Bayer HealthCare has officially inaugurated its second research incubator for young life sciences companies at its Berlin location, dubbed 'CoLaborator'. The opening ceremony took place in the presence of Berlin's Governing Mayor Klaus Wowereit.

The aim of the global CoLaborator concept is to offer young companies in the area of chemistry and biosciences ready-to-use laboratory and office infrastructure in the immediate vicinity of Bayer's own research facilities. In this way, the 'CoLaborator' creates an ideal environment in which to advance research and innovation.

"Berlin is a leading science location. The new CoLaborator shall promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise among top international researchers in the city and help startup companies put their ideas into practice," said Berlin's Governing Mayor Klaus Wowereit. "With globally recognised universities and research institutions, technology parks, the Bayer research centre, and an inspiring startup scene, the Berlin region is one of the most important scientific regions in Europe. I am delighted that Berlin will further strengthen and expand this position."

The newly opened 'CoLaborator' in Berlin enables young life sciences companies to rent equipped research laboratories and office space in a separate building with approx. 800 square metres of floor space and about 420 square metres space for laboratories. The 'CoLaborator' can house up to nine small companies. The young firms' fields of activity should correlate with the diversity of Bayer's research interests, so that both young entrepreneurial spirit and pharmaceutical expertise can nourish each other. The new 'CoLaborator' is located at Bayer’s R&D Centre at Müllerstrasse 178, 13353 Berlin.

"As an innovation-driven company, we want to enable young entrepreneurs to realize their innovative ideas," said Prof. Dr. Andreas Busch, member of the Bayer HealthCare Executive Committee and Head of Global Drug Discovery. "With the CoLaborator we are creating an environment where young companies find ideal conditions for this purpose. In addition, we are encouraging scientific exchange and want to create a stimulating environment for research and innovation. The establishment of the CoLaborator is a logical step in enhancing our partnership models in research and thus an important element of our innovation strategy."