iL-CURRENT
December 9, 2025
GENESIS 26: Next-generation disease modeling
How can disease processes be simulated more realistically and active substances be tested more quickly, safely, and reproducibly? This question is the focus of the upcoming iL workshop "Engineering Next-Generation Platforms for Disease Modeling and Drug Screening," which will take place on Thursday, March 12, 2026, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the FRAUENBAD in Heidelberg.
"GENESIS 26 – The LIFE SCIENCE TECH DAY" by iL is the third event of its kind in the field of life sciences. We are happy to remind you that on April 29, 2025, around 60 participants from Germany and abroad exchanged ideas intensively for the last time in the so-called "iL.Connect.Space." The topic was: "Further development of personalized medicine: A spotlight on organ-on-chip."
This time, the event will bring together experts from science, industry, and technology development to discuss the current status and future prospects of 3D organ models and organ-on-chip systems. The focus will be on the chain linking automated biofabrication, living tissue sensor technology, and artificial intelligence (AI)-supported image analysis—three indispensable key technologies on the path to scalable, integrated platforms for drug discovery and disease modeling.
Rainer Wessel: "High-quality series of events"
Dr. Rainer Wessel, Chief Innovation Officer at the renowned German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), is looking forward to another edition of the LSTD in the spring: "I already participated in the panel discussion in 2025 and benefited from the exchange on the automated application of organoid models in research and development. The combination of life sciences and engineering with the dynamism of start-ups, entrepreneurs, and industry opens up enormous opportunities, for example in the rapid implementation of new technologies in practice. The LSTD is a high-quality series of events, and I am looking forward to seeing more exciting technologies. Ultimately, for me, it's about translating scientific and technical excellence into practical applications that benefit patients," says Rainer Wessel about the proven iL concept for translation.
"The bottom line for me is to translate scientific and technical excellence into practical applications that benefit patients": Dr. Rainer Wessel, Chief Innovation Officer at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), speaking at the iL event on March 12, 2026. Here, Wessel is seen discussing with participants at the last workshop on April 29, 2025. Image: Lukas Adler
Reza Taale: "Advances in precision medicine and bioengineering"
Dr. Reza Taale has been Cluster Manager at InnovationLab since the beginning of June 2024 and is particularly focused on promoting life science technology transfer. His expertise in microfabrication, materials science, and biomaterials is a huge help in keeping an eye on users at the iL site, attracting new collaborations and partners, analyzing the market, and realizing projects between science and industry.
"Our goal at 'GENESIS 26 – The LIFE SCIENCE TECH DAY' is to effectively and successfully strengthen iL's position in the life sciences, build trust, and gain new partners," says Reza Taale about the upcoming workshop. "We want to climb the next rung on the ladder together with other key players from the life sciences, medicine, industry, and the start-up ecosystem. This applies in particular to the sub-areas of biofabrication, bioelectrics, and sensor technology, as well as AI-supported image analysis, all of which stand for progress and innovation in modern precision medicine and bioengineering."
"Our goal at 'GENESIS 26 – The LIFE SCIENCE TECH DAY' is to effectively and successfully strengthen iL's position in the life sciences, build trust, and gain new partners": Dr. Reza Taale, Cluster Manager at InnovationLab, wants to further advance life science technology transfer. Image: Lukas Adler
About the target date of March 12
From vision to implementation – the iL workshop on March 12 offers all those interested in medical and biotechnology topics a suitable platform for exchange and networking – with the aim of initiating concrete roadmaps and collaborations that pave the way for integrated, industry-ready screening platforms.
Participants gain insights into current developments, meet leading figures from research and industry, and can thus leverage synergies and actively help shape the next steps in this dynamic and innovative field of technology.
Key topics
Automated biofabrication & Integrated Microphysiological Systems
Standardized 2D/3D cultures, microfluidics, 3D bioprinting, ECM design, and multi-organ integration—how can we make the leap to scalable, reproducible platforms?
Bioelectronics & Sensors for living tissues
New developments in microelectrode arrays, electrochemical biosensing, and calcium imaging enable real-time monitoring of biological activities.
AI for imaging & Closed‒loopSystems
AI-supported image analysis, microscopy-AI pipelines, and self-regulating closed-loop systems open up new dimensions of data-driven, automated research.
Highlights of the program
Keynote: Current status of 3D models for functional drug testing
Technology sessions with insights from science and industry
Lightning talks on high throughput, robotics, and automation
Interactive technology exhibition with live demonstrations
Breakout sessions to develop a joint roadmap
Closing panel: From vision to funding consortia (including the bioRN life science cluster)
Panel discussion at LIFE SCIENCE TECH DAY 2025: The event took place at the "iL.Connect.Space." This time, the FRAUENBAD location of the old indoor swimming pool in Heidelberg-Bergheim has been chosen. Image: Lukas Adler
Workshop in brief
"GENESIS 26 – The LIFE SCIENCE TECH DAY:
Title:
Engineering Next-Generation Platforms for Disease Modeling and Drug Screening
When?
Thursday, March 12, 2026 (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Where?
WOMEN'S POOL in the Old Indoor Swimming Pool in Heidelberg, Bergheimer Straße 45, 69115 Heidelberg
Note:
GENESIS 26 – The LIFE SCIENCE TECH DAY will be held in English.
Participation fees:
Early bird tickets available until December 31, 2025:
€30.00
Regular price from January 1, 2026:
70.00 euros
Contact:
iL‒Cluster‒Manager Dr. Reza Taale, Tel. +49 (0) 157 806 444 92, E‒Mail reza.taale@innovationlab.de
Catering:
Sufficient catering will be provided at the FRAUENBAD premises on March 12.
Joachim Klaehn
Communications
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