Bio-Economy Campus Bönen
The Bio-Economy Campus is being developed in Bönen, North Rhine-Westphalia, as a knowledge-transfer campus connecting science and industry in the field of bioeconomy. It builds on the existing Bio-Security competence and technology center, which already provides around 14,000 m² of office and laboratory space. By 2029, an additional 6,000 m² of laboratory and technology-center space is planned.
Process & Engagement
The campus aims to connect companies with universities, research institutions and experts in the region. Its infrastructure is designed to support projects from research through to practical application. Companies can use shared equipment focused on bioprocess engineering and fermentation, while the bioeconomy technology center provides access to fermenters and downstream processing. The campus also supports companies in the biological transformation of their products and processes and provides innovative start-ups with space and technological infrastructure for high-tech developments.
Success Story
A major strength of the Bio-Economy Campus is its combination of modern infrastructure, scientific expertise and an established network. The existing Bio-Security competence and technology center Bönen already functions as an interface between science and industry and provides companies with laboratories, offices and support for research and development projects. This existing environment provides a strong foundation for expanding activities into the field of bioeconomy.
Impact & Results
The campus is intended to close the gap between scientific research and industrial application. Research results are to be transferred into marketable products and processes, while companies can access infrastructure and expertise that would otherwise require significant investment. This approach is particularly beneficial for start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to develop innovative and sustainable technologies.
Challenges & Lessons
The development of a successful bioeconomy ecosystem depends strongly on cooperation between different sectors. The Bio-Economy Campus therefore places considerable importance on close relationships between companies, universities, research institutions and other regional partners. The existing Bio-Security network demonstrates the importance of these connections for supporting innovation, research projects and new businesses.
Looking Ahead
The planned expansion of the campus will significantly increase the available laboratory and technology-center infrastructure. By combining these facilities with regional scientific partnerships and industry networks, the Bio-Economy Campus aims to strengthen knowledge transfer and create new opportunities for bioeconomic innovation in Westphalia.
Key Message
The Bio-Economy Campus brings together science, industry and modern biotechnology infrastructure to turn research into practical applications. A particular strength of the campus is the fermentation and bioprocess engineering facility currently under construction. It will enable laboratory-scale processes to be scaled up to a pre-industrial level using on-site equipment, including fermenters, analytics and downstream processing. With future fermenters offering capacities of up to 300–400 liters, combined with the corresponding technical and scientific expertise, the campus will provide companies and research projects with the opportunity to bridge the gap between laboratory development and industrial production.
