iQ spaces implements international lighthouse project in partnership with UBS Asset Management
Today's groundbreaking ceremony marks the official start of construction of the iQ space Berlin-Mitte, one of the most important future projects for biomedical research in Germany. The center is being developed by iQ spaces with its partner UBS Asset Management (UBS AM) and in close cooperation with Bayer AG, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the Berlin Institute of Health at Charité (BIH).
The project developer iQ spaces, which focuses on research and laboratory properties, and UBS AM are building a modern, ten-storey building with a total area of around 20,000 square metres in the immediate vicinity of the Bayer Open Innovation Campus north of Berlin's main train station. With an investment volume of around EUR 200 million, the project is one of the largest life science developments in Europe.
iQ spaces was selected as the developer of the project in 2024 as part of an international competition. Even before the start of construction, three long-term leases were concluded:
- 4,400 m² with Bayer AG for use by the Bayer Co.Lab, an incubator and springboard for early-stage biopharma startups
- 6,500 m² with Gene and Cell Therapies Incubator Berlin GmbH, a joint venture company of Bayer AG and Charité
- 4,600 m² with the Berlin Institute of Health for a GMP-certified production facility for gene and cell therapies, which is operated by the Berlin-based CDMO ProBioGen AG.
In a record time of only five months, the building permit was obtained in close cooperation with the authorities. The project is scheduled for completion in early 2028.
"This center brings together cutting-edge research, clinical practice and industry for the first time in this form - with a clear goal: to bring innovations to patients faster. We are proud that iQ spaces can make a decisive contribution with its many years of experience in the development of complex life science projects," explains Vincent Wege, Managing Director of iQ spaces, at the groundbreaking ceremony.
Astrid Lurati, Chief Financial Officer and Infrastructure Officer of Charité: "With iQ spaces, we have a partner who not only has in-depth know-how in the development of life science real estate, but also has the ability to successfully and efficiently implement challenging projects. The new Translational Center will help us to translate scientific findings into practice even more quickly."
Stefan Oelrich, Member of the Board of Management of Bayer AG and Head of the Pharmaceuticals Division: "The start of construction of the Berlin Center for Gene and Cell Therapies illustrates Germany's ambition to be successful as a leading location for transformative biotechnologies and as a hub for novel collaborations between science and industry. With iQ spaces as the project developer for the technically complex building and the rapid approval by the Berlin administration, it is clear that future projects for transformative key technologies can be successfully implemented in Germany."
Dr. Ruth Shah, Head of Bayer Co.Lab Berlin: "The move to the iQ Space Berlin-Mitte next to the Berlin Center for Gene and Cell Therapies is an important milestone. Having already supported pioneering start-ups last year, we are proud to be able to bring this experience to an expanded space thanks to the creative and innovative work of iQ Spaces. This gives us room to grow, foster more collaboration, and bring even more breakthrough ideas to life."
With its prominent waterfront location at Nordhafen – in the immediate vicinity of Bayer's headquarters, the Charité campus and Berlin's main train station – the project underlines Berlin's role as an international hub for life sciences.
The architectural design comes from the renowned HENN office, and SMV is responsible for project management. The project is being legally advised by Greenberg Traurig and DLA Piper. The financing partner of the project is Hamburger Sparkasse.
