iL‒CURRENT
July 24, 2026
Heidelberg Alumni International Visits InnovationLab and FLEXOO: Innovation You Can Touch
How do scientific breakthroughs become successful companies and marketable technologies? This question was the focus of a visit by members of Heidelberg University’s global alumni community to InnovationLab (iL) and FLEXOO as part of the 30th anniversary of Heidelberg Alumni International (HAI).
During a two-hour morning program, the international guests gained an exclusive insight into InnovationLab’s innovation ecosystem—and experienced firsthand how research, entrepreneurship, and industry successfully work together.
Managing Director Dr. Michael Kröger presents the iL ecosystem to the alumni community. Photo: InnovationLab
From Research to Impact
Since its founding, InnovationLab has pursued the goal of bridging the gap between cutting-edge academic research and industrial application. The guests were particularly impressed by the breadth of activities—ranging from life science technologies to printed electronics and technology-driven spin-offs. The interplay between excellent science, technology transfer, and industrial commercialization generated significant interest and led to lively discussions about the future of innovation and entrepreneurship.
A Look Behind the Scenes: Labs, Cleanrooms, and Hands-On Technology
A highlight of the visit was the tour of InnovationLab’s laboratories and cleanrooms. Here, the alumni gained firsthand insight into the research and development environments where new technologies are created and prepared for future industrial use.
The numerous demonstrations really brought the visit to life. At various stations, the guests were able not only to learn about the technologies but also to try them out for themselves and experience them firsthand.
During a tour , visitors get to experience FLEXOO's demonstration units up close. Photo: InnovationLab
FLEXOO: A Spin-off Success Story
A particular highlight was the presentation by FLEXOO—a successful spin-off from the InnovationLab ecosystem. The company serves as a prime example of how research findings can lead to innovative products and internationally competitive business models.
Using various demonstrators, FLEXOO showcased its intelligent sensor systems based on printed electronics. Visitors were able to experience firsthand how these technologies capture high-quality physical data, thereby laying the foundation for what is known as “Physical AI.” The fields of application range from battery monitoring and leak detection to robotics and industrial automation.
Innovation thrives on exchange
In addition to technological insights, the visit focused primarily on personal dialogue. The international alumni community contributed diverse perspectives from various industries, companies, and countries, enriching the discussions on innovation, technology transfer, and the future of knowledge-based business models.
Dr. Michael Kröger, CEO of FLEXOO, emphasized the particular importance of a strong innovation ecosystem:
“FLEXOO is an example of what becomes possible when excellent science meets entrepreneurial spirit and a supportive innovation ecosystem. InnovationLab creates exactly this kind of space—and turns ideas into real impact.”
The personalexchanges among the participants were a great source of enrichment for everyone. Photo: InnovationLab
Shaping the Future Together
The visit vividly demonstrated the influence that the innovation ecosystem centered on InnovationLab has far beyond the Heidelberg region. At the same time, it became clear how important strong networks and ongoing dialogue between academia, industry, and society are for successfully bringing innovations to market.
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