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.