TUM Venture Labs, BioLabs, and Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) have announced BioLabs|TUM, a new biotechnology innovation center in Munich. The project is slated to launch in early 2026 and targets early-stage biotech startups. Located in the city center, the 1,800-square-meter facility offers fully equipped laboratories and office space for 15 to 20 young companies. The goal is to accelerate the development of groundbreaking therapies by bringing together scientific talent, venture capital, and pharmaceutical expertise.
“We are delighted to announce this partnership with TUM Venture Labs and Lilly to establish BioLabs|TUM in Munich – an important milestone in expanding our innovation ecosystem in Germany,”
says Johannes Fruehauf, founder and CEO of BioLabs.
“With its world-class science, leading research facilities, and growing interest from investors, Munich is the ideal starting point for the next generation of biotech entrepreneurs.”
Tailored programs and global networks
BioLabs|TUM will combine BioLabs’ proven coworking lab model, TUM Venture Labs’s academic innovation engine, and Lilly’s global reach in research, development, and venture capital. Selected startups will gain access to tailored support programs, strategic consulting, and expertise from Lilly’s scientific specialists. Philipp Gerbert, CEO of TUM Venture Labs, is convinced:
“This partnership strengthens our mission to translate cutting-edge research into practical applications. BioLabs|TUM enhances our dynamic startup ecosystem with world-class infrastructure and global connectivity. The initiative reflects our shared commitment to turning scientific excellence into entrepreneurial success.”
Munich as an ideal location
For Lilly, Munich is strategically significant. Julie Gilmore, Vice President and Global Head of Lilly Gateway Labs, comments:
“BioLabs|TUM is an exciting and unique partnership that elevates our shared experience to a new level, catalyzing scientific innovation and equipping emerging biotech companies to navigate the complexity of therapeutic research and development.”
She adds:
“Lilly’s investment in BioLabs|TUM through our Catalyze360 model enables us to share our collective passion for bold scientific breakthroughs. The strong scientific community and renowned academic institutions in Munich make the city an ideal location to foster early-stage innovation and advance the development of innovative therapies that can make a meaningful difference for patients in Germany and worldwide.”
This alliance creates a new hub in Munich’s startup ecosystem, poised to strengthen the international visibility of the local biotech scene. By combining state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure, targeted support, and global networks, BioLabs|TUM provides optimal conditions for rapidly translating research findings into market-ready applications.
