Launch of the new Biotechnology Initiative Bavaria-Western Cape

The Biotechnology Initiative Bavaria–Western Cape marks the start of a new era in transcontinental research. The initiative strengthens international research and innovation capacity between Germany and South Africa. It brings together leading Bavarian universities and institutions with outstanding research partners in the Western Cape, thereby creating a strategic partnership for future biotechnological solutions in the fields of health, agriculture, the environment and the bioeconomy.

Kick-off event with the participating institutions

On 13 March 2026, the kick-off event for the Biotech Initiative Bavaria-Western Cape took place, attended by representatives from the 18 participating institutions. Ms Nina Vogel-Falahatkar from the Bavarian State Chancellery addressed the participants from Bavaria and South Africa, who were meeting online, and emphasised Bavaria’s strong interest in cooperating with its partners in the Western Cape. Minister-President Dr Markus Söder was present at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Biotech Initiative in South Africa in November 2025, alongside BayFOR’s Managing Director, Martin Reichel. The cooperation between Bavaria and the Western Cape looks back on a 30-year partnership. 

With this new initiative, the Free State of Bavaria and the Western Cape Province are building on their strengths in the emerging field of biotechnology. The Bavarian State Chancellery will initially fund the activities of the Biotechnology Initiative Bavaria-Western Cape for the next three years. The initiative is coordinated by the Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) and its Scientific Coordination Office Bavaria-Africa. 

Planned activities of the Bavaria-Western Cape Biotechnology Initiative

• Regular meetings, networking events, delegation visits and conferences
• Information on calls for proposals, funding advice and application support (including Horizon Europe)
• Support for mobility between partner institutions.

In this way, we make an important contribution to strengthening international research cooperation, accelerating innovation and developing solutions to global challenges.

Further information on the Biotechnology Initiative Bavaria-Western Cape can be found here.