SAN DIEGO, Calif. (June 23, 2026) – The Indiana Life Sciences Association and Life Science Nord, one of Germany’s leading life sciences clusters, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaboration between Indiana’s life sciences ecosystem and the Life Science Nord region of Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein.
The agreement was formally signed during the BIO International Convention in San Diego, bringing together two organizations committed to advancing innovation, commercialization, and international business development within the life sciences sector.
The partnership establishes a three-year framework for cooperation focused on fostering business relationships, supporting market expansion opportunities, facilitating knowledge exchange, and connecting companies, research institutions, and industry stakeholders across both regions.
Life Science Nord represents more than 600 biotechnology, pharmaceutical, digital health, and medical technology companies, along with numerous research institutions throughout Northern Germany. The Indiana Life Sciences Association serves as Indiana’s only statewide life sciences trade association, representing organizations spanning biotechnology, medical technology, pharmaceuticals, digital health, research, manufacturing, and related sectors.
Under the agreement, both organizations will serve as gateways for companies seeking to explore opportunities in their respective markets. The collaboration will provide member organizations with access to market intelligence, business matchmaking, research partnerships, funding information, and support for international expansion efforts.
“This agreement reflects our commitment to creating meaningful international opportunities for Indiana’s life sciences companies,” said Kristin Jones, President and CEO of the Indiana Life Sciences Association. “Germany is one of the world’s leading life sciences markets, and Life Science Nord has built an impressive ecosystem of innovative companies, researchers, and investors. By formalizing this partnership, we are creating new pathways for collaboration, investment, and growth that will benefit organizations on both sides of the Atlantic.”
The MOU also calls for regular exchanges between the organizations, annual meetings, and the identification of future collaborative projects that support innovation and economic development.
“Life sciences innovation increasingly depends on strong international networks,” said Oliver Schacht, PhD, Managing Director of Life Science Nord. “Indiana has emerged as one of the premier life sciences hubs in the United States, with strengths in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, medical technology, research, and healthcare innovation. We are excited to partner with the Indiana Life Sciences Association to connect our companies, share expertise, and help organizations from both regions successfully access new markets and opportunities.”
The partnership aligns with broader efforts by both organizations to support global engagement, accelerate innovation, and strengthen the competitiveness of their respective life sciences sectors.
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About the Indiana Life Sciences Association The Indiana Life Sciences Association is Indiana’s only statewide life sciences trade association. Founded more than 30 years ago, the organization connects, promotes, and advocates for life sciences companies, research institutions, healthcare organizations, and industry partners throughout Indiana. Through networking, advocacy, and strategic partnerships, the Indiana Life Sciences Association works to strengthen Indiana’s position as a global leader in life sciences innovation and manufacturing.
About Life Science Nord Life Science Nord is the life sciences cluster organization for the German states of Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein. The cluster encompasses more than 600 biotechnology, pharmaceutical, digital health, and medical technology companies, as well as leading universities, hospitals, and research institutions. Life Science Nord Management GmbH facilitates collaboration among industry, academia, and government while supporting innovation, business development, and international growth opportunities.
Media Contacts:
Jeremy Brilliant, Chief Marketing Officer
Indiana Life Sciences Association
jbrilliant@inlifesciences.org
Jan P. Denkers, Manager PR & Communications
Life Science Nord
denkers@lifesciencenord.de