Bayer launches LifeHub in Monheim with focus on the future of agriculture in Europe

Bayer announced today (26/10) the start of LifeHub Monheim, a future partnership-focused facility located on the campus of Bayer's Cultural Sciences Division global headquarters in Monheim, Germany.

LifeHub Monheim will bring together innovators, entrepreneurs and scientists from across Europe to share knowledge, experience and resources that will help enable sustainable food security for the world's growing population.

To promote innovative scientific approaches and dialogue with society that contribute to achieving the objectives of the European Union's Green Deal, LifeHub Monheim will work with leaders in the European open innovation ecosystem, providing expertise and resources to partners of all sizes. The Green Deal is the European Commission's roadmap towards a circular economy and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

"The challenges agriculture faces in feeding a growing population despite accelerating climate change and extreme weather events are greater than any one person can solve alone," said Bob Reiter, Chief of Research and Development, Division of Cultural Sciences from the company.

"Ensuring we are a supportive part of the innovation ecosystem is a critical way to ensure that innovative solutions to these issues get the support they need. Our global network of LifeHubs is an important way to connect with leading local innovators and support where Bayer can help make the most impact."

The new LifeHub's permanent home is scheduled to be completed in different phases during 2023 and 2024, but the center has already begun building relationships in Germany, especially in North Rhine-Westphalia, by hosting collaborative events from its temporary facilities.

In May 2022, LifeHub joined entrepreneurs and start-ups with scientists from Bayer at a launch day organized jointly with the European Innovation Institute, EIT Food. In November, a second launch day is planned with "High-Tech Gründerfonds", a leading German venture capital investor in innovative technologies and business models. As part of the kickoff today, Bayer hosted a gene editing symposium on the Monheim campus, bringing together leaders from around the world to discuss trends and discoveries in this rapidly advancing field.