Bayer further expands global incubator network with Bayer Co.Lab Berlin and welcomes MyoPax as first resident

Steffen Kugler

Steffen Kugler

Steffen Kugler

Steffen Kugler

Eröffnung des Bayer Co.Lab Berlin: (v.l.n.r) Christian Rommel, Leiter Forschung und Entwicklung von Bayer Pharmaceuticals; Verena Schöwel-Wolf, CEO von MyoPax; Kai Wegner, Regierender Bürgermeister von Berlin;Stefan Oelrich, Mitglied des Vorstands der Bayer AG und Leiter der Division Pharmaceuticals; Ruth Shah, Leiterin von Bayer Co.Lab Berlin; Friedemann Janus, Leiter Business Development & Licensing, Co.Lab, Regional und Devestitionen. / Inauguration of the Bayer Co.Lab Berlin: (f.l.t.r.) Christian Rommel, Head of Research and Development at Bayer Pharmaceuticals; Verena Schöwel-Wolf, CEO of MyoPax; Kai Wegner, Governing Mayorof Berlin; Stefan Oelrich, Member of Board of Management of Bayer AG and Head of the Pharmaceuticals Division; Ruth Shah, Head of Bayer Co.Lab Berlin; Friedemann Janus, Head of Business Development & Licensing, Co.Lab, Regional and Divestitures.

Steffen Kugler

– Bayer Co.Lab Berlin is part of a global network of life science incubators situated in key innovation hubs, including Cambridge (USA), Kobe (Japan), and Shanghai (China)
– Brand new state-of-the-art incubator in Berlin will provide access to fully equipped facilities as well as tailored mentorship from Bayer to advance breakthroughs in cell and gene therapy and oncology
– Investment underscores Bayer´s commitment to creating a leading life science ecosystem for innovative therapies in Berlin
– MyoPax, specialized in stem cell and gene editing technologies to develop muscle regeneration therapies, is the first resident company at Bayer Co.Lab Berlin

On November 28, 2024, Bayer announced the inauguration of its new life science incubator Bayer Co.Lab Berlin, located on the Global Headquarters Campus of Bayer’s Pharmaceuticals Division, near world-renowned research and clinical institutions. MyoPax GmbH, a Berlin-based start-up company specializing in muscle regeneration therapies and a spin-off from the Charité Universitaetsmedizin and the Max-Delbrueck-Center of the Helmholtz Association, will move into the new facility as the first resident.

Bayer Co.Lab Berlin is part of Bayer’s global network of life science incubators situated in key innovation hubs, including Cambridge (USA), Kobe (Japan), and Shanghai (China). The incubator will provide state-of-the art laboratories, collaborative working space and tailored support for start-ups, serving as a crucial pillar in advancing local innovation in the heart of Berlin.

“Biotechnology plays an incredibly important role in the ongoing development of Berlin’s pharmaceutical and healthcare sector. The new Bayer Co.Lab facility in Berlin will enable us to bring science and business even closer together, propelling us towards our shared goal of developing pharmaceuticals and medical therapies faster than before,” said Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin. “The opening of the Co.Lab in Berlin is a meaningful step in our plan to make Berlin the nexus of an even greater healthcare industry here in Germany. I want to thank Bayer AG for this fruitful cooperation and for their confidence in Berlin as a centre of science and innovation.”

“The establishment of Bayer Co.Lab Berlin is an important milestone of Bayer's external innovation strategy, aimed at fostering open collaboration within the biotechnology ecosystem,” said Juergen Eckhardt, MD, Head of Business Development & Licensing at Bayer Pharmaceuticals. “Complementing the future Berlin Center for Gene and Cell Therapies, Bayer Co.Lab Berlin is a launch pad for Europe´s top scientists and entrepreneurs and will play a central role in Berlin’s life sciences ecosystem.”

Through the global community of bespoke incubators, Bayer provides a comprehensive offering to support startups turning their ideas into reality. Startups joining Bayer Co.Lab Berlin will benefit from a well-equipped facility, a global community of like-minded entrepreneurs, mentorship from Bayer experts across multiple domains, as well as facilitated connections to ecosystem partners. This tailored approach will ensure start-ups thrive in a supportive environment that enables them to rapidly advance their innovations towards the clinic.

"We are very excited to be the first resident company at Bayer Co.Lab Berlin", said Verena Schoewel-Wolf, CEO of MyoPax. "The incubator will not only provide us with state-of-the-art laboratory space, but also access to Bayer's local and global expertise in R&D, manufacturing, regulatory and other areas to further our mission of delivering effective muscle regeneration therapies with our proprietary muscle stem cell platform."

The recently announced Berlin Center for Gene & Cell Therapies, which will have the unique infrastructure for Europe of a cutting-edge incubator and state-of-the art production facility, will be home to Bayer Co.Lab Berlin from 2028, further strengthening this vibrant ecosystem and providing a pathway for growth for resident companies.