Lower Saxony is becoming a hotspot for life sciences and start-ups!

Lower Saxony is becoming a hotspot for life sciences and start-ups!

The GOe FUTURE initiative was selected as part of the nationwide funding program EXIST lighthouse competition “Startup Factories” run by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. This project aims to establish a world-leading ecosystem for spin-offs in the life sciences in Lower Saxony. The focus is particularly on the scientific locations of Göttingen, Hanover and Braunschweig.

GOe FUTURE is a thematically focused startup factory that focuses on innovation processes in the life sciences. The project aims to translate scientific findings into concrete innovations for patients and society. The region has significant potential for innovation, transfer and talent, supported by 13 participating universities and research institutions, including the universities of Göttingen and Hanover, as well as various Max Planck, Fraunhofer, Helmholtz and Leibniz institutes.

Funding and goals

GOe FUTURE is funded with up to 20 million euros, of which 10 million euros come from private capital and a further 10 million euros are provided by the federal government. The primary goal is to increase the number of start-ups in the life sciences sector to over 100 per year within the next five years. Lower Saxony is therefore striving to become a European beacon for innovations in the life sciences.

The project aims to double the number of start-ups in the Hanover-Göttingen-Braunschweig city triangle in the coming years. Life sciences include different research areas, especially medicine and biology. Partnerships between universities and companies are intended to significantly improve the start-up culture. A total of 14 companies are involved in this project.

Support for founders

In addition to GOe FUTURE, Leibniz University Hannover (LUH) supports founders in the transition from science to business. A current LUH magazine provides information about the steps from the idea to the start-up and addresses the assessment of start-up ideas. The magazine is published twice a year and is available in both print and digital form.

The university has built a start-up ecosystem that provides numerous offerings in collaboration with economic development and regional players. This includes start-up workshops, the use of rooms and laboratories as well as access to networks and the ONE Tech Campus in Garbsen. Support in applying for EXIST start-up grants also represents important financial help for those interested in starting a business.

The teaching of start-up skills will also be integrated into the curricula of the degree programs. This is supported by accompanying start-up research, which examines the framework conditions for successful start-ups and offers direct assistance. Further information on this can be obtained from press spokeswoman Mechtild Freiin v. Munchausen can be requested.

In summary, it shows that Lower Saxony is on a promising path to establishing itself as a hub for life science start-ups and at the same time bridging the gap between research and application. The GOe FUTURE initiative and the support from the LUH are central components of this promising project.

Further details can be found in the reports from University of Göttingen, daily news and University of Hanover.