Life Science Factory

What Life Science Factory does

Life Science Factory is a privately held, Sartorius-initiated life science incubator operating from the Sartorius Quarter in Göttingen, Germany, with a second location at the Helmholtz Munich Pioneer Campus in Munich-Neuherberg opened in 2024. The company provides turnkey laboratory infrastructure, coworking space, and prototyping facilities to early-stage biotech, medtech, diagnostics, therapeutics, and food-tech startups, structured around four recurring membership tiers (Community Ticket, Coworking Basic, All-Inclusive Lab, Maker's Factory Basic) plus modular add-ons (Fixdesk, Additional Lab Person, Lab Exclusive, Coworking Exclusive, Day Passes). The physical offering spans roughly 3,300 m² in Göttingen — including a 300 m² Maker's Factory workshop equipped with FDM/SLA/Polyjet 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC milling machines, and 3D scanning — and shared access to high-end instruments such as the CytoFlex LX flow cytometer, IncuCyte SX5, Äkta Pure chromatography system, and Sorvall WX90+ ultracentrifuge, with selective S2 certification available.

The business model is a recurring modular subscription on the lab/coworking/workshop side, supplemented by program and event revenue. Pricing is quote-based across the subscription tiers; only Maker's Factory day passes (€40 single, €290 for ten, €170/month) are publicly disclosed. Crucially, the incubator takes no equity from member startups, monetizing instead through monthly membership fees and a dense calendar of paid and free programming — most notably the ELSA (Entrepreneurial Life Science Accelerator) co-delivered with Fraunhofer, Helmholtz Munich, and H3 Health Hub; the Wildcard Challenge co-organized with HTGF and White IP; Mentor Match with IHK Göttingen; and Investor Days. The company operates under a dual-entity structure (Management GmbH for-profit and gGmbH non-profit), is supported by Sartorius AG, and is co-funded by the European Union (Europa für Niedersachsen) and the Bavarian State Ministry for Economic Affairs for its Munich site.

Go-to-market is community-led and event-driven: prospective members enter through ELSA, Wildcard Challenge, Mentor Match, and a presence at major industry conferences (BIO-Europe, BIONNALE, Deutsche Biotechnologietage), supplemented by university and research institution referral pipelines. Customer segments are intentionally narrow — life science founders and academic entrepreneurs as primary users, with investors and corporate partners as a secondary ecosystem layer — yielding a low-concentration, long-tail member base across roughly a dozen named active startups and a growing alumni roster.

Name

Life Science Factory

Legal name

Life Science Factory Management GmbH

Website

https://lifescience-factory.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2022

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Life Science Factory is a Sartorius-backed German life science incubator operating from Göttingen and Munich, providing turnkey S1-S2 lab infrastructure, coworking, prototyping workshops, and structured accelerator programming for early-stage biotech and medtech startups without taking equity.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Biotech Incubator Services

SIC

Laboratory Apparatus & Furniture (3821)

akta.pro primary industry

Life Sciences/Laboratory Property Management (BPAJAGAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Lab Furniture, Facilities & Utilities (Benches, Casework, Gas/Water Systems) (HLAGAIAM), Makerspace, Innovation Lab & Fab Lab Operations (Tools, Safety, Programming) (EDAEAGAI), General Lab Equipment (Centrifuges, Incubators, Shakers, Ovens) (HLAGAIAC)

Keywords

• Life science incubator
• Biotech startup support
• Laboratory coworking space
• Medtech entrepreneurship programs
• Prototyping workshop services

Headquarters

HQ city

Göttingen

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Laboratory Memberships: Monthly membership fees for dedicated S1 lab benches in the open lab area, inclusive of shared equipment access, wash kitchen service, centrifuge rooms, and standard lab waste disposal. Add-ons include dedicated exclusive lab space and additional bench capacity for larger teams.
2. Coworking Space Memberships: Monthly memberships for flexible or fixed workstations in the coworking space, including access to the Factory Community, meeting room allotments, and office infrastructure. Add-ons include fixed desk and exclusive lockable office.
3. Maker's Factory Memberships: Monthly memberships and day passes for access to the prototyping workshop, including training on equipment, use of machines (3D printers, laser cutters, CNC), basic prototyping materials, and workshop participation.
4. Community Ticket Membership: Entry-level membership providing access to the Factory Community digital platform, participation in selected programs and events, and networking access without physical workspace.
5. Event and Program Revenue: Revenue generated through paid event participation, workshop delivery, and program delivery (e.g. ELSA, Wildcard Challenge, consulting). Some programs are free for members; external participants may pay.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Life Science Factory operates a turnkey life science incubator providing fully equipped S1–S2 laboratory benches, coworking workspace, and a 300 m² prototyping workshop (Maker's Factory) to early-stage biotech, medtech, and diagnostics startups on monthly memberships. The offering is bundled with curated community access, structured programs (ELSA accelerator, Mentor Match, Investor Days, Wildcard Challenge), and regulatory/GxP support through a Sartorius-affiliated ecosystem across two German locations.

Product overview

Life Science Factory is a life science incubator offering a modular infrastructure and support ecosystem for biotech and medtech startups. The core offering comprises All-Inclusive Lab (S1-S2 ready laboratory benches with comprehensive services), Coworking Basic (flexible workspace), and Maker's Factory Basic (300 m² prototyping workshop with 3D printing, CNC, and laser cutting equipment). These are supplemented by Community Ticket membership and various add-ons (Fixdesk, Additional Lab Person, Lab Exclusive, Coworking Exclusive, Day Passes). The programs portfolio includes the ELSA accelerator, Mentor Match 1:1 mentoring, Investor Days matching, and the Wildcard Challenge competition. Event offerings encompass the ELSA Pitch Bowl, Life Science Start-up Day, Future of Life Sciences vertical, Leading Life Science Entrepreneurs Talks, bio:cap (Life Science & AI Investival), LIFT-OFF competition, Deep Dive educational sessions, SynBio World Cafe, and Young Entrepreneurs in Science. The incubator operates two locations in Göttingen (Sartorius Quarter) and Munich (Helmholtz Munich Pioneer Campus), with funding from Sartorius, EU (Europa für Niedersachsen), and Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• All-Inclusive Lab Monthly membership providing fully equipped, secure-access S1 laboratory benches with shared functional labs (cell culture, microbiology, DNA/RNA, protein biochemistry), high-end instrument access, autoclave/glasswash service, lab coat cleaning, sample storage (-80°C/-150°C), and modular add-ons for teams. Designed for early-stage biotech, medtech, pharma, and diagnostics startups needing plug-and-play BSL-1 lab infrastructure without capital investment.
• Coworking Basic Monthly coworking membership offering a flexible or fixed workstation in the Life Science Factory's modern coworking area with full office infrastructure, Factory Community access, digital community platform profile, selected programs and events, and a monthly meeting room time allowance. Designed for life science founders and remote employees of member startups.
• Maker's Factory Basic Monthly membership for the 300 m² Maker's Factory prototyping workshop, providing access to FDM/SLA/Polyjet 3D printers, laser cutter, CNC milling, 3D scanning, vacuum forming, hand tools, basic prototyping materials, free equipment training, and workshop participation. Designed for hardware, medtech device, and tooling-focused life science teams needing rapid prototyping capabilities.
• Community Ticket Entry-level monthly membership providing access to the Factory Community digital platform, participation in selected programs and events, networking with founders and researchers, and consultation tips for launching a venture. Excludes physical workspace. Designed for academic entrepreneurs, prospective founders, and ecosystem participants not yet requiring lab or desk space.
• ELSA (Entrepreneurial Life Science Accelerator) Structured three-module accelerator (two-day modules delivered monthly) covering technology validation, market and customer understanding, strategic positioning, and investor relations for early-stage life science startups. Co-delivered annually with Fraunhofer, Helmholtz Munich, and H3 Health Hub. Free for selected startups, culminating in the ELSA Pitch Bowl. Designed to take pre-seed/seed life science founders from technology readiness to investor-ready within three months.
• Mentor Match 1:1 mentoring program matching Life Science Factory member startups with experienced mentors from IHK-affiliated industrial companies using a matching-as-a-service approach, including reverse-mentoring. Supports startups on topics such as regulatory affairs, IP strategy, business modeling, and commercialization. Designed for life science founders seeking experienced industry advisors outside their own networks.
• Investor Days Structured investor matching platform bringing together Life Science Factory startups in drug development, therapeutics, tools, MedTech, food, and agritech with venture capital, family offices, and corporate venture investors seeking partnerships. Designed to provide curated deal flow for investors and capital access for member startups.
• Wildcard Challenge Annual startup competition offering evaluation of business ideas, business model canvas development, roadmap creation, and the chance to win a wildcard spot in the ELSA accelerator program. Co-organized with White IP (IP strategy coaching) and HTGF (~€900M AUM seed investor with 650+ portfolio companies). Designed to attract and validate high-potential early-stage life science startups into the Life Science Factory ecosystem.

Quantifiable outcome

• Startups can get operational in the lab immediately with no acquisition costs or setup delays — plug-and-play bench, freezer, fridge, pipettes, and full equipment access from day one
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and minor.

• FraunhofercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Fraunhofer is a co-delivery partner of the ELSA (Entrepreneurial Life Science Accelerator) program, contributing technical expertise, coaching, and validation frameworks alongside Helmholtz Munich and H3 Health Hub. The partnership strengthens the credibility and depth of the accelerator's curriculum in technology development and market readiness.
• Helmholtz MunichcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Helmholtz Munich co-delivers the ELSA accelerator program and hosts the Life Science Factory's second location at the Pioneer Campus in Munich-Neuherberg. The partnership provides startups with access to Helmholtz research infrastructure, scientific expertise, and the broader Helmholtz innovation ecosystem.
• H3 Health HubcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022H3 Health Hub is a co-delivery partner of the ELSA accelerator program, contributing healthcare market expertise, investor networks, and clinical/health economics perspectives to the curriculum alongside Fraunhofer and Helmholtz Munich.
• White IP GroupsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerWhite IP Group (White IP Business Solution GmbH and White IP Patent & Legal GmbH) co-organizes the Wildcard Challenge, providing intellectual property strategy coaching, business model canvas validation, and roadmap development for participating startups. Specializes in patent law and innovation business consulting.
• IHK GöttingensupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerIHK Göttingen is a co-pillar of the Mentor Match program alongside the University's Transfer & Startup Hub and Life Science Factory. IHK connects startups with experienced mentors from its member companies in the industrial sector, providing 1:1 matching and reverse-mentoring.
• BioRegioN / Life Sciences NiedersachsensupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerBioRegioN is the central contact point for life sciences in Lower Saxony, connecting partners from business, science, and politics. They co-organize the Life Science Tag Niedersachsen, one of the key regional life science networking events.
• BIO DeutschlandsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerBIO Deutschland is the German biotechnology industry association. The Life Science Factory participates in and sponsors association events including the Deutsche Biotechnologietagen and BIONNALE as Gold Sponsor.
• Sahlgrenska Science ParksupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSwedish life science incubator and cluster organization. The Life Science Factory serves as the German host location for the Sahlgrenska Global Health Hackathon, expanding its international network and attracting global health innovation challenges.
• FidabiominorOthersPartner company providing services or solutions to the Life Science Factory community. Listed among ecosystem partners on the community page.
• PromegaminorOthersPartner company providing biological and assay solutions to the Life Science Factory community. Listed among ecosystem partners on the community page.
• Zymo ResearchminorOthersPartner company providing molecular biology and epigenetics solutions to the Life Science Factory community. Listed among ecosystem partners on the community page.
• KWSminorOthersPlant breeding and biotech company listed as an ecosystem partner. Potentially provides access to agribiotech expertise and networks for relevant community members.
• Fraunhofer VenturesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerFraunhofer's venture arm and startup support unit, listed as a network partner. Connects startups with Fraunhofer technology transfer opportunities and the broader Fraunhofer ecosystem.
• Max Planck SocietyminorOthersListed as a network partner. Provides potential access to Max Planck Institute spinoff pipeline and advanced research capabilities.
• INCATEminorOthersIncubator/accelerator network for antiviral therapies. Listed as a network partner, potentially collaborating on antiviral and infectious disease startup support.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• LabCentral: US-based non-profit life science incubator providing fully equipped lab benches, shared equipment, and programming for biotech startups. Closely comparable operating model to Life Science Factory's All-Inclusive Lab membership and serves an analogous founder community.
• BioInnovation Institute (BII): Copenhagen-based life science incubator offering lab facilities, acceleration programs, and venture creation services. Directly comparable in mission (commercializing European life science research) and in combining physical lab infrastructure with structured accelerator programs (similar to ELSA).
• BioGenerator: St. Louis-based life science venture studio and incubator providing lab space, programming, and seed funding. Comparable in combining lab infrastructure with accelerator/mentorship programming for early-stage life science startups.

Regional players

• Innovations- und Gründerzentrum Biotechnologie (IZB Martinsried): Munich-based biotech startup center offering lab and office space to life science companies. Most direct regional competitor to Life Science Factory's Munich location; comparable in lab/office rental model and in serving Munich's biotech startup ecosystem.
• BioPark Regensburg: German biotech park providing lab and office infrastructure for life science companies in Bavaria. Comparable in offering turnkey lab space and being a regional cluster for German biotech — relevant to assessing Life Science Factory's domestic competitive position.
• BioCity (Nottingham): UK life science business and workspace community offering lab and office space plus business support. Comparable in workspace-plus-community model for European life science startups, though operating in a different geography.
• Science Park Graz: Austrian life science and tech park providing workspace and incubation services to early-stage science companies. Comparable in serving DACH-region early-stage life science startups and in offering workspace plus incubation support.

Broad incumbents

• Bayer CoLaborator: Bayer's life science incubator offering lab space and partnership access for early-stage biotech startups. Comparable in being a large-corporation-affiliated life science incubator with a similar target customer (early-stage life science founders) — analogous to Life Science Factory's Sartorius relationship.
• MaRS Discovery District: Toronto-based innovation hub offering lab/office space, accelerator programs, and venture services with a strong life science vertical. Comparable in providing integrated lab, programming, and investor matching — though operating at much larger scale and across multiple sectors.

Emerging players

• Wyss Zurich: ETH/University of Zurich translational center offering lab space, prototyping facilities, and acceleration programs for life science and MedTech startups. Comparable in combining physical lab infrastructure with prototyping (analogous to Life Science Factory's Maker's Factory) and accelerator programming in the DACH region.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/life-science-factory
• Instagraminstagram.com/lifesciencefactory
• Xx.com/life_sc_factory
• Facebookfacebook.com/lifesciencefactory

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Life Science Factory