InnovationLab
An Incubator of Knowledge
We, InnovationLab GmbH, are an established platform for research, development, and technology transfer in the fields of life science technologies, clean tech, and advanced manufacturing. Our strong co-innovation network serves as a hub of knowledge for our clients and partners.
Together with our shareholders—the world-leading corporations HEIDELBERGER Druckmaschinen and BASF, as well as the top-tier universities Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, and the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)—we have built up a wealth of expertise and contacts since our founding in 2008.
Our services
Platform for Technology Transfer in the areas of:
Life Sciences Technologies
The life sciences bring together interdisciplinary research on the structures and processes of life—from biology and medicine to biochemistry and pharmacy. The goal is to understand biological systems and translate this knowledge into innovative solutions for diagnostics, therapy, and prevention.
Our mission is to develop groundbreaking technologies that significantly advance the fight against cancer while strengthening sustainable, modern healthcare.
Clean Tech
Clean Tech brings together innovative technologies, products, and services that make energy and resource use more efficient, thereby reducing environmental impact. The focus is on smart solutions that combine environmental benefits with economic performance. We take a technology-driven, cross-sector approach. Our goal is to balance progress and sustainability through measurable efficiency gains.
Advanced Manufacturing
Advanced Manufacturing represents the intelligent integration of cutting-edge technologies and digital processes.
Automation and data-driven analytics give rise to flexible and efficient manufacturing systems that enable the highest quality and rapid adaptability.
One example of this is our spin-off, FLEXOO: With its unique expertise in printed electronics, it is driving innovative, flexible, and future-proof production solutions.
InnovationLab by the Numbers
18+
Years of experience
Since 2008/2009, clusters of excellence have been established here at the site in collaboration with centers of expertise and partners. We have had a well-established network of SMEs at the site for about 18 years.
~6,000 m²
Laboratory & office space
Under the motto "Everything under one roof," we offer S1 and S2 laboratories, physics laboratories, an ISO Class 7 cleanroom, a biosafety level 2 laboratory, as well as office space and coworking spaces.
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Research Projects
Collaborative research projects create crucial synergies that enable the accelerated development of marketable products and applications.
Everything Under One Roof
State-of-the-Art Research Infrastructure
Established SME Ecosystem On-Site
Strong Network for Co-Innovation
Protected Framework Through NDAs and IP Protection
Interdisciplinary Exchange
Central Location in Heidelberg
Comprehensive Service Package
Organized Workshops and Events
Fixed Price via Flat-Rate Service
Additional Services & Features Included
Our History
The Scientific Advisory Board of the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region was established in May 2007 at the initiative of Prof. Dr. Claus E. Heinrich, a former member of the SAP Executive Board and former Chairman of the Board of the Association for the Future of the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region (ZMRN e.V.).
The goal of this high-level committee was to advance collaboration between academia and industry in the region and to promote joint research activities. To achieve these goals, the Science Council actively supported the founding of InnovationLab GmbH and the successful application of the Forum Organic Electronics cluster in the Federal Ministry of Education and Research’s Leading-Edge Clusters competition, thereby creating added value for the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region and its surroundings.
From the very beginning, InnovationLab has been able to build on initiatives that in the past were primarily carried out as individual projects or bilateral collaborations
successfully connect leading regional companies, universities, and research institutions.
With the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)'s Leading-Edge Cluster Initiative serving as a catalyst, the loosely connected participants from the academic and business communities were successfully brought together.
In line with the co-innovation model, the partners’ expertise is pooled across disciplines. Joint research projects create significant synergies that enable the faster development of market-ready products and applications.
While its focus was initially on the development of organic electronics, InnovationLab now concentrates primarily on cutting-edge research in the fields of life sciences, clean tech, and advanced manufacturing.
InnovationLab Heidelberg
Located within the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region, our site offers optimal transport connections to Heidelberg Central Station, the A5 and A6 motorways, and Frankfurt Airport (approx. 80 kilometers away).
General Contact Form
Our users
Our platform serves as a robust network for our clients and partners.
Located in the heart of the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region and Heidelberg's Bahnstadt, we bring together companies, research groups, institutions, spin-offs, and start-ups. We place great emphasis on interdisciplinary, cross-industry exchange, from which all stakeholders benefit.
