The coastal town of Büsum in the district of Dithmarschen, by virtue of its direct proximity to the North Sea, is already carving a niche for itself in the field of marine biotechnology. The know-how available locally looks set to develop into an even more important mainstay of the region following the establishment – aided by EU funding – of the "MariCube" business incubator and technology centre.
- 18 June 2010
Eventually Büsum will provide an optimum location particularly for young business pioneers seeking out and appreciating direct exchanges of expert scientific and business know-how in this forum for business, research and applied technology.
The MariCube in Büsum has been designed as a business and science park to make it easier for young entrepreneurs and scientists in marine biotechnology especially to set up operations in the town. This will enable the MariCube to play its part in the long-term establishment of the biotechnology sector in the region. The new centre will transform Büsum into a nationally and internationally recognised biotechnology centre.
A versatile range of services
The Büsum MariCube’s rentable surface area of 1 210 m² offers young entrepreneurs and scientists everything they need in terms of applied research and development. Services include offices, storage space, production facilities, laboratories, seminar rooms and a conference hall. Management at the centre also provide business-related support and services such as counselling on new business start-ups, subsidies and names of contacts.
Businesses established in the MariCube can also make use of efficient networking between companies, scientific institutions and other regional actors. For instance, the Gesellschaft für Marine Aquakultur mbH (GMA) company has its headquarters in the same complex, where it has established a research and development facility as a national centre of excellence for marine aquaculture. The Forschungs- und Technologiezentrum Westküste (FTZ), a university research and technology centre, is located a stone’s throw away. The MariCube is therefore nurturing close ties between science and business, the intensive flow of exchanges between which is helping to boost the regional economy.
Micro algae ‘Made in Büsum’
Regular marine-related events add to the diverse range of services offered by the business incubator and technology centre. Photo exhibitions, readings and discussion forums underscore Büsum’s claim to play a leading role in maritime sectors such as oceanography, marine and environmental technology, coastal protection and offshore wind energy. The MariCube therefore offers entrepreneurs optimum conditions in which to implement their ideas and projects.
One business which has already recognised these advantages by setting up its operations in the MariCube is BlueBioTech. This company – a specialist in research & development and the production and distribution of micro algae, and the recipient of several business newcomer awards – has established a new research centre in the MariCube.