Trends in the German biotechnology sector in 2026

100 Days German Hightech Agenda – What does the Biotech Industry expect from it?

Berlin (November 7, 2025) – On the occasion of the publication of the High-Tech Agenda 100 days ago and its kick-off by the German federal government, the biotechnology industry association BIO Deutschland e. V. is taking stock of the agenda's goals and measures and gauging the mood in the industry. A recent flash survey showed that sentiment among biotechnology companies remains stable compared to last year. A positive trend can be seen in the willingness to invest in research and development, while a rather negative trend can be seen in personnel planning. BIO Deutschland is calling on federal ministries to pool their resources and coordinate with EU initiatives so that the High-Tech Agenda can become a booster for the German biotech industry. Only in this way can the measures be implemented and entrepreneurs in the industry be enabled to leverage the full potential of biotechnology in Germany.

Roland Sackers, CEO of BIO Deutschland, says: "Biotechnology companies are an integral part of the value chain from research and development to market maturity. This applies to therapies, diagnostics, and other biotechnology products.  That is why we urgently need close cooperation between the relevant political departments at federal and EU level to support the industry. The momentum for biotechnology is currently very high in Brussels. The activities there must now be well and quickly integrated with measures in Germany. In this way, we can strengthen our biotechnology location and make it even more successful internationally. The high-tech agenda highlights key technologies and sets important goals. Implementation can only succeed if we work together."

Viola Bronsema, Managing Director of BIO Deutschland, adds: "Our quick survey of biotech companies revealed no significant changes in the assessment of the current or future business situation or the political climate. A slightly positive trend can be seen in investment in research and development, while personnel planning is tending toward caution. Equity financing could be better. The general mood is therefore mixed. This makes it all the more important to send a political signal now. Especially in view of developments in the US and Asia, we must continue to show visible and clear political commitment here in Germany in order to strengthen the attractiveness of the location. As promising as the high-tech agenda is, the mood in the industry remains subdued."

The trend survey was conducted for the 20th consecutive time. The 2025 results are based on 73 responses from industry insiders, including therapy developers, biomedical service providers, industrial biotechnology and diagnostics providers, and other biotech companies. The index values are calculated and determined using the same methodology as that applied by the IFO Institute.