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Life Sciences in Thuringia - Medical Technology, Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals

Thuringia has always been a leader in the life sciences. The mercury-free thermometer, the X-ray tube, and the microscope were developed here. Today, the use of photonic technologies enables significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of infections.

Central location in Europe

Successful companies

Location rooted in tradition

Skilled workers and training

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Data and facts

Thuringia has a long tradition in medical technology, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. Its strengths in optics and photonics make Thuringia an international innovation leader in microscopy, laser technology, and ophthalmology. Infection research and aging research have become established in recent years and have gained international significance. Thuringia has also succeeded in attracting cutting-edge research projects, such as the Cluster of Excellence "Balance of the Microverse" (approximately €47 million in funding for infection research) and the "Leibniz Centre for Photonics in Infection Research (LPI)" with a funding volume of €150 million.

640 Companies

30000 Employees

5400 Students

4 Universities

3 Technology and startup centers

14 Research institutions

43 Hospitals

Core competencies in the life sciences industry

Medical technology

Imaging techniques
microscopy
Minimally invasive techniques
Laser applications
Biophotonics
Biomaterials

Biotechnology

Decentralized diagnostics/analysis
Lab-on-a-chip/organ-on-a-chip systems
Biomarkers
Process engineering
Infection research
Aging research

pharmacy

Development and manufacturing of innovative therapeutics
Anti-infectives
Drug Delivery
Nanomedicine
Production of sterile, solid and liquid dosage forms

*Source: LEG Thüringen company and technology database

Jena is Thuringia's high-tech and science hub, and we aim to be an attractive partner for business and science. For this reason, ZEISS is investing in Jena as a startup location, which is also one of the leading innovation centers for ZEISS Medical Technology.
Justus Felix Wehmer | Chief Financial Officer, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
The city of Jena/Thuringia, with its unique ecosystem of research and development, is a perfect fit for our company at the interface between life sciences and precision mechanics.
Dr. Claudia Gärtner | CEO microfluidic ChipShop GmbH

Successful in Thuringia

microfluidic ChipShop GmbH
A laboratory that fits on a microchip? A Thuringian company makes it possible! The microfluidic chips from the Jena-based technology company microfluidic ChipShop GmbH are used for the analysis of blood, urine, and other fluids. The company particularly values the short distances and existing value chains of its Thuringian location.
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GBneuhaus GmbH
Discover the innovative power of central Germany! We'll show you what Thuringian life science companies are capable of. A prime example: GBneuhaus! Under the motto "Yes, we coat!", the company offers functional coatings, including antimicrobial ones that effectively protect against viruses, bacteria, and other dangerous pathogens. We are supporting GBneuhaus, among other things, in its expansion into India.
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Our Success Stories About “Born in Thuringia”

skilled workers

Sought-after specialists with clever ideas

In the life sciences sector, companies in Thuringia benefit from a technological environment characterized by overlapping expertise in biology, chemistry, physics, medicine, and microsystems engineering. A combination of top-tier, nearby universities with relevant degree programs provides ideal conditions for joint research collaborations and personnel recruitment.

Academic education

The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is Thuringia's largest university and offers first-class interdisciplinary research in its three profile areas: LIGHT – LIFE – FREEDOM. In the life sciences, the university's strengths lie in the fields of microbiology, infection biology, biodiversity, bio-geo-interactions, and aging research.

At Jena University Hospital, scientists work in both basic biomedical research and patient-oriented clinical research. Its 26 clinical centers and 25 institutes treat 53,000 inpatients and 275,000 outpatients annually and educate 2,500 students in medicine, dentistry, molecular medicine, and medical photonics.

The Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena is Thuringia's largest and most research-intensive university of applied sciences, with a long tradition in the fields of optometry, ophthalmic optics, and medical technology. Biotechnology, health, and nursing are also among its key areas of focus.

The Technical University of Ilmenau is a research-intensive university dedicated to basic and applied research in selected areas such as functional materials and technologies, as well as intelligent sensor technology and precision measurement technology, which are used in a variety of ways in the life sciences.

Initial and continuing education

The vocational and technical schools in Thuringia, for example, provide training in the following professions:

Biology, physics and chemistry laboratory technician
Medical laboratory technician
Mechatronics Technician
Microtechnologist
Precision optician and mechanic
Industrial mechanic and industrial electronics technician

Furthermore, Thuringia continuously offers further training opportunities for the industry. In addition to the Schott Carl Zeiss Jenoptik training center in Jena, the Friedrich Schiller University Jena, the Ilmenau University of Technology, and the Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena offer various continuing education programs and academic courses.

The Technical University of Ilmenau has been organizing the biennial “International Summer School in Biomedical Engineering” for aspiring biomedical engineers for many years.

Research and Development

Jena's Beutenberg Campus - Where Life Science meets Physics

On the Beutenberg Campus In Jena, more than 3,000 scientists and experts work at 10 university and non-university institutes as well as in 50 young biotechnology and medical technology companies.

The following companies are based at the Beutenberg Campus in Jena:

Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering
Leibniz Institute for Age Research - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI)
Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (HKI)
Leibniz Institute for Photonic Technologies (IPHT)
Leibniz Centre for Photonics in Infection Research (LPI)
Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry (MPBGC)
Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology (MPCE)
Friedrich Schiller University Jena - Center for Molecular Biomedicine
Friedrich Schiller University Jena - Center for Innovation Competence (ZIK) Septomics
Friedrich Schiller University Jena - Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse”
University Hospital Jena of the Friedrich Schiller University - Department of Experimental Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology

Business incubators:

BioInstrumentezentrum Jena
Technology and Innovation Park Jena

You can find an overview of the research institutions in Thuringia here.

Thuringian R&D Portal

Other research institutions in Thuringia

Benefit from an environment that uniquely combines expertise in biology, chemistry, physics, medicine, biotechnology and microsystems engineering.

Institute for Bioprocess Engineering and Analytical Measurement Technology (iba), Heilbad Heiligenstadt
Research Center for Medical Technology and Biotechnology (fzmb), Bad Langensalza
Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Informatics (BMTI), TU Ilmenau
Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, TU Ilmenau
Fraunhofer Center Erfurt with a focus on life science applications, Erfurt
ThIMEDOP - Thuringian Innovation Center for Medical Technology Solutions, Jena

Industry associations in Thuringia

medways e. V. For 25 years, medways has been the industry association for medical technology and biotechnology in Thuringia, connecting manufacturers, universities, and research institutions. Furthermore, medways advises companies in all phases of research, development, and marketing.

The InfectoGnostics Research Campus is a partnership between science, medicine, and industry. Over 30 partners are jointly developing innovative, cost-effective solutions for the rapid on-site diagnosis of infections and quickly translating research results into practice.

In the Thuringian Pharma Community Many stakeholders, such as companies, universities, research institutions and clinics, are involved in the further development of pharmaceutical agents and technologies.

The OptoNet eV. It unites 140 leading players from industry, research, and education in the field of photonics. Together, we are committed to further strengthening Germany's high-tech location and shaping a sustainable future with innovative light-based technologies.

Thuringian Life Sciences Business Portal (LiST Portal)

One click. Everything at a glance. Discover Thuringia's life sciences with our LiST portal – Life Sciences Thuringia! LiST contains a structured list of around 350 Thuringian stakeholders from industry and science, impressively showcasing the diversity and economic strength of the sector.

Go to the LiST portal

Selected companies Thuringia offers excellent growth opportunities in medical technology, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. Well-known market and technology leaders are investing in this location.

Abbott Rapid Diagnostics Jena GmbH

The company was founded by scientists from the Leibniz Institute for Photonic Technologies and the Hans Knöll Institute and focuses on the development and production of in-vitro diagnostics. Since 2017, it has been part of the Abbott Group, one of the world's leading companies in the field of point-of-care solutions.

AEROPHARM GmbH

AEROPHARM is the Sandoz Group's global center for respiratory and ophthalmic medications. At our site in Rudolstadt, Thuringia, approximately 280 employees currently develop, produce, and package 15 million respiratory medications annually, such as asthma sprays and innovative dry powder inhalers. Furthermore, innovative solutions are being developed in the areas of asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

Analytik Jena GmbH & Co. KG

As a leading global provider of analytical measurement technology, molecular biology instruments, liquid handling and laboratory automation technologies, Analytik Jena enables laboratories worldwide to work quickly and successfully – from routine analyses to specialized tasks in the fields of chemistry, pharmaceuticals, medicine and life sciences, food safety and agriculture, water and wastewater analysis, environmental analysis and much more. The company has been part of the Swiss Endress+Hauser Group since 2013.

Bauerfeind AG

Bauerfeind AG is a leading manufacturer of medical aids such as bandages, orthoses, compression stockings, and orthopedic insoles. Their products, which have received numerous awards for materials and design, make a significant contribution to maintaining and restoring health.

Carl Zeiss Meditec AG

Carl Zeiss Meditec AG's long-term goal is to leave a lasting mark on the fields of ophthalmology and microsurgery. With the ambition to break new ground, the company develops innovative technologies that enable medical professionals, for example, to preserve eyesight into old age and combat brain tumors.

microfluidic ChipShop GmbH

In the field of lab-on-a-chip technologies, microfluidic ChipShop is a world-leading provider of microfluidic chips from a unique catalog as well as customized complete systems consisting of microfluidic components, operating units and associated assays.

Wacker Biotech GmbH

Since 2005, WACKER has been producing high-quality biopharmaceuticals based on microbial systems in Jena. This highly specialized production facility focuses on the contract development and manufacturing of therapeutic proteins. The solutions developed in Jena make a crucial contribution to the treatment of serious diseases such as lymphatic leukemia in children and adolescents.