International company Kadans becomes new partner for the biotechnology and innovation hub in Rheinland-Pfalz – Collaboration with Technologiezentrum Mainz
“Biotechnology is a real technology of the future. It has great momentum and a promising future in Rheinland-Pfalz! I am extremely pleased that we have succeeded in securing an internationally connected and renowned partner in Kadans Science Partner Germany GmbH, for our Technologiezentrum Mainz (TZM). This is another milestone in our biotechnology strategy to make Rheinland-Pfalz a global beacon for biotechnology,” said Minister President Malu Dreyer on the occasion of the announcement of Kadans’ investment.
Kadans Science Partner is an internationally active science park and network operator headquartered in the Netherlands. Their goal is to support innovative companies in the life science sector in their research and development by providing state-of-the-art infrastructure and specialised facilities. Kadans Science Partner develops tailor-made properties for companies and research institutions in the fields of life science and biotechnology.
Minister President Malu Dreyer and Minister of Economic Affairs Daniela Schmitt, along with Mainz Mayor Nino Haase and the Kadans executive board, jointly presented the collaboration plans at a press conference.
“The investment decision by Kadans is a strong signal and another confirmation of the attractiveness of the economic and innovation location in Rheinland-Pfalz. The establishment project aligns with the investments of many other innovative companies in Rheinland-Pfalz. This development shows that the conditions for innovative companies in Rheinland-Pfalz are very favorable,” said Minister of Economic Affairs Daniela Schmitt on the occasion of Kadans’ decision to invest in Rheinland-Pfalz. “My department has closely monitored Kadans’ settlement plans, as well as the recent establishment of the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly in Alzey. I thank Kadans for their trust in the location and the excellent cooperation with my department and the city of Mainz,” Schmitt added.
By 2026, the state will allocate up to €800 million for biotechnology and life sciences in Rheinland-Pfalz. The Minister President recalled the numerous entrepreneurial and public investment decisions in recent years, which are a great vote of confidence in the future viability of the Rheinland-Pfalz location and a confirmation of the state’s biotechnology strategy. “Roland Berger confirmed last year through intensive data collection that we have already set the course for strengthening the location in Rheinland-Pfalz. They also recommended further expanding the infrastructure and adjusting support for start-ups. As of 2022, we, as a state, are the majority owner of TZM. The collaboration with Kadans today enhances the visibility of our biotechnology and will elevate attraction and networking in this area to a new level,” said Minister President Malu Dreyer.
Kooperation von Kadans mit TZM
“I am particularly pleased with Kadans’ close cooperation with the Technologiezentrum Mainz. With Kadans, we have a strong partner by our side, providing the best support for further startups in the field of life sciences and biotechnology in Rheinland-Pfalz,” emphasized Schmitt. Additionally, the collaboration with TZM will elevate the network of biotechnology stakeholders to a new level through Kadans’ international orientation, according to Schmitt. The recently launched Innovation Agency Rheinland-Pfalz will also be an important partner in the ecosystem of the start-up and biotechnology landscape.
Kadans, in cooperation with TZM, will provide attractive office and laboratory spaces at the Mainz location. A cooperation agreement has already been signed. Additionally, TZM will relocate its location to Kadans’ new building on the Biotech Campus in Mainz in the long term. While Kadans addresses a wide range of companies and scientific actors in the field of life science and biotechnology, TZM focuses on start-ups and early-stage ventures. “In addition, TZM will launch an incubator program for early-phase start-ups and spin-offs from universities, as well as initiate the establishment of a life sciences and biotechnology platform to better connect the stakeholders,” said Schmitt. For the platform development process, TZM will receive around €4 million in support from the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
The cooperation between the TechnologieZentrum Mainz and Kadans will have sustainable positive effects on the innovation and economic location of Rhineland-Palatinate, emphasized Minister President Malu Dreyer and Minister of Economic Affairs Daniela Schmitt. The goal of the cooperation is to attract more biotechnology companies, support new start-ups, and connect them with the scientific community. It is aimed to make a lasting contribution to the expansion of the biotechnology cluster in Mainz.
“The collaboration with TZM is an important starting point for our strategic expansion in Germany and reaffirms our commitment to advancing innovation and scientific research. We are excited to actively contribute to the growth of biotechnology in Mainz. This alliance is a valuable partnership to connect and attract life science companies from around the world,” said Markus Scheja, Managing Director of Kadans Science Partner Germany GmbH, and Ilias Sarros, Senior Development Manager of Kadans Science Partner Germany GmbH.
“Mainz is establishing itself as an internationally visible and successful life science and biotechnology location, where you can successfully research, start, and grow. ‘Biotechnology made in Mainz’ is our motto. For the settlement of Kadans, the city of Mainz and its property management company (GVG), as the landowner, have had constructive discussions with Kadans and have successfully concluded negotiations on the area and leasehold rights. Now, we can hand over a significant area on the Life Science Campus to a major investor, which we are very pleased about. Kadans fully shares the vision we have as a city for the Life Science Hub Mainz. We are delighted that our Technoliezentrum Mainz will find a new home with Kadans, where they will operate an incubator for start-ups in biotechnology and life sciences. The city of Mainz continues to work intensively on a biotechnology axis and corresponding land offerings for today, tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow. Our course is set for the future,” said Nino Haase, Mayor of the State Capital Mainz.
“The dynamic development of the biotechnology location Rheinland-Pfalz is advancing. Innovation requires exchange and space – both will be significantly strengthened through the new collaboration in Mainz,” concluded Minister President Malu Dreyer and Minister of Economic Affairs Daniela Schmitt at the press conference
Photos © Staatskanzlei RLP / Jülich