Personalized medicine and gene & cell therapy: opportunities in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany

A high-level delegation from NRW, led by NRW.Global Business, will be visiting the UK to forge new relationships and partnerships with innovative MedTech and Biotech companies.

North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is Germany’s powerhouse for biotechnology and medical technology. The region is home to more than 500 life science companies employing over 30,000 people, generating €2.9 billion in revenue, which accounts for 27 % of Germany’s total biotech turnover. Its MedTech sector is equally strong, with around 2,300 companies employing 35,700 people and contributing €8 billion in gross value added. Global leaders such as QIAGEN, Bayer, Miltenyi Biotec, Johnson & Johnson, 3M and Stryker all have a major presence in NRW.

NRW also boasts the densest academic network in Europe, with approximately 70 universities, more than 60 technology and startup centres and more than 50 non-university research institutions, including Fraunhofer, Max Planck and Leibniz institutes. Nine university hospitals and over 330 other hospitals treat more than 4 million in-patients annually, underscoring the region’s scale and expertise. The region’s strengths in personalized medicine, gene and cell therapy, digital health and advanced manufacturing make it an ideal partner for UK companies seeking collaboration, co-development and expansion into Europe’s largest healthcare market.

North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is Germany’s powerhouse for biotechnology and medical technology. The region is home to more than 500 life science companies employing over 30,000 people, generating €2.9 billion in revenue, which accounts for 45% of Germany’s total biotech turnover. Its MedTech sector is equally strong, with around 2,300 companies employing 35,700 people and contributing €8 billion in gross value added. Global leaders such as QIAGEN, Bayer, Miltenyi Biotec, Johnson & Johnson, 3M and Stryker all have a major presence in NRW.

NRW also boasts the densest academic network in Europe, with more than 50 universities and research centres, including Fraunhofer, Max Planck and Leibniz institutes. Nine university hospitals and over 330 other hospitals treat more than 4 million in-patients annually, underscoring the region’s scale and expertise. The region’s strengths in personalised medicine, gene and cell therapy, digital health and advanced manufacturing make it an ideal partner for UK companies seeking collaboration, co-development and expansion into Europe’s largest healthcare market.

In London on Thursday 9th October, the programme will feature an Investor and Cluster Showcase Victoria House of Pioneer Group, where NRW’s top life sciences leaders, including representatives from Medizin.NRW, BIO.NRW and Miltenyi Biotec, will present opportunities for collaboration. The day will conclude with a networking reception featuring drinks and canapés.

On Friday 10th October in Cambridge, the delegation will join UK counterparts at the Babraham Research Campus for a workshop on strengthening UK–German collaboration in life sciences. The event will feature presentations from both UK and NRW leaders in research, innovation and industry, followed by a networking lunch and the opportunity to forge new connections.

For UK MedTech and Biotech leaders, this visit offers a unique opportunity to connect directly with decision-makers from NRW’s most influential clusters, research institutions and global companies. It provides valuable insights into the German market, from funding opportunities and regulatory pathways to practical guidance on establishing a presence in Europe. Participants will be able to explore partnerships for research and development, clinical trials and commercial expansion, as well as engage with specialist consultants covering regulatory, HR and legal considerations for international growth. In joining this event, UK companies can build meaningful relationships with one of Europe’s most dynamic healthcare ecosystems, accelerate innovation through cross-border collaboration and open the door to new commercial opportunities in Germany and beyond.

Join us to explore new collaborations, accelerate your innovation, and connect with key players shaping the future of healthcare across Europe.

15:00:   Arrival at Victoria House, Pioneer Group

15:30 – 15:40   Welcome Addresses by Robert Scheid, UK FDI Director GTAI and NRW Global Business

15:40 – 16:20   Pitches by representatives of the relevant clusters, academia and business opportunities in NRW

• Cluster Medizin.NRW, Dr. Patrick Guidato (www.medizin.nrw)
  “Future-oriented cutting edge medicine made in NRW”
• BIO.NRW, Dr. Nils Schrader (https://bio.nrw.de)
  „NRWs Biotech ecosystem boosts the development of gene and cell therapies”
• Miltenyi, Michael Apel (https://www.miltenyibiotec.com/)

• NRW.Global Business GmbH, Dagmar Wülknitz
  David Schneider (www.nrwglobalbusiness.uk)
  “Business opportunities and services for UK medtech and biotech businesses”

• COMM-OP Europe GmbH & Co. KG, Sita Schubert (www.comm-op.eu)
  Consultancy for permitting procedures in the medical and biotech industry
• CONSIGEN GmbH, Doris Ehrmann (www.consigen.de)
  HR services for the medical and biotech industry
• SHWP  PartGmbB, Daniel Pott, Partner, Lawyer, Tax Advisor (www.shwp.eu)
  How to establish a legal entity in Germany