Opening BioPark I 2001

BioPark Opening Ceremony at BioPark Regensburg

The booming development of biotechnology in Regensburg, which began only five years ago with the launch of the BioRegio Regensburg project, reached another climax with the opening ceremonies on the Bio Park premises on 25/26 May 2001. Within two years only the 1999-founded BioPark Regensburg GmbH turned the former "Haus der Stiftung", also set up in 1999, on the grounds of the University of Regensburg into a state-of-the-art centre for biotechnology in Bavaria.

 

The opening celebration on 25th Mai 2001 with (from left to right): Prof. Helmut Altner, Maria Eichhorn, Dieter Daminger, Hans Schaidinger, Dr. Edmund Stoiber, Hans Spitzner

 

In his opening speech, which he held during the official reception on Friday 25, 2001, Managing Director Dr. Thomas Diefenthal underlined to 150 invited guests that the development of the BioRegio-Regensburg had been a terrific one, also resulting in the fact that business premises in the BioPark building had completely been rented out. Number and quality of biotech companies in the region had been significantly increased by a network of altogether 17 start-up companies, by attracting already established enterprises and global players and by winning Ernst & Young Consulting as partners.


Prof. Dr. Helmut Altner, principal of the University of Regensburg, outlined in his ceremonial address that the development of the University of Regensburg, building the "Haus der Stiftung" and finally turning it into the BioPark had been difficult, but nevertheless unique and successful. He also had some good news to present: The Bavarian Ministry of Finance had given its consent to start the already planned second building for BioPark (BioPark II), right next to the first one.


The booming economical development of Regensburg proved fertile ground for the founding of BioPark, Hans Schaidinger, Lord Mayor of Regensburg, stressed in his address. He proudly pointed out the success biotech companies of the Upper Palatinate had attained in several business competitions, as well as the fact that Regensburg had been able to place itself among the highest ranks in several economical assessments.

 

The Team of BioPark Regensburg GmbH at the Open Door Day 26th May 2001 (f.l.t.r.): Andrea Schindler, Simone Pretzl, Inken Rebentrost, Sabine Süss, Gabriele Mirbeth, Johann Meier, Michael Kerscher, Dr. Thomas Diefenthal, Dieter Daminger, Herbert Beutl.

 

Dr. Edmund Stoiber, Prime Minister of Bavaria, showed himself duly impressed by the development in Regensburg and by the pioneering spirit of the young start-ups at BioPark. In his address he pointed out that he, having worked as an academic assistant at the university of Regensburg, had experienced life in this city in the late 60ies himself and that he appreciated that Regensburg now showed the highest economical growth in Bavaria.


On the open day on Saturday 26, 2001, about 3000 visitors were allowed access to the laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The visitors could get an idea of the opportunities and risks of biotechnology in Regensburg by watching films and talking to the researchers of the biotech companies. The evening, however, was reserved for the 150 employees of BioPark, who celebrated their joint success with an "After-Happening Party" until the early hours of the following day. Managing director Dr. Diefenthal was then already aiming for his next dream party: cut of the spade for BioPark II.

 

Go back