About us
Our mission
We help to seize opportunities and turn ideas into reality. As an industry insider, we are the central point of contact for networking players. We offer access to funding and ensure visibility in the life sciences sector and beyond.
Since 2001, BioRegio STERN Management GmbH has been actively supporting the economic development of the life sciences sector. Operating on behalf of public institutions, it promotes innovation and start-ups, contributing to the strengthening of the region and the industry as a whole. As a key contact point for founders and entrepreneurs, BioRegio STERN also supports businesses from related high-tech industries such as automation and IT, fostering cross-industry collaboration and innovation.
A cluster, many competencies, diverse cross-cutting topics
The BioRegion STERN, encompassing the regions of Stuttgart and Neckar-Alb as well as the cities of Tübingen and Reutlingen, is globally renowned for its automotive manufacturers. However, it is also home to approximately 240 life sciences companies. The unique blend of well-established family businesses, "hidden champions," medium-sized medical technology companies, and emerging biotech firms is a defining feature of this cluster.
Another remarkable and forward-thinking characteristic is the close geographical proximity of engineering-driven SMEs and companies from the life sciences sector. Consequently, BioRegio STERN Management GmbH strategically aims to foster connections between its life sciences cluster and the region’s automation technology, machinery, and plant engineering industries. The goal is to create an exceptional mix of high-tech expertise, drawing from both start-ups and global corporations.
Science and Industry – A Successful Symbiosis
Economic prosperity in the BioRegion STERN is perfectly complemented by scientific excellence from numerous renowned research institutions and three universities. The life sciences companies in the region benefit from a wealth of academic institutions conducting cutting-edge research in the field.
Among these are the University of Tübingen, the University Hospital of Tübingen, the NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen located in Reutlingen, the universities of Stuttgart and Hohenheim, and eight universities of applied sciences with a life sciences focus.
Additionally, the region is home to the Fraunhofer Institutes for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA) and for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology (IGB), as well as the German Institutes for Textile and Fiber Research (DITF) in Denkendorf.
Moreover, the Max Planck Institutes for Intelligent Systems, Developmental Biology, and Biological Cybernetics, along with the Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society, further strengthen the region’s scientific ecosystem.
Networker and Innovation Driver for Life Sciences in the Region
BioRegio STERN Management GmbH acts as a catalyst and networker, shaping the future through innovation promotion in the life sciences to drive economic growth in this sector.
The organization supports efforts to commercialize applied research, aiming to bring innovative products and new therapies into everyday life. This approach also focuses on unlocking economic potential, ultimately creating new jobs. To achieve this, BioRegio STERN Management GmbH fosters start-ups and collaborations, assists companies in securing funding, and offers specialized coaching on topics such as product approval. It also organizes industry-specific events and submits and coordinates funding project applications.
Award-Winning Excellence
BioRegio STERN Management GmbH has received numerous awards for its successful cluster management, including the Silver Label from the European Secretariat for Cluster Analysis (ESCA).
In 2016, the joint initiative by politics and business, "Germany – Land of Ideas," recognized the company's network project "ELSA – Automation Solutions for Life Sciences" as one of the top 100 projects in Germany, officially naming the BioRegion STERN an "Outstanding Place in the Land of Ideas."
In 2024, the cooperative network "biohymed," led by BioRegio STERN, was honored as the ZIM Network of the Year for its exceptional networking activities.
STERN BioRegion: Figures. Facts.
The STERN BioRegion has been one of the largest and most successful BioRegions in Germany for many years. IPOs, start-ups and investments by and for companies from the region are proof of the continuing success of the economic development program.
Economic Powerhouse
BioRegio STERN Management GmbH provides intermunicipal economic development services for a region comprising 248 cities and towns with a total population of 3.5 million. With a gross domestic product of over €196 billion (2022), the region’s economic strength is highly significant.
The cluster’s core consists of around 240 life sciences companies, providing nearly 25,000 jobs in the business sector. Additionally, more than 12,000 people are employed in service-related roles within the BioRegion STERN.
Through its Science2Start ideas competition, the BioRegio STERN Management GmbH team has supported the founding of over 42 companies as of 2024.
Business Landscape
The BioRegion STERN network includes more than 400 "members".
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up the largest share at 64 percent.
Large corporations account for 14 percent.
Universities and research institutions represent 13 percent.
The remaining 8 percent consists of other organizations, such as consulting centers and start-up support institutions.
Funding and Investments
Approximately €3 billion in investments and €550 million in federal funding have been directed toward the region’s 240 life sciences companies.
The BioRegio STERN Management GmbH's funding structure (annual financial statement 2023) is as follows: 18.6 percent from public grants; 37.4 percent from shareholder contributions; 32.4 percent from institutional funding; 11.6 percent from operating revenue.