"A decisive step has been taken towards the continued, sustainable development of the biotechnology landscape in Saxony. The biotech network operating successfully since 2001 under the auspices of biodresden e.V. has outgrown its regional boundaries. The members will now be incorporating in their experience into the biosaxony network serving the whole of Saxony," explained Prof. Kai Simons, the President of biodresden e.V.

The merger has brought together more than 50 members from business and science. With initially two offices in Leipzig and Dresden, biosaxony e.V. offers both local companies and others throughout the region concrete support. In addition, the work of biosaxony, the Saxon Coordination Office for Biotechnology, which acts on behalf of the Saxon State Ministry for Science and the Arts, will also be transferred to the newly established biosaxony e.V. association. Moreover, its range of activities will now be expanded from biotechnology to other areas of the life sciences and medical engineering. This interdisciplinary approach will intensify the assistance for futuristic developments in this highly innovative sector. And by directly integrating the leading players, it will enable both established and new sectors of industry to be more closely networked than ever before with Saxony's outstanding science and research landscape.

The aims of biosaxony e.V. include the coordination and further development of networking in Saxony, the strengthening of existing synergies, brokering cooperation, initiating projects with great future potential, and promoting technology transfer. "biosaxony e.V. is in an excellent position to provide active support to life sciences companies, research centers, local authorities and the regional government in connection with the continuation of the Biotechnology Campaign," stated Roland Göhde.

The efficient use of the shared potential of biotechnology, the life sciences and medical engineering will continue to make a valuable contribution to sustainable, successful economic local development in Saxony and the creation of additional jobs. And by firmly backing the biotechnology sector, the government of Saxony is closely involved in this process. The biotechnology/life sciences field is one of the leading growth industries. In the core area of biotechnology alone, the number of highly qualified permanent jobs in Saxony has risen more than five times over during the past decade to around 1,800.

For further information, please visit:
http://www.biosaxony.com

About biosaxony e.V.
Set up on December 18, 2009, biosaxony e.V. is a registered association representing biotechnology and related areas from materials science to medical equipment throughout the German region of Saxony. The founding members represent the various life science companies, research centers and representatives of the sector in Saxony.