Foundations and start-ups: the driving force behind medical research

On the Bavarian State Government’s decision regarding the VC4Start-ups initiative.

Private foundations play a crucial role in ensuring that medical research in Germany can progress – often in areas where government or industry funding approaches its limits. In Bavaria in particular, it is evident how strongly the interaction between foundations, universities and new initiatives shapes the climate for innovation. Recent political decisions are providing further impetus and opening up new avenues for medical breakthroughs and start-up funding.

By Ernst G. Wittmann