XLAB – Göttinger Experimentallabor für junge Leute e.V.

What XLAB – Göttinger Experimentallabor für junge Leute e.V. does

XLAB – Göttinger Experimentallabor für junge Leute e.V. is one of Germany's largest non-profit student laboratories for STEM (MINT) education, operating since 2000 as a legally non-independent central facility (zentrale Einrichtung) of Georg-August-Universität Göttingen. The organization delivers hands-on experimental courses across four disciplines — Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Computer Science/Mathematics — using research-grade laboratory equipment (mass spectrometers, laser systems, scanning electron microscopes, S1 safety laboratories for GMO work, radioisotope laboratories) that is unavailable in standard school settings. Its physical facility is located on the university's North Campus within walking distance of the Faculties of Natural Sciences, the University Medical Center, and the Leibniz and Max Planck institutes, leveraging this proximity to embed authentic research exposure into its pedagogy.

The product portfolio spans curriculum-aligned group courses for school classes, individually-booked student courses (Auszubildende at €100/person/day), holiday Science Camps, the three-week English-language International Science Camp (ISC) at €3,900 per participant all-inclusive, teacher continuing-education at €60/person/day, sponsored camps, Researcher Holidays (Forscherferien), and online courses at €80 per course. Over 200,000 teenagers, young adults, and teachers have participated since founding. The customer base is fragmented across German secondary schools (channeled partly through the MINT-EC excellence-school network), individual students, teachers seeking professional development, and international groups recruited via educational agencies (notably ASDAN China) and corporate partners (Sartorius, KWS, Boehringer Ingelheim).

Revenue is generated primarily through heavily subvented course fees and complemented by grants, sponsorships, and donations routed through the affiliated XLAB Foundation (which also operates the new XLAB Encounter Center with residential wing opened 2026-04-15). Pricing is structurally low for German school groups (€15/person/day, plus a €30 group fee; €25/person/day for anatomy) and significantly higher for international programs, but the dominant revenue mechanic remains a fee-for-participation model underwritten by public-mission funding rather than commercial sales. The organization has received the Federal Cross of Merit First Class (2013), the Lower Saxony State Medal (2018), and the Lower Saxony State Award (2007) in recognition of its contributions to science education. Scientific directorship transitioned from founder Prof. Dr. Eva-Maria Neher to Prof. Dr. Thomas Waitz, with Neher retaining a chair role on the XLAB Foundation board.

Name

XLAB – Göttinger Experimentallabor für junge Leute e.V.

Legal name

XLAB – Göttinger Experimentallabor für junge Leute

Website

https://xlab-goettingen.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

XLAB is a non-profit central facility of Georg-August-Universität Göttingen operating one of Germany's largest extracurricular STEM (MINT) laboratories, delivering hands-on research-grade experimental courses in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Computer Science to school groups, individual students, teachers, and international participants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

STEM Education Services

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (61171), All Other Schools and Instruction (61169)

akta.pro primary industry

Hands-on Science Exploration & Experiments (Lab Kits, Science Clubs) (EDAMABAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Research & Lab-Based Short-Term Programs (Undergraduate/Graduate) (EDAIAIAF), Virtual Labs, Remote Labs & Hands-On Practice Tools (EDAFABAH)

Keywords

• STEM laboratory education
• Hands-on science experiments
• Student laboratory courses
• Teacher continuing education
• Youth science camps

Headquarters

HQ city

Göttingen

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Course Fees - School Groups: Subvented course fees for school groups: €15 per person per day (€25 for anatomy courses), plus €30 course fee per group per day. Minimum group size 12 persons.
2. Science Camps: Multi-day science camps with fees varying based on available funding. International Science Camp €3,900 per person all-inclusive.
3. Teacher Training: Teacher continuing education courses at €60 per person per day (subvented), minimum 5 participants.
4. Individual Student Courses: Courses for individual students (Auszubildende) at €100 per person per day.
5. International Student Groups: EU students €25 per day; Non-EU students €110 per person per day.
6. Online Courses: Online events for school groups at €80 per course (minimum 12 persons).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

XLAB operates a non-profit student laboratory offering hands-on experimental courses in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Computer Science/Mathematics using research-grade equipment. The portfolio includes curriculum-aligned courses for school groups, science camps during school holidays, the flagship three-week International Science Camp for international participants, individual student programs, teacher professional development, and online courses. All programs are delivered at XLAB's dedicated facility on the North Campus of Georg-August-Universität Göttingen.

Product overview

XLAB – Göttinger Experimentallabor für junge Leute is one of Germany's largest extracurricular STEM (MINT) laboratories for young people, operating as a central facility of the Georg-August-Universität Göttingen. The organization offers a portfolio of hands-on experimental courses across four main scientific disciplines—Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Computer Science & Mathematics—serving student groups, individual students, and teachers. The product portfolio includes core experimental courses in each discipline, specialized Science Camps held during school holidays, the flagship International Science Camp (ISC) for international participants, Teacher Training programs, Researcher's Holiday programs for individual students, and Online Course offerings. The institution provides research-near laboratory experiences using equipment such as mass spectrometers, laser setups, and S1 laboratories, positioned on the North Campus near natural science faculties and research institutes.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• XLAB Foundation (XLAB Stiftung): A separate foundation established to promote education and vocational training in natural sciences, raise funds for experimental courses, and operate a meeting center for education, science and research.

Products and services

• Physics Experimental Courses Hands-on experimental courses in physics topics including astrophysics, atomic and quantum physics, electromagnetism, nuclear physics, laser physics, X-ray physics, and wave physics. Delivered using research-grade laboratory equipment (e.g., laser systems, radioisotope labs) for student groups, individual students, and teachers.
• Chemistry Experimental Courses Experimental courses covering analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, medicinal chemistry and biochemistry, electrochemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry, conducted with research-grade equipment including mass spectrometers. Designed for student groups, individual students, and teacher training.
• Biology Experimental Courses Experimental courses in evolution, molecular biology and genetics, neurobiology, ecology, organ systems and immunology, and metabolism. Features S1 laboratory work with genetically modified organisms for student groups, individual students, and teachers.
• Computer Science & Mathematics Courses Courses covering Smart Home programming with Calliope boards, Python and Artificial Intelligence introduction, mathematical reasoning and proofs, limits in mathematics, medical informatics, and quantum informatics. Designed for student groups, individual students, and teachers.
• Science Camps Multi-day holiday science camps in physics, chemistry, biology, and technology held during Easter, summer, and autumn breaks for students. Intensive experimental programs with hands-on research-near activities.
• International Science Camp (ISC) Three-week English-language international science camp for students worldwide, featuring course selections across STEM disciplines, final symposium presentations, and cultural exchange activities. Course fee is €3,900 per person all-inclusive.
• Teacher Training Courses Continuing education programs for teachers in physics, chemistry, biology, and computer science, covering current scientific topics and pedagogical methods. Priced at €60 per person per day for groups (minimum 5 participants), subvented.
• Researcher Holidays (Forscherferien) Vacation programs for individual students and groups featuring hands-on experiments in areas such as Game Coding for Sustainability and Biology & Technology, combining fun activities with scientific learning during school breaks.
• Online Courses Digital educational offerings in physics, chemistry, biology, and computer science accessible remotely for school groups (priced at €80 per course, minimum 12 persons) and individuals.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 200,000 teenagers, young adults, and teachers inspired since 2000
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, major and core.

• European Crystallographic AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 August 2025XLAB lecturer Dr. Erhard Irmer organized 'Crystallography in School' satellite event at ECM35 conference in Poland.
• ASDAN ChinamajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2011Beijing-based educational agency founded in 2011, cooperating with international universities. Recruits and organizes Chinese student groups for XLAB courses.
• International Center for Advanced Studies of Energy Conversion (ICASEC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with ICASEC at University of Göttingen for energy conversion courses. Expanded XLAB's portfolio to include thermodynamics and calorimetry courses, bridging physics, chemistry, and biology through energy science topics. ICASEC organizes lab tours for high school students in research laboratories.
• Göttingen CampuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork of university and research institutions in Göttingen. XLAB provides gateway to research institution exposure for teachers and students.
• Collaborative Research Center (SFB) 1565coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing cooperation with SFB 1565 (Molecular Medicine) at University Medical Center Göttingen. Students visit research labs and engage with current projects.
• Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary SciencescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLab tours and lectures by institute researchers, including Professor Claus Ropers' group for laser physics courses and ultrafast process investigations.
• Georg-August-Universität GöttingencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerXLAB is a central facility of the university, with physical location on North Campus. Partnership provides access to faculties of Natural Sciences, University Medical Center, and institutional credibility.
• SartoriusmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerGöttingen-based life science company invites Korean students annually. Provides laboratory visits, campus tours, and funding for participants. Sartorius has operated in South Korea for over 30 years.
• Friedrich-Wöhler-Forschungsinstitut für Nachhaltige ChemieminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation partner for chemistry camps, providing behind-the-scenes research exposure.
• Sonderforschungsbereich 1633minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative research center partners for chemistry camp programs.
• Coherent LaserSystems GmbH & Co. KGminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLaser technology company providing lectures on applications in digital communication, medicine, and energy transformation for ISC laser physics courses.
• Prof. Andreas Janshoff Research Group (Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Göttingen)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides scanning electron microscope (SEM) access for polymer course participants to analyze microfiber diameters.
• Prof. Markus Bohnsack (Institute of Molecular Biology, UMG)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosts ISC Molecular Medicine participants for career discussions and research lab visits.
• Boehringer IngelheimminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld's leading research pharmaceutical company (9,800 employees) visited by Korean students as part of Sartorius-organized program.
• MINT-ECmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNetwork of excellence schools in Germany facilitating student access to XLAB camps and courses.
• Instituut voor Lerarenopleidingen (Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTeacher training students from Rotterdam visit XLAB for four days annually for experimental course exposure.
• Piller and Sartorius CompaniesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCompanies from southern Lower Saxony participated in panel discussion on training and career prospects for metal industry scientific specialists.
• XLAB FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndependent foundation supporting XLAB through fundraising for experimental courses, international camps, and teacher training. Currently building meeting center with residential wing in Weende district.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• LernortLabor e.V. (German School Lab Network): Industry association of over 400 student laboratories in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Comparable as the ecosystem and convening body for XLAB's peer labs, useful for benchmarking and partnership rather than direct competition.

Regional players

• Science Centre Singapore: Major regional science center offering hands-on exhibits, school programs, and STEM camps in Asia. Comparable in delivering hands-on STEM experiences to youth and educators, but Asia-focused rather than European.

Direct peers

• NatLab (Freie Universität Berlin): University-affiliated student laboratory at FU Berlin providing hands-on STEM courses for school groups, teachers, and individuals. Directly comparable mission, university-anchor model, and curriculum span across natural sciences.
• Forscherstation Heidelberg: Student laboratory in Heidelberg focused on early STEM education research and courses for preschool and primary school children. Comparable in delivery of hands-on inquiry-based science learning, though with a younger age focus.
• Gläsernes Labor (Campus Berlin-Buch): One of Germany's largest student laboratories, also offering hands-on experimental courses in life sciences and natural sciences for school groups and individual students. Comparable in role, structure, and target audience, though based in Berlin rather than Göttingen.
• BayLab (Bayer AG): Corporate-sponsored student laboratory run by Bayer offering hands-on life science and chemistry experiments for school students. Comparable in curating research-grade lab experiences for young audiences, though anchored by a corporate sponsor rather than a university.

Emerging players

• PhET Interactive Simulations (University of Colorado Boulder): Free, research-based interactive STEM simulations used by millions of students and teachers globally. Comparable in delivering STEM learning experiences, but as a software/digital alternative that competes with XLAB's online offerings rather than its physical labs.

Broad incumbents

• Max Planck Schools (Max-Planck-Gesellschaft): National education initiative offering advanced STEM courses and dormitory programs for top-performing high school students. Comparable in targeting gifted STEM students with research-oriented learning, but operates at a national rather than single-laboratory scale.
• Deutsche Museum (Munich): One of the world's largest science and technology museums, with extensive educational programs for students and teachers. Comparable in STEM audience and educational mission, but operates as a broader museum/exhibits venue rather than a focused lab-based course provider.
• Helmholtz School Lab Initiative: Federated network of student labs across Germany's 18 Helmholtz research centers offering hands-on STEM courses. Comparable in mission and venue-based lab programming, but operates as a distributed national umbrella rather than a single specialist facility.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/xlab-g-ttinger-experimentallabor-f-r-junge-leute-e.v.

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about XLAB – Göttinger Experimentallabor für junge Leute e.V.