel abroad extensively. Therefore, I know that international and national competition is fierce. One of my biggest challenges is location marketing – putting Thuringia on the map for potential investors. Yes, we have genuine unique selling points (USPs), but we – as the Free State of Thuringia – need to promote them more actively and confidently. Furthermore, in the life sciences sector, large-scale greenfield investments are often not the norm; many projects arise from spin-offs or existing facilities, which requires considerable patience. This also means that we must continue working to maintain and develop attractive laboratory and production spaces for companies. Another significant hurdle is the still-difficult financing conditions, especially for scale-ups – that is, when companies are working on the often lengthy approval processes and market launches.
Specifically, what services do you offer companies?
Yes, as already mentioned: We search for suitable locations, advise on funding opportunities, and support the search for financing options. We also see ourselves as a "door opener" to partners from industry and research in Thuringia. For this purpose, we developed LiST – the Thuringia Life Sciences Portal (www.lifesciences-thueringen.deFeel free to take a look!
