RWTH Aachen receives millions in funding for innovative biotechnology start-ups

RWTH Aachen receives millions in funding for innovative biotechnology start-ups

The federal government and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia are supporting the “Materials Lab Incubator” (MerLIn) at RWTH Aachen with almost 8 million euros. This ambitious project aims to support young founders in the field of biotechnology by implementing innovative research in deeptech start-ups. The founding teams can receive up to 200,000 euros in funding and have access to a fully equipped laboratory as well as individual mentoring to help them implement their ideas. The incubator is intended to build a bridge between research and practical application, which is particularly important for the development of new biotechnological products. Loud RWTH Aachen A large part of this funding, around 90%, comes from federal structural strengthening funds, while the remaining 10% comes from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

The Federal Ministry of Research and Education (BMBF) has also provided 3 million euros for the equipment and rental of the incubator. MerLIn is part of the Bio4MatPro competence center, which will be funded with a total of 26.3 million euros over the next five years. This competence center focuses on future technologies and products that are developed from renewable raw materials in order to promote a climate-neutral circular economy. MerLIn's goal is to become the leading incubator for biomaterials in Europe and thus further strengthen the innovative strength of the Aachen location.

Planned funding rounds and application

It is currently possible to apply for the first round of MerLIn funding, which is open until May 1, 2025. Due to its close connection to the Chair of Biotechnology at RWTH Aachen, the incubator not only offers technical resources, but also valuable know-how for aspiring entrepreneurs. Interested founders are invited to submit their projects to benefit from extensive support from VC investors and experienced mentors. This initiative is part of the bioeconomy model region in the Rhenish Revier, where future-oriented jobs are to be created.

In addition, reference is made to a job advertisement aimed at applicants who would like to participate in the Materials Lab start-up incubator “MerLIn”. The full tender not only means managing and organizing the incubator laboratories, but also requires extensive experience in the fields of biotechnology, chemistry or engineering as well as excellent communication skills in German and English. Applications must be submitted by March 31, 2025, with employment until February 28, 2027 and the prospect of an extension.

Expanded funding opportunities

As part of the funding landscape, the webinar “Funding Industrial Bioeconomy Easily Explained” is also on the program on March 4, 2025. Valuable information about funding programs and the next rounds of tenders is provided here. The submission deadline for projects to establish an industrial bioeconomy ends on April 15, 2025 for modules A, B and D, while module C can be submitted until October 15, 2025. These initiatives aim to promote the transfer of bio-based products into industrial practice and advance the development of innovative solutions that are crucial for the future of the bioeconomy Biotechnology Aachen.

Overall, the commitment of RWTH Aachen and the funding institutions shows that the market for biotechnology and sustainable solutions is becoming increasingly important. With the support of MerLIn and the comprehensive funding programs, an important step is being taken towards a sustainable and innovative future.