Bayer has launched Bayer Co.Lab AdVenture, a new platform within its global life sciences incubator network. The initiative is designed to connect high-potential biotech startups with leading venture capital partners worldwide, accelerating access to funding and investment networks. The goal is to help transform early-stage scientific ideas into scalable, global healthcare solutions.
Key Highlights
- Launch milestone: Announced on the first anniversary of Bayer Co.Lab Shanghai, which also welcomed two new Chinese biotech startups.
- Mission: To expand global financing access for biotech entrepreneurs and foster collaboration between startups and VCs.
- Inaugural VC partners:
- Shanghai Industrial Investment Capital (SIIC)
- Legend Capital
- IDG Capital
- Bayland Capital
These firms will provide strategic guidance, curated investment opportunities, and strong local networks for Co.Lab tenants.
Strengthening Open Innovation
“Collaboration is essential to driving pharmaceutical innovation,”
- Juergen Eckhardt, M.D., head of business development and licensing at Bayer Pharmaceuticals.
He emphasized that Co.Lab AdVenture empowers startups by giving them access to global investment networks, accelerating growth, and driving transformative innovations to tackle global health challenges.
Expanding in China
- New tenants in Co.Lab Shanghai:
- OTR Therapeutics
- Nutshell Therapeutics
Both startups align with Bayer’s strategic R&D priorities, focusing on innovative treatment modalities targeting high unmet medical needs.
- Bayer’s China presence:
- Over 140 years in the market.
- 2 global R&D centres and 4 world-class manufacturing facilities.
- More than 80% of Bayer’s major multi-center clinical trials conducted in China. - Academic collaborations: Long-term partnerships with Tsinghua University and Peking University, generating 100+ joint research projects.
About Bayer Co.Lab
- A global incubator network for early-stage life sciences innovation.
- Locations: Berlin (Germany), Cambridge (USA), Kobe (Japan), Shanghai (China).
- Provides expertise, resources, and connections to entrepreneurs—with no strings attached.
- Focused on disruptive innovation and breakthrough science.
About Bayer
A global leader in healthcare and nutrition, Bayer operates under the mission “Health for all, Hunger for none.” The company aims to help people and the planet thrive by addressing challenges posed by a growing and aging population.
