iL‒CURRENT
Latest news 2026/2025/2024
March 5, 2026
PRESS RELEASE
GENESIS 26 – The LIFE SCIENCE TECH DAY:
The name says it all
Next Thursday, March 12, 2026, InnovationLab GmbH will host GENESIS 26 – The LIFE SCIENCE TECH DAY, an exclusive networking event featuring leading scientists and entrepreneurs from the field of biotechnology .
For the approximately one hundred participants, the sold-out event at the Alte Hallenbad in Heidelberg's Bergheim district will focus on one question for a whole day: How can disease processes be simulated more realistically and active ingredients be tested more quickly, safely, and reproducibly?
March 4, 2026
Ramsey Najm: “We Are at a Clear Transition Point”
Speakers at GENESIS 26 – The LIFE SCIENCE TECH DAY include Dr. Ramsey Najm, Scientific Director of the Organoid Engineering Lab at Heidelberg University and core member of POEM. In his forward-looking presentation, "Taking organoid engineering to the next level: From connectivity analysis to integrated multi-organ systems," he will discuss the next stage of development in organoid research.
March 3, 2026
Dr. Hinnerk Oßmer: “Miniaturized Fluidics Enable More Cost-Effective Devices”
At the GENESIS 26 – The LIFE SCIENCE TECH DAY forum, Dr. Hinnerk Oßmer, co-founder and managing director of memetis – spun off from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in 2017 – will speak on "Shrinking fluidics, growing possibilities: Integrated systems for cell culture and diagnostics." Oßmer will address a key question in life science technologies: How can powerful laboratory functions be made compact, energy-efficient, and available directly at the point of need?
February 25, 2026
Dr. Hossein Eslami Amirabadi: "Understanding the real market problem is an art."
In his presentation "Scalable platform for cell cultures under physiological flow conditions," Dr. Hossein Eslami Amirabadi will speak at the GENESIS 26 – The LIFE SCIENCE TECH DAY forum on March 12 about innovative approaches to the further development of preclinical cell models. In the iL expert interview, the scientist and entrepreneur, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the start-up and cell culture platform ARTIC Technologies from Eindhoven, Netherlands, provides a wide range of insights into his technology, entrepreneurial decisions, and challenges at the interface between research and the market.
February 18, 2026
Professor Haikun Liu from the DKFZ: "Publications don't save lives—products do."
Glioblastomas are among the most aggressive and treatment-resistant types of cancer—despite decades of research, genuine breakthroughs remain rare. In an interview with iL, Professor Haikun Liu explains why predictive models, patient-specific tumor organoids, and AI-supported analyses could mark a decisive turning point—and how translation, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary collaboration are set to fundamentally change brain cancer therapy.
February 12, 2026
GENESIS 26: Today's ideas for tomorrow's life sciences!
Where research meets application: On March 12 (Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), InnovationLab invites all stakeholders from science, industry, and start-ups who not only want to rethink the future of medical research but also want to translate it into tangible projects to attend the GENESIS 26 – The LIFE SCIENCE TECH DAY forum.
January 29, 2026
How intelligent biological models are rethinking drug screening
How can increasingly complex biological models be translated into better, faster, and more robust decisions in drug discovery? This and many other questions will be explored at GENESIS 26 – The LIFE SCIENCE TECH DAY on March 12 in Heidelberg, which will take an interdisciplinary approach. We summarize the most important program content in a thematic report.
January 21, 2026
The iL team is on site at the "Life" trade conference at the HCC
Partner News: On February 4, 2026, the Life Science Cluster bioRN invites you to "life – the biomedical convention" at the Heidelberg Congress Center. The international conference also marks a special anniversary: 30 years of the bioRN Life Science Cluster. Around 400 participants and over 30 exhibitors are expected to attend. Part of the iL team will also be present at the event at the HCC.
January 8, 2026
Michael Kröger: "2026 – The future
is created through cooperation"
InnovationLab and its spin-off FLEXOO are looking ahead. In our interview, Managing Director Dr. Michael Kröger explains why the coming months will be decisive, how innovation can succeed even under difficult conditions, and what role networked ecosystems play in this. He also shares his hopes for the Merz administration in 2026.
December 19, 2025
iL Cluster Manager Reza Taale:
"Those who come will get ahead."
The next iL event, GENESIS 26 – The LIFE SCIENCE TECH DAY on March 12, 2026, will be all about exchanging ideas, interaction, and collaboration. "We don't see the day as a one-off event," says Dr. Reza Taale, Cluster Manager at InnovationLab, in an expert interview, "but as the start of a partnership journey." And: "Those who come will make progress."
December 9, 2025
GENESIS 26: Modeling the next generation
How can disease processes be simulated more realistically and active substances tested more quickly, safely, and reproducibly? This question will be the focus of the next major iL event, GENESIS 26 – The LIFE SCIENCE TECH DAY, which will take place on Thursday, March 12, 2026, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at FRAUENBAD Heidelberg's old FRAUENBAD swimming FRAUENBAD .
October 23, 2025
Reactions to the CTID & STID:
"The future was made here!"
With lots of power and energy: Looking back on the CLEAN TECH INNOVATION DAY & SOLAR TAP INDUSTRY DAY 2025, the InnovationLab organization team can see that the mix of topics was just right for the more than 70 guests at the Heidelberg Congress Center. In a survey, speakers and participants provided us with various reactions and reference scores, which iL is happy to publish.
October 21, 2025
Industry and politics as levers for groundbreaking innovations
Industry and politics as levers for groundbreaking innovations
The CLEAN TECH INNOVATION DAY & SOLAR TAP INDUSTRY DAY had the character of a specialist conference and a network meeting. Over 70 participants at the Heidelberg Congress Center greatly appreciated the wide range of topics and the open exchange in the clean tech sector. We have summarized the main contents of the event in a blog post.
October 8, 2025
Henning Richter: "Contacts are
extremely stimulating and helpful."
One of our speakers on October 15 (9:30 am to 5:30 pm) at the Heidelberg Congress Center is Henning Richter, Vice President of Research and Development at Nano-C. On this day, the national and international clean tech and solar community will meet for the CLEAN TECH INNOVATION DAY & SOLAR TAP INDUSTRY DAY 2025 in Heidelberg.
October 1, 2025
Michael Kröger: "Creating knowledge – adding value"
On October 15 (9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.), everything at the Heidelberg Congress Center will revolve around the future of clean tech and solar: the Clean Tech Innovation Day & Solar TAP Industry Day 2025 will bring together research, industry and start-ups. Dr. Michael Kröger, Managing Director of InnovationLab and one of the founders of FLEXOO, will play a central role at this event.
September 29, 2025
SolarTAP: Introducing our co-partner
Autumn 2025 promises to be exciting On October 15, 2025, the CLEAN TECH INNOVATION DAY & SOLAR TAP INDUSTRY DAY 2025 (CTID & STID) will take place at the Heidelberg Congress Center. As a co-partner, SolarTAP would like to take the opportunity to contribute to the networking of research, industry and start-ups.
September 23, 2025
Greeting from Mayor Würzner
for the event on October 15
"Heidelberg is the ideal location to talk about the latest innovations in the field of sustainable energy at CLEAN TECH INNOVATION DAY & SOLAR TAP INDUSTRY DAY," says Heidelberg's Lord Mayor Dr. Eckart Würzner in a message to InnovationLab ahead of the event on 15 October, which will bring the clean tech industry together at the HCC for the second time since 2024.
September 17, 2025
Sebastian Gatz: "Innovation
across industry boundaries"
The cleantech industry will be meeting in Heidelberg in four weeks' time: Dr. Sebastian Gatz, Vice President for Renewable Energies and Strategic Partnerships at the Dresden-based family business VON ARDENNE, will be there as a speaker on October 15. In the iL expert interview, Gatz talks about current trends and what contribution VON ARDENNE would like to make in the future.
September 11, 2025
iL company outing: rain, slowness and harmony
Company outings and Christmas parties are traditionally an integral part of the InnovationLab team's annual calendar: this time, the trip on the "White Fleet" took us from the Heidelberg Stadthalle up the Neckar to Neckarsteinach. The trip on the excursion boat "MS Alt Heidelberg" was relaxed, comfortable, communicative and harmonious.
September 10, 2025
Jens A. Hauch from Solar TAP: "Industry network established"
Dr. Jens A. Hauch, physicist and head of the High Throughput Processes in Photovoltaics research unit at the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nuremberg (FZ Jülich), is a Solar TAP Manager who is driving a new era in photovoltaics. At the CLEAN TECH INNOVATION DAY & SOLAR TAP INDUSTRY DAY on October 15 in Heidelberg, Hauch is looking for new innovative and competent partners.
September 3, 2025
Keynote speaker Gunter Erfurt: "Technology alone is not enough"
Dr. Gunter Erfurt believes that Europe must take the energy transition into its own hands. In the iL expert interview that opens our "Five questions for ..." series, Erfurt talks about hydrogen and solar technology, which will be the focus of the CLEAN TECH INNOVATION DAY & SOLAR TAP INDUSTRY DAY at the Heidelberg Congress Center (HCC) on October 15.
July 25, 2025
Initiator bioRN: Shaping the Future of Laboratory Innovation
The smartLabs Summit 2025 will open its doors for the first time on September 24 at BioLabs Heidelberg – located in the heart of the local life science ecosystem. This brand-new trade fair is initiated by the bioRN Life Science Cluster Rhein-Neckar in close collaboration with BioLabs Heidelberg, which is situated in the Heidelberg Innovation Park (hip), not far from iL.
July 22, 2025
CLEAN TECH INNOVATION DAY as a Joint Event with Solar TAP
The CLEAN TECH INNOVATION DAY 2025 enters its second round – this year as a joint event with the Solar TAP Industry Day. On October 15, 2025, InnovationLab GmbH, together with Solar TAP, invites attendees to a full-day symposium at the Heidelberg Congress Center (HCC). The event will once again bring together over 100 participants from science, industry, and start-ups.
May 13, 2025
iL-Workshop: “Pioneers for
successful Technology Transfer”
We fondly reflect on the LIFE SCIENCE TECH DAY: The event at InnovationLab was attended by a total of 60 participants from both domestic and international locations, who engaged in intensive discussions on the topic of “Advancing Personalized Medicine: A Spotlight on Organ-on-Chip.” In a review, we feature insights from various speakers and participants.
May 5, 2025
The “bioRN HR Breakfast”
will be hosted by iL on May 15
Throughout the year, the bioRN Life Science Cluster promotes networking through various event formats. On Thursday, May 15 (9 AM to 11 AM), bioRN will be hosted at InnovationLab. The “bioRN HR Breakfast”, this time focusing on Human Resources (HR), will take place in the “iL.Connect.Space”.
April 15, 2025
Elena Kromidas of the 3R-Center:
'We are witnessing significant momentum'
Dr. Elena Kromidas hat seit 15. August 2024 die Leitung der Geschäftsstelle des 3R-Centers T übingen für In-vitro-Modelle und Tierversuchsalternativen übernommen. Kromidas verfügt über Expertise im Bereich Mikrophysiologischer Systeme (MPS) und internationale Forschungserfahrung. Beim iL-Workshop am 29. April wird sie die Keynotespeakerin sein. Wir sprachen mit ihr vorab.
April 14, 2025
iL: Insights and Impressions from the German Biotech Days 2025
The venue for the German Biotech Days 2025 sent a clear signal: Heidelberg and the metropolitan region are a hotspot for the biotechnology scene in Germany. Lord Mayor Prof. Dr. Eckart Würzer and Dr. Julia Schaft, Managing Director of bioRN, along with many others, addressed the current state of biotechnology in Germany, global influences, and pressing actions for the future.
April 8, 2025
Roman Zantl of ibidi: 'A compelling mix of ingredients'
In 2001, Dr. Roman Zantl, together with his associate Dr. Valentin Kahl, co-founded a company in the basement premises of the University of Munich while still pursuing his doctorate. At the LIFE SCIENCE TECH DAY on April 29 in Heidelberg, Roman Zantl will highlight the role of microfluidics in organ-on-chip applications during his presentation. Read the interview with the CEO of ibidi GmbH here.
April 2, 2025
Marion Lohnert: “Optimally Guiding Change”
Marion Lohnert ensures a positive working environment and company culture at InnovationLab and FLEXOO GmbH. Human Resources is her passion, and Marion dedicates herself to supporting the recruitment and onboarding process for new employees. Personally, she is 'on a yoga journey' and loves being in nature.
April 1, 2025
Benjamin Richter: 'Cell environments
replicate even more precisely'
Nanoscribe is a market leader in high-precision additive manufacturing. In his presentation '3D Bioprinting for Organ-on-Chip' at the LIFE SCIENCE TECH DAY on April 29th, Application Manager Dr. Benjamin Richter demonstrates how precisely 3D microstructures can be directly integrated into microfluidic chips, thereby creating realistic conditions for cells.
March 25, 2025
Rainer Wessel from DKFZ: 'Promoting early drug research'
Innovation Management (IM) at DKFZ has the strategic goal of translating excellent research into sustainable applications to help patients and benefit society. Dr. Rainer Wessel is the experienced Chief Innovation Manager at DKFZ. In the run-up to the LIFE SCIENCE TECH DAY, we at iL conducted an interview with him.
March 18, 2025
Communications Professional Jogi Klaehn: „Nostalgia and Innovation“
Joachim „Jogi“ Klaehn: A passionate team player who lives and breathes language – whether professionally, in sports, or privately. With five decades of experience in journalism and a profound enthusiasm for cultures and travel, Jogi Klaehn, as Head of Communications at InnovationLab, connects people and ideas.
March 12, 2025
Quantum X bio: Regular Knowledge Exchange
Nanoscribe's Quantum X bio has been tested in the iL cleanroom for the past six months. The "Kickoff User Meeting" with Dr. Simon Binder and Dr. Reza Taale has now taken place. Our iL platform hosts a Quantum-X user group that meets quarterly to continuously improve the operation of the 3D printer.
March 11, 2025
Friedemann Loos: “More precise and faster results”
At the LIFE SCIENCE TECH DAY on April 29, Dr. Friedemann Loos from the bioRN Life Science Cluster will moderate the panel discussion. The molecular biologist sees great potential in organ-on-chip technology for drug development and personalized medicine, as he emphasized in an expert interview.
February 28, 2025
FLEXOO and Tekscan Advance Sensor Technology
The strategic partnership between FLEXOO and Tekscan has been finalized: Tekscan CEO John Jutila and iL and FLEXOO Managing Director Dr. Michael Kröger shake hands. The alliance was announced at LOPEC 2025. And with this, we are launching our format for interesting partner news.
February 26, 2025
Working Student Nick Kraft: “Working agile motivates me”
Nick Kraft came, saw – and decided on an internship, and as of January 1, 2025, on a working student position. The 23-year-old is diligent, reliable, and quick. Nick is still studying at SRH University Heidelberg – his Master's in “Strategic Communication & Leadership” is within reach. At iL and FLEXOO, he regularly demonstrates his creativity.
February 25, 2025
LIFE SCIENCE TECH DAY: Human Organs on a Chip
Organ-on-Chip (OoC) technology simulates human organs at a microscopic level, revolutionizing drug testing, reducing costs and animal experiments, and ultimately saving human lives. For the LIFE SCIENCE TECH DAY on April 29, we anticipate experts from academia, industry, and institutions.
February 12, 2025
Reza Taale: Fascinated by people and innovative technologies
As the responsible new Cluster Manager, Dr. Reza Taale quickly and seamlessly integrated into the iL team. This is not surprising, as the 40-year-old is a pronounced people person and team player who also possesses considerable experience in an academic context.
February 11, 2025
Green Industry Cluster Grows
internally and externally
The Green Industry Cluster, founded in early 2024 with InnovationLab as a founding member, is increasingly developing into a powerful network within the GreenTech sector of the metropolitan region. This was evident at a dual event held at the Mafinex Technology Center Mannheim.
January 29, 2025
Juliane Arenstorff: Master of swift, practical solutions
She serves as a consistently reliable and approachable contact person for the entire iL team, partially for the FLEXOO staff, and primarily for partners, clients, and users: Juliane Arenstorff distinguishes herself through her comprehensive overview, clear vision, and her consistently pragmatic and reassuring approach in the office.
January 15, 2025
Matthias Konop: “I want our users to feel supported and secure”
Matthias Konop joined iL on February 1, 2024, and as Operations Manager and Engineer, he is responsible for the seamless functioning of our cleanrooms and laboratories. At InnovationLab, he particularly values the familial corporate culture. The 37-year-old has already accumulated extensive professional experience.
December 17, 2024
Tanja Benedict: Give me a problem, I'll find a solution
She explored various paths. Subsequently, Dr. Tanja Benedict found her calling at iL as a corporate lawyer and authorized signatory. The 56-year-old Heidelberg native is an integrating figure, a family person, and a linguistic genius all in one. For 14 years now, Tanja has been an indispensable part of the passionate team.
December 4, 2024
Jonas Schröter: 'Balance between
Teamwork and Precision'
Jonas Schröter, responsible for Administration & Finance, has been with InnovationLab for almost two years. The 28-year-old impresses with his composure and reliability – qualities essential for a trained businessman and “master” of figures. In 2023, Jonas became Fistball World Champion for the second time.
November 27, 2024
Michaela Sauer: “The human
factor into account”
Michaela Sauer is the longest-serving employee at InnovationLab. The 45-year-old has been working at Speyerer Straße since 2009. Michaela is our Head of Internal Operations & Human Resources. She knows iL inside out. Therefore, it is logical to launch the new campaign “This is our Team” with her.
November 18, 2024
Innovation spirit and reality check at the H2 Forum
The premiere of the Clean Tech Innovation Day demonstrated the complexity of (green) hydrogen. Nearly 60 industry experts from Germany and abroad gathered at the Heidelberg Congress Center to discuss aspects and applications of H2 technology, particularly focusing on the opportunities and challenges of electrolysis.
November 7, 2024
Michael Kröger: “Advancing technology for industry”
Only a few days remain until the premiere of the Clean Tech Innovation Day on November 11 at the Heidelberg Congress Center. In this interview, our Managing Director, Dr. Michael Kröger, outlines InnovationLab's intentions as a technology transfer platform and “host” for the event.
November 5, 2024
Emilio Manrique from Holst Centre: “Collaborating with the Best”
Emilio Manrique is Business Development Manager at TNO Holst Centre in Eindhoven, focusing on the intersection of technology, policy, and industry to transfer innovations from the laboratory into society. Prior to the Clean Tech Innovation Day (November 11), iL spoke with the High-Tech Manager for Electrolyzers and Batteries.
October 31, 2024
Doris Wittneben: “Attractiveness
of the location further enhance”
Dr. Doris Wittneben heads the Future Fields and Innovation department at Metropolregion Rhein-Neckar GmbH. At the Clean Tech Innovation Day (November 11), she will moderate the panel dedicated to “Sustainable Demo Systems and Use Cases”. In the run-up to the event, Doris Wittneben gave iL an interview about H2 projects in the region.
October 29, 2024
Dortmans on the Spirit of Innovation:
“One learns most from mistakes”
Noord-Brabant is a high-tech region committed to groundbreaking solutions, collaboration, knowledge transfer, and innovation. Prior to the Clean Tech Innovation Day (November 11), iL spoke with Carl Dortmans, Advisor for International Affairs. Dortmans will be present in Heidelberg as a participant, networker, and multiplier.
October 16, 2024
Pit Podleschny: “Innovative Solutions for Green Hydrogen”
At the Clean Tech Innovation Day on November 11 at the HCC, Dr. Pit Podleschny will be one of the speakers in the session titled “Start-ups as Accelerators for Innovation in Clean Tech”. In anticipation of this highlight event, InnovationLab conducted an in-depth interview with the expert on electrolyzers and fuel cells.
October 7, 2024
Uwe Kerkmann: “A Dynamic
“Ecosystem Created”
Uwe Kerkmann is the Managing Director of H2UB from Essen. At the Clean Tech Innovation Day on November 11, he will moderate the session on “Start-ups as Accelerators for Innovation in Clean Tech”. In advance of the event, iL conducted the following interview with our co-partner H2UB.
September 30, 2024
“Clean Tech Innovation Day”:
Hydrogen in Industrial Applications
For iL, it is a highly anticipated premiere: The “Clean Tech Innovation Day” will take place on November 11. From 9 AM to 6 PM, Level 2 of the adjacent Heidelberg Congress Center will host the full-day hydrogen symposium. Up to 100 individuals (speakers and participants) can attend.
June 20, 2024
Contact Person for Partners from Academia and Industry
Since early June, Dr. Reza Taale has been the new Cluster Manager at InnovationLab. As part of the technology transfer offering, he serves as the contact person for academic and industrial partners, particularly in the fields of Life Science Technologies and Clean Tech.
June 18, 2024
“Hydrogen Week”:
Gigafactory is set to arrive
As part of the nationwide "Hydrogen Week" initiative, InnovationLab participated as one of numerous partners in the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region. Interested parties were informed about the significant project concerning the planned electrolysis pilot plant in Heidelberg.
June 11, 2024
iL is a motivated partner in "Hydrogen Week"
"Say Hi to Hy" is the official motto for the nationwide "Hydrogen Week," which will take place from June 15 to 23. InnovationLab, as one of the organizers, will also participate, hosting technology-enthusiastic guests in Heidelberg on Monday, June 17.
April 29, 2024
Global Shapers are
highly impressed by iL
Ten young Global Shapers occupied iL's meeting room. The group, which belongs to the World Economic Forum through independently organized hubs, spent two hours engaging with presentations and gaining insights into InnovationLab's operations and facilities.
April 9, 2024
iL Laboratory Renovation:
New Furniture Arrives
iL's freshly renovated laboratory spaces are becoming increasingly vibrant. Following the completion of the extensive renovation work, custom-fit furniture is being installed. Grittmann, a company based in Eppelheim, manufactured the bespoke furniture.
February 12, 2024
iL is part of the regional
Green Industry Cluster
The Green Industry Cluster association (Image: Dietrich Bechtel) was founded at HUB 2 of the MAFINEX Technology Center in Mannheim. InnovationLab GmbH is among the pioneers of this new regional cluster and anticipates a focused collaboration with its partners.
February 8, 2024
Dr. Marian Weiss: "Making new connections"
Since 2020, Dr. Marian Weiss has served as Head of Microfluidics at VERAXA Biotech GmbH. With over a decade of experience in microfluidics, Dr. Weiss possesses extensive expertise. We conducted an interview with him prior to our workshop on February 15.
Review 2023/2022
May 9, 2023
Cooperation Agreement
with the TNO-Holst Centre
The collaboration is ideal: InnovationLab GmbH and TNO-Holst Centre have signed a cooperation agreement in Eindhoven. Baden-Württemberg's Minister of Economic Affairs, Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, and iL Managing Director, Dr. Michael Kröger, are participating in an exciting delegation trip to the neighboring country.
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