The Life Science Nord Cluster in the federal states of Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein embraces over 500 biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical technology companies, clinics and research institutes. About 55,000 employees work in the health industry. In biotechnology, some 20,000 employees work within the Life Science Nord Cluster. 

Particular features of the cluster are the broad business base and the complete value chains from basic and applied research to clinical studies and the marketable end product. The good, close cooperation between researchers, clinicians and industrial partners in many fields is reflected in innovative products, projects and technologies. 

Cluster management and the association:
The cluster management organisation Life Science Nord was set up by the North German federal states of Hamburg und Schleswig-Holstein to develop the cluster into a leading international life sciences network. Life Science Nord and the registered association Life Science Nord e.V. work together to achieve that goal. About 290 regional firms and institutions in the health industry are organised in Life Science Nord e.V. In a joint Life Science Nord partner programme, the agency and Life Science Nord e.V. offer their members numerous activities aimed at promoting regional networking, sharing experiences and know-how and jointly representing the regional life sciences industry on a national and international level. Since 2016, Life Science North has been awarded the Gold Label of the European Cluster Excellence Initiative four times in a row.