In late summer of 1995 about 15 to 20 biologists, physicists and businessmen gathered in the venerable Senate hall of the Alma Mater Jenensis and discussed the idea for a regional concept meant to commercialise biotechnology. It was quickly agreed that the Jena area must seek its chance in the upcoming BioRegio competition of the Federal Ministry for Education, Research and Technology.
On November 15, 1995, the foundation ceremony took place in just that same room. Twelve people, the Mayor of our City among them, signed the articles of the association and elected an executive committee. Thus the foundation was Iaid for a successful development over the last four years.
In 1996, after a relatively short period of time and with limited financial means, the commitment of numerous regional participants and the strong support by the Thuringian Ministry for Science and Culture made it possible to outline the concept ,,BioInstruments Jena", to define it and defend it successfully before the jury of the BioRegio competition.
This work was worth 30 mil DM. The Jena area was invited to present proposals of this order to the Federal Ministry of Education and Research for funding. The extraordinary vote for our concept has had many more implications, however. Since 1996 more than 50 biotech comnpanies have been founded in our area. Established firms have opened ,,BioInstrument" divisions. Private investors are putting substantial amounts of money in this technological field of our region. At Beutenberg Campus - a quickly expanding science park - the BioInstrumentation Centre will seen be ready to lease modern laboratories to young biotechnology firms. Biostart GmbH represents the Bioregion Jena at all important exhibitions and conventions around the world and offers investors the opportunity for entrepreneurial activities in Jena.
The concept has been effective. Today our association has 50 members. This success could not have been achieved without their active commitment and without political and administrative support. It is the association's intention to carry this concept in a discriminatory way and to give new impulses when needed.
BioInstruments Jena e.V. is clearly not a temporary construction anymore. In 2004 the Ministry for Economy, Technology and Labour nominated the Association as the Coordination agnecy of the Cluster. Yet this means more responsibility for the executive committee as well as for the members. "BioInstruments Jena" are up to date as ever. It is our long-term objective to extend its scope under the light of scientific and technological development and to include new facets. Our members join us in our quest to follow our goals decidedly.
