What is biotechnology?

Biotechnology is a key technology of the 21st century. It can be understood as a cross-sectional field of different scientific disciplines such as biology, chemistry, computer science, medicine, physics, and engineering. However, it has been part of human life for a long time, although we may not always recognize it in our daily lives. The production of bread, wine, beer or cheese are old cultural techniques that are based on biotechnological processes. 

The modern aspect of biotechnology is evident in science, research, and industry, particularly through new molecular techniques that have enormous potential. Findings from basic research find their application, for example, in medicine or the pharmaceutical industry in the form of new and personalized diagnostics and therapy.

However, biotechnology also includes the use of enzymes in the textile and food industries or agriculture, the production of alternative fuels such as bioethanol from microorganisms and hydrogen from algae, the production of new degradable materials from biopolymers such as spider silk, or the degradation of pollutants such as microplastics through microbial metabolism.

The areas of knowledge and application of biotechnology are diverse. It holds immense potential for innovation for the benefit and health of humanity. biotechnology offers answers to the major challenges facing society today, such as the sustainable development of the economy and the protection of our environment - which is why the State Government is so committed to this topic.

Biotechnology & Life Sciences in Rhineland-Palatinate 

During the coronavirus pandemic, biotechnology from Rhineland-Palatinate brought hope to the world. With the development of the first COVID vaccine by BioNTech, Mainz caught international attention as a biotechnology location. The success story of this company from Rhineland-Palatinate is an outstanding example of how basic research by excellent scientists is translated into application. However, it can also be attributed to the strong and diverse research and business location that has been able to emerge as a result of consistent funding over many years. In Mainz alone, 200 million euros have been invested in research, research infrastructure and research buildings as well as the establishment of non-university research facilities over the last ten years.

From Trier to Kaiserslautern, to Bingen, Pirmasens, Idar-Oberstein and Mainz: Rhineland-Palatinate as a biotechnology location draws its strength from the entire breadth of the state. It is characterized by its universities and research institutions with a particular focus on Life Sciences, Pharmaceuticals, Artificial Intelligence and Aging research. Rhineland-Palatinate aims to provide promising biotechnology start-ups and spin-offs, its SMEs, and globally active companies ideal conditions for successful development. By networking science and industry, special innovation potentials can be unlocked. In this way, biotechnology from Rhineland-Palatinate contributes the health of people, healthy aging, a sustainable and strong economy, and good employment opportunities throughout the state.

Welcome to Rhineland-Palatinate and Mainz - a hub for biotechnology and life sciences!

• There are 500 current biotech-related research projects throughout the state.

• 13.6 patents per million inhabitants - the science location Rhineland-Palatinate is the foremorst center in Germany.

• TOP 3 worldwide: Mainz is amongst them in the field of mRNA-based vaccines.

• 55,000 people work in the field of biotechnology in Rhineland-Palatinate - a figure that is growing .

A current image film from the state and the city of Mainz addresses these and other aspects and shows the strengths and prospects the location offers for companies, start-ups and researchers:

Together with Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate is already a key location for research, science and business with a wealth of expertise. Where fundamental research is translated into real-world applications.

Besides many big-name multinationals and scientific institutions as well as extensive AI expertise, the entire state boasts a thriving start-up scene constantly brimming with innovative talent and entrepreneurial spirit to forge a brighter future. 

The region is already laying the very best groundwork for students, researchers, entrepreneurs and companies from across the world. Here, you can actively improve people's lives while enjoying a good life yourself. 

The city and state want to further improve these positive framework conditions and develop the location into an internationally successful hub for biotechnology and life sciences.

For the challenges of tomorrows demands!