BIH and BioLabs Launch Clinical Incubator to Accelerate Translational Biotech in Berlin
Berlin, July 15, 2025 — The Berlin Institute of Health in der Charité (BIH), in partnership with BioLabs, has officially launched the Clinical Incubator (CLIC), a new facility designed to support the rapid translation of biomedical discoveries into clinical applications.
CLIC targets both academic research teams and early-stage biotech startups. By embedding the incubator within BIH’s translational ecosystem and the broader Charité hospital network, it provides access to clinical infrastructure, regulatory expertise, and commercial strategy—positioning projects to move more efficiently from the lab to the clinic.
“This is where innovation meets technology to convert ideas into impact and turn research into help.”— Prof. Dr. Christopher Baum, Chair of the BIH Board of Directors
“Great science doesn’t have to stop at the bench. It can go all the way to the bedside.”— Dr. Johannes Fruehauf, Founder & President, BioLabs
Situated in Berlin’s academic medical district, CLIC benefits from its proximity to Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, and a range of translational research institutes.
The incubator offers a unique position: embedded within a clinical setting, it provides access to patient cohorts, regulatory and legal expertise, hospital-based innovation programs, and venture networks. Organizers believe it is one of the few incubators in Europe so closely integrated with a hospital environment.
Policy, Funding, and Ecosystem Building
The launch included a panel discussion, “From Founding to Funding,” featuring speakers from Bayer, Nucleate Germany, Charité, and BioLabs. The conversation focused on challenges and opportunities for translational biotech in Europe.
“Translation doesn’t stop at Phase I. True success is when it becomes standard of care.”— Prof. Georg Duda, Berlin Center for Regenerative Therapies
“The fear isn’t about going commercial — it’s about going it alone. That’s why we build teams.”— Johanna Michielin, Regional Director Europe, BioLabs
Panelists acknowledged that while Germany has strong academic science, there are still barriers to creating globally competitive biotech startups—from limited founder experience in company formation, to delayed investor engagement and fragmented regulatory guidance.
“Together, you’re always stronger. And sometimes, the more unlikely the partnership seems, the greater the strength — because you’re truly complementary.”— Marion Hitchcock, Managing Director, Bayer R&D Berlin
“Don’t aim to succeed in European biotech — aim to succeed on a global stage.”— Hannah Payette Peterson, Co-Managing Director, Nucleate Germany
Panelists called for earlier connections between academic projects and entrepreneurial ecosystems, as well as stronger public-private partnerships to build the next generation of translational leaders in Germany and beyond.
The CLIC initiative is led by Garima Bhardwaj, Head of the Clinical Incubator at BIH. Her experience developing clinical innovation programs internationally supports the program’s goal of connecting global translational know-how with Berlin’s scientific talent.
The partnership with BioLabs brings not only operational infrastructure but also access to a broader global network of biotech founders, investors, and mentors. BioLabs currently supports over 250 companies across Europe and the U.S.
CLIC is now accepting applications from translational research teams, biotech entrepreneurs, and clinician-innovators. The program is expected to serve as a blueprint for other hospital-embedded incubators in Europe, aiming to reduce risk, accelerate development, and increase the likelihood of patient impact.
