BioLabs|TUM: Munich’s New Biotech Launchpad Backed by TUM, BioLabs, and Lilly

BioLabs|TUM: Munich’s New Biotech Launchpad Backed by TUM, BioLabs, and Lilly

(IN BRIEF) BioLabs | TUM is a new biotech incubator in Munich, created through a partnership between TUM Venture Labs, BioLabs, and Eli Lilly. Opening in early 2026 within an 1,800 m² refurbished building, the hub will host 15–20 early‑stage companies, providing fully equipped labs, office space, mentorship, and connections to venture capital and pharmaceutical experts. This initiative combines BioLabs’ coworking‑lab expertise, TUM Venture Labs’ research‑to‑market support, and Lilly’s Catalyze360 funding and R&D network. Leaders from each organization emphasize Munich’s ideal environment—rooted in strong academic institutions and a thriving investment community—to nurture innovation and accelerate the development of new therapies.

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH, 31-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — TUM Venture Labs, BioLabs, and Eli Lilly and Company have joined forces to establish BioLabs | TUM, a cutting‑edge biotechnology hub in central Munich designed to fast‑track early‑stage life‑science ventures. Housed within a refurbished 1,800 m² facility, the centre will accommodate 15–20 fledgling biotech firms, offering turnkey laboratory suites, office space, and access to specialized equipment, alongside mentorship and entry to global pharmaceutical networks.

“Launching BioLabs | TUM with TUM Venture Labs and Lilly represents a significant milestone for Germany’s innovation ecosystem,” said Johannes Fruehauf, MD, PhD, Founder & CEO of BioLabs. “Munich combines world‑class science, leading academic institutions, and growing investor interest—an ideal springboard for the next wave of biotech entrepreneurs.”

The partnership unites BioLabs’ successful coworking‑lab model, TUM Venture Labs’ academic innovation engine, and Lilly’s R&D prowess and venture capital resources. Participating start‑ups will benefit from curated programming, strategic counsel, and collaboration opportunities with Lilly’s scientific teams.

“By adding this state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure and international reach to our vibrant ecosystem, BioLabs | TUM will accelerate the translation of research into real‑world solutions,” commented Dr. Philipp Gerbert, CEO of TUM Venture Labs.

Julie Gilmore, PhD, Vice President and Global Head of Lilly Gateway Labs, highlighted the collaboration’s scope: “Through our Catalyze360 model, Lilly is committed to empowering early‑stage companies with funding, lab space, and drug‑development expertise. Munich’s strong academic community and deep‑tech support structures make it the perfect locale for driving breakthrough therapies.”

BioLabs | TUM is slated to open in early 2026, marking the network’s third German location after Heidelberg and Berlin.

Further information and links

• BioLabs is a network of shared laboratory facilities located in key geographies within well-established as well as more nascent biotech innovation clusters in the US, Japan, France and Germany. BioLabs offers a unique environment of coworking spaces that pair fully equipped and supported laboratories with furnished office space, and active community-building. BioLabs provides entrepreneurs with unparalleled access to capital through its affiliated venture fund Mission BioCapital and numerous industry partnerships. These fertile, supportive ecosystems allow young companies to shift their focus from lab buildout and operations to experimentation and innovation so that they can quickly reach their scientific potential and achieve business success. The BioLabs network of coworking lab facilities now comprises 17 sites, with additional sites under development. Munich will be the third lab location for BioLabs in Germany after Heidelberg and Berlin.
• This collaboration is part of the Lilly Catalyze360 model, which is a comprehensive approach to empower early-stage biotech start-ups across all therapeutic areas by providing access to funding as well as world-class lab space and/or drug development talent and resources through its three pillars: Lilly Ventures, Lilly Gateway Labs, and Lilly ExploR&D.
• The innovation ecosystem with TUM at its center is considered one of the most successful deeptech hubs in Europe. Its particular strengths are its strong, diverse network and extremely specific support. In initiatives and co-labs, start-ups work on innovations with established companies, experts, investors and administration. The TUM Venture Labs offer direct access to cutting-edge research, technical infrastructure and market expertise in twelve fields of technology. Most recently, more than 100 companies were founded at TUM in one year and more than 1,100 start-up teams were supported by UnternehmerTUM and the Venture Labs. UnternehmerTUM, which invests with its own venture capital fund, has twice been voted Europe’s best start-up center by the Financial Times.

Media Contact:

Corporate Communications Center
Ulrich Meyer
presse@tum.de

SOURCE: Technical University of Munich