Health and Life Sciences

Cologne: a healthcare success story

Cologne is both a leading national and international location in the sphere of Health and Life Sciences. From biotechnology and medical technology to digital health, Cologne's 200 or so healthcare companies are crucibles for innovation and growth in a sector that is changing fast due to demographic changes and increasing health awareness in society. Cologne’s leading international healthcare companies include Miltenyi Biotec, Bayer and Lonza and the region is home to approximately 60 startups and scaleups, that are drivers of future-focused solutions.

200 Companies
80000 Employees
6.5 bil Euros revenue/year

A lighthouse for medical professionals

With around 80,000 employees, the healthcare industry is the second largest sector in Cologne, generating a staggering 6.5 billion Euros each year. The sector is supported by excellent infrastructure as well as high population density and a good quality of life in the metropolitan area. The city not only attracts industry specialists, but it also provides them with opportunities for further career development and training in its renowned science and research establishments.

Cologne’s powerful research network

Cutting edge research is carried out in Cologne’s Health and Life Sciences sector at ten internationally recognised universities, around 40 hospitals and clinics, as well as three Max Planck Institutes. This know-how is directly passed on to students. In addition, technology centres such as BioCampus Cologne and RTZ Köln give startups, SMEs and corporations enough space for interdisciplinary cooperation and ideas exchange. A number of industry networks are also based here: BioRiver – Life Science in the Rhineland, Digital Health Germany, BioCologne and Gesundheitsregion KölnBonn; as well as federal authorities such as the Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA) and the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM). Being one of the most relevant international trade fair cities, Cologne is the location for a number of congresses in the field of Health and Life Sciences: from the Health 4.0 Innovation Congress to PerMediCon and the Health Congress of the West.

Health and Life Sciences - KölnBusiness

Monrol builds production plant

The Turkish biotechnology company Monrol, one of the leading global companies in nuclear medicine, is coming to Cologne.

Learn more

Downloadables

Information on Cologne's Health and Life Sciences industries
  • Digital Health and Life Sciences Ecosystem PDF | 1,013 KB
  • Health and Life Sciences Sector Overview PDF | 899 KB
  • Digital Health Sector Overview PDF | 979 KB

Any questions?

Our industry experts are happy to help you.
Nicole Aranibar

Foreign Investment Advisor

Health and Life Sciences