Eva Wesley

Recent funding rounds highlight strong investment in biotech, industrial tech, agriculture, and deep tech. Brenus Pharma raised €11 million to advance cancer immunotherapy, while Pelico scales AI-driven manufacturing optimization. Aptimiz improves farm management, Remedy Metals targets rare earth refining, and Muodim develops non-invasive imaging technologies for industrial and infrastructure applications globally across diverse critical sectors.

Sandoz has signed a collaboration agreement with Shanghai Henlius Biotech covering the development, manufacturing and commercialization of up to 10 biosimilars. The $322 million deal expands Sandoz's portfolio to 39 assets, with projects targeting cancer, cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disorders already included.

Germany's biotech industry generated €9 billion in 2025, but faces growing international competition. Despite strong research, infrastructure, and talent, limited venture capital, complex regulation, fragmented biotech hubs, inefficient IP transfer, and risk aversion hinder commercialization. Strong cooperation between startups and pharmaceutical companies remains an advantage, supporting innovation, investment, talent, and potential exits.

Vienna researchers used AI to decode the “second genetic code” governing gene activation. Their deep-learning model designed 15 synthetic enhancers that successfully switched genes on specifically in the hearts, limbs, and nervous systems of mouse embryos. The breakthrough could deepen understanding of development and disease, potentially enabling future genetic treatments targeting tissue-specific processes.

Lady Gaga and Michael Polansky's Outer Bio has developed Yuna, an AI-powered platform that keeps donated human skin alive for four weeks. The startup analyzes tissue responses to treatments, studying aging, inflammation and sun damage. With $23 million raised, Outer Bio aims to provide human-based biological data for biotech and consumer-health companies while reducing reliance on animal testing.

Neko Health has raised $700 million in Series C funding to expand preventative healthcare and develop early-detection technology. Its 60-minute, radiation-free Neko Health Scan combines patented sensors and blood tests to assess millions of health data points. With over 100,000 scans completed, Neko is expanding into the US while improving automation, diagnostics, and personalized health monitoring.

Boehringer Ingelheim has acquired Swiss biotech Evax AG, expanding its animal-health business into therapeutic vaccines for horses. Evax's VLP technology targets chronic allergic skin diseases by stimulating specific antibody responses. Early studies show promising results, though evidence remains limited. The deal strengthens Boehringer's VLP vaccine strategy, following its 2024 acquisition of Saiba Animal Health.

Biotech remains one of venture capital's most stable sectors, attracting $36–40 billion annually despite AI's dominance. In 2026, AI-focused biotechs secured over $6 billion, while IPOs and acquisitions revived exit opportunities. Twelve companies achieved billion-dollar-plus deals. For founders, success increasingly depends on strong clinical evidence, realistic AI applications, regulatory readiness, and timely access to capital.

Sartorius Stedim Biotech shares remain below their 52-week high but above the low, indicating a cautious recovery. UBS maintains a positive medium-term outlook despite recent volatility. Technical support lies around €182.79 and €175.96, with resistance at €216.92 and €230.57. Growth prospects remain supported by biopharmaceutical demand, while customer investment cycles, project delays, and valuation pose risks.

China's biotech market, valued at $130 billion, is set to nearly double to $250 billion by 2036, outpacing US growth. Chinese firms now drive 30% of global clinical trials, with licensing deals surging. Despite strong fundamentals, share prices lag due to outdated perceptions and a “China discount,” creating potential opportunity as valuations may converge.