Vision
The Life Science Factory initiated by Sartorius aims to establish Göttingen as a recognized location for life science start-ups.
Purpose
Our goals are to mobilize entrepreneurial forces from the ranks of Göttingen researchers, identify future technologies, and support spin-offs in order to maximize the prospects of entrepreneurial success for young life science start-ups.
Facilities
The Life Science Factory provides space and equipment for its users to work, do research, and build prototypes. This infrastructure is also embedded in a comprehensive program of events and mentoring.
Timing
Since January 2022, approx. 3,300 m² of newly constructed premises with state-of-the-art laboratory, office and event rooms have been available.
get to know us
We are doers, thinkers, and promoters with entrepreneurial spirit. Our team and our network are made up of life science experts and scientists, successful entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators. Together we pursue the vision of establishing a sustainable life science start-up community and promoting reciprocal exchange through the innovative Life Science Factory. In every new idea, we see the minds behind it; in every project, the energy that goes into it.
program team
Irina Reimer
Program Director
»As the old saying goes, ‘Paths are made by walking’. We accompany founders on their ground-breaking journeys and act as sparring partners to help them grow. There are a number of closely-linked factors involved in the success of a start-up. At the Life Science Factory program, we want to do our part in the process by working with our network and our partners to offer qualification programs and mentoring around life science entrepreneurship.«
contact for partnerships and general enquiries
irina@lifescience-factory.com
+49 175 7934152
Dr. Lena Oesterlin-Meret
Tech Transfer Manager
»I am motivated by a vision of Göttingen as a life science hub. A place with so much excellent science going on simply has to provide active support for start-ups, to help ensure that the outstanding research being done here can be transformed into products that benefit society. As Tech Transfer Manager, I work to make this happen by connecting start-ups with industry partners, investors, and mentors.«
contact for start-ups and community
lena@lifescience-factory.com
+49 151 74491827
Tatjana Kasper
Community Manager
»Inspired by the vision to create an extraordinary location for life sciences founders, I would like to contribute with my work to a life science network 2.0. Through active exchange and appropriate networking, knowledge can be shared, needs can be met and questions can be answered which invests in the future of all of us. I am looking forward to discussing the ideas of life science start-ups, accompanying them on their way and connecting them with the important network partners, like investors, mentors or other start-ups.«
contact for investors and community
tatjana@lifescience-factory.com
+49 160 7014221
Sten Küster
Program & Event Manager
“Supporting life science founders and other interested parties by developing exciting event formats and programs tailored to individual needs is my passion. The Life Science Factory is an integral component of the Göttingen life science community. We see our role as being an incubator for innovative life science start-ups.«
contact for programs and events
sten@lifescience-factory.com
+49 171 1164955
Svenja Hodel
Communication Manager
»We want to make the innovative and holistic Life Science Factory the location of choice for founders, researchers and scientists worldwide. I really enjoy sparking the interest of prospective partners and users, getting them excited about our concept, and exchanging ideas with company founders and supporting them with pertinent information and proposals.«
contact for communication and press
svenja@lifescience-factory.com
+49 151 50858994
Henrik Bartsch
Communication Assistant
»I’m fascinated by the potential and absolute necessity of many life science start-ups, as they can make a positive difference in people’s health and in their lives.
Through my work at the Life Science Factory, I want to help start-ups become visible, and offer them opportunities to do research with us, use our network, and develop their ideas with state-of-the-art laboratories and instruments.«
contact for social media
site team
Dr. Jan Borkowski
Site Director
»The Life Science Factory is a unique place that gives founders and their ideas room to grow. Helping people develop themselves and their ideas is my passion, and I’m very excited to help create this new format – a platform that inspires and unlocks potential, invites collaboration, and where innovation happens.«
contact for site and general enquiries
jan.borkowski@lifescience-factory.com
+49 160 931 885 75
Vanessa Wolkenhauer
Office & Front Desk Manager
»With the Life Science Factory and the Sartorius Quarter, a very special place has been created in Göttingen. The combination of new and historic buildings and companies offers a unique atmosphere for innovation, inspiration and creativity.
My motivation is to welcome founders* in a warm and relaxed community and to accompany them on their way.«
contact for general inquiries & first point of contact
vanessa.wolkenhauer@lifescience-factory.com
+49 151 72878144
Dr. Katrin Wallbrecht
Lab Manager
»Acting as an interface between science and industry, the Life Science Factory provides a platform for innovative thinkers to try out their ideas and turn them into products for the benefit of all. I’m excited to design lab environments that let teams focus entirely on their work. I love constructing things; bringing order to chaos through organization; establishing processes that turn ideas into reality.«
contact for lab space and lab equipment
katrin.wallbrecht@lifescience-factory.com
+49 160 911 220 48
maximilian bieker
Maker's Factory Manager
»I am excited to be part of the innovation we are bringing to the German life science community with our vision. I am always eager to introduce start-ups to the concepts of additive and conventional manufacturing processes. I enjoy working with teams to get them on the path to their first functional haptic prototype.«
contact for maker's factory und prototyping
maximilian.bieker@lifescience-factory.com
+49 160 905 372 11
Carina Burzinski
Lab Technician
»I’m excited to be part of the work from our founders as their supporter in the lab. The lab floor is not only the chance for every founder to set their ideas into reality, it´s also a place to learn from each other, to connect people and let creativity flew.«
Contact for lab space and services
carina.burzinski@lifescience-factory.com
+49 151 543 901 41
managing team
Dr. Sven Wagner
Managing Director
»Innovation is a continuous motor, and has been running steadily at Sartorius for some 150 years. It is a labor of love for us to turn Göttingen, renowned for its science, into a recognized start-up location with the help of the Life Science Factory.«
Marco Janezic
Managing Director
»The Life Science Factory embodies a concept that up to now has been unknown in Europe. We want to work with partners and the start-up community to generate local opportunities and provide a space to maximize the prospects of entrepreneurial success for young start-up teams.«
join our team
Become a part of the Life Science Factory! A highly motivated team awaits, ready to go through thick and thin with you, at an inspiring location in Göttingen. Join us in developing a lighthouse project in the field of life science entrepreneurship in Germany.
initiative application (m/f/d)
Unfortunately, we do not have any other job offers at the moment. However, we are always searching for personalities who fit in with us and therefore look forward to receiving your initiative application.
Your benefits
- A responsible position with room for co-design, innovation and creativity
- Access to a constantly growing international network of entrepreneurs, founders and experts in the field of life science
- Active participation in the development of a flagship project in the field of life science entrepreneurship in Germany
- A creative and motivated team and a workplace in an inspiring location
Interested and curious? Then we are looking forward to receiving your application documents to the following address career@lifescience-factory.com
coming
soon
FAQs
In the world of science, it is important to question everything. Science revolves around posing questions and seeking answers. We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about the facilities, services and memberships at the Life Science Factory, as well as the entire supporting program of mentoring and coaching. If you still have questions, please feel free to contact us!
general
what does the life science factory offer?
The Life Science Factory provides infrastructure for start-ups in the life science sector. In addition to fully equipped S1 laboratories, the “Maker’s Factory” prototyping workshop, and ample coworking spaces, our extensive range of mentoring and coaching services is an integral part of what the Life Science Factory offers. Start-ups can choose from a variety of membership modules to make the best use of the Life Science Factory facilities.
who can use the life science factory? is there a selection procedure?
Are you starting a company in the life science sector? Then get in touch with Lena or Tatjana, and we will see how best to match up our services with your needs.
who is behind the life science factory?
The Life Science Factory was initiated by Sartorius to reinforce Göttingen as a science location and to promote progress and start-ups in the life science sector. The Life Science Factory operates completely independently of Sartorius.
do i have to assign shares in my company to you if i use the services of the life science factory?
No. You don’t have to assign company shares to the Life Science Factory, nor to Sartorius.
i would like to join the life science factory - how can i become part of the team?
Whenever we have job openings, you’ll find them on our website. If you don’t see a position that matches what you have to offer, feel free to send a prospective application to career@lifescience-factory.com
wet lab and maker's factory
What is the safety level of the laboratory (S1, S2)?
Security level 1, possibility to upgrade to security level 2 (for parts of the laboratory)
For which methods is the laboratory equipped?
Working with bacteria, cell lines, molecular biological, protein biochemical methods, microscopy (brightfield, fluorescence, Z-stack, life cell imaging incl. analysis)
Can I do animal testing in the lab?
No, our laboratory is not approved for animal testing.
Can I bring my own equipment?
If you use it alone in your private lab, you are welcome to do so. However, you must take care of it yourself.
What services are provided by the Life Science Factory?
Autoclaving (waste and clean), rinsing/drying/sterilizing glassware, waste disposal, gown provision, storage space for chemicals (incl. documentation), storage space for samples (-80/-150°C), ice machine, use of laboratory equipment (incl. maintenance), communication with trade supervisory office (cooperation with approval/notification of changes in genetic engineering work), support in ordering system
What belongs to the basic equipment of each bench?
Pipettes (incl. stands), mini-vortexer, mini-centrifuge (without cooling), pipetting aid for serological pipettes, waste container, under-counter refrigerator and freezer (per bay = 2 benches), stands for reaction vessels (1 ml, 15 ml, 50 ml), PSA
What can I do in the Maker's Factory?
The Maker’s Factory is an open development workshop equipped with the latest manufacturing technologies to give you the opportunity to create prototypes or other complex projects.
How is the Maker's Factory equipped?
On around 200 square meters, you have access to various high-tech tools, such as 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC milling machines and CAD software, as well as machines and hand tools for (re)machining metal and plastic. Furthermore, various electronic and assembly tools are available.
services
how can i access your coaches and mentors?
Are you interested in our network? Then the Community Ticket would be the best membership module for you. It gives you access to our digital community platform and allows you to network with relevant contacts. To find out more about our memberships, see Memberships.
how can i participate in events put on by the life science factory?
Check out the Events page on our website for the schedule and links to register for our public events. Are you interested in other, more exclusive events? Email us at info@lifescience-factory.com to learn more about our membership plans.
what rental plans does the life science factory offer?
We have three modular membership plans that include space rentals. Memberships can be extended or shortened in accordance with your needs. Take a look at our Memberships page, or contact us for a conversation about all the available options.
we have not founded a company yet. can we still use your facilities?
Yes! Just contact Tatjana or Lena, and together we will find the best match for your needs.
where can i get more information about your facilities and memberships?
To find more details about how you can work with us, check out our Memberships page. If you’re already interested, or you need more information, you can send us an page. If you’re already interested, or you need more information, you can send us an email or use the contact form to get in touch. email or use the contact form to get in touch.
what is your "open coworking area" like?
The open coworking area occupies an entire floor at the Life Science Factory. This is a quiet area where members can book fixed or flexible workstations. Phone boots are available, as well as larger rooms for meetings. The open space gives you the advantage of working an inspiring environment with scientists and business people from the life science sector, where you have opportunities to share your thoughts with others and get new impetus. You prefer to work alone? No problem! There are plenty of more secluded spaces, as well as other options for a more private working atmosphere – contact us to learn more about our concept and the many options available!
what counts as "life science"? can our medtech company sign up with you?
Yes! If you are not sure whether your company or your idea falls within the field of life sciences, simply contact us and we will see how our facilities and services fit in with your work!
what are the advantages of life science factory memberships?
At the Life Science Factory, you will have an innovative, state-of-the-art and inspiring place in which to work on your project or for your company. The on-site community provides opportunities for you to learn from experienced founders and exchange ideas around your project. In addition to the networking and support programs, such as coaching and mentoring, you also benefit from the facility itself: offices, prototyping, and fully equipped laboratories – with no acquisition costs! For more about the advantages that await you, check out the Memberships page on our website.
If you have any questions or would like more details, just drop us a line and we’ll get back to you!
