iL‒CURRENT
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?
In a joint presentation with memetis colleague Dr. Anna Vidina, he will demonstrate how extreme miniaturization and intelligent materials enable the automation of complex microfluidic processes – from stable cell cultures to integrated diagnostic systems.
Dr. Hinnerk Oßmer from memetis. Image: memetis
Five questions for … Hinnerk Oßmer
Mr. Oßmer, technology in the smallest of spaces. What specific problems in the life sciences can memetis GmbH actually solve through extreme miniaturization?
Hinnerk Oßmer: We enable the automation of complex microfluidic tasks such as maintaining stable cell culture conditions, controlling perfusion in organ-on-chip systems, or performing multi-step sample preparation and analysis inside disposable cartridges. Thanks to extreme miniaturization, complete fluidic systems fit into incubators, microscopy setups, or compact tabletop and handheld devices. This brings functionality to the point of need while significantly reducing dead volumes, reagent consumption, and overall system footprint.
The deep-tech company memetis is a spin-off from KIT. What were the greatest technical as well as entrepreneurial challenges for your start-up on the path from prototype to an industrializable technology?
Oßmer: Shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators — the backbone of our compact fluid handling solutions — are based on an unconventional smart material technology. Technically, one of our biggest challenges was establishing a reliable supply chain for high-quality SMA materials and translating laboratory prototypes into industrially robust components that can operate for millions of cycles. Entrepreneurially, we had to educate the market about the unique advantages of SMA-driven valves compared to conventional solenoid valves: extremely compact size, low power consumption, silent operation, and pulsation-free flow control — all highly relevant for life science instrumentation.
Microfluidic systems are extremely useful in medical testing. Image: memetis
“Dramatically Accelerate Experimentation”
Where do you currently see the greatest potential of microfluidic systems—both in research and in the life sciences sector?
Oßmer: In research, automated and parallelized microfluidic systems will dramatically accelerate experimentation and enable the generation of high-quality, reproducible datasets under tightly controlled conditions. This is particularly important for organ-on-chip platforms, cell-based assays, and advanced analytical workflows. In industrial life science applications, miniaturized fluid handling enables more intelligent, compact, and affordable devices. Diagnostic and analytical systems will increasingly move from centralized laboratories to decentralized environments — such as doctors’ offices, pharmacies, or mobile testing facilities.
At the intersection of microengineering, biology, and medicine, what kinds of innovations are possible for ambitious founders?
Oßmer: At the interface between microtechnology, biology, and medicine, I see particularly great potential for innovation in three areas:
Firstly: the democratization of complex microfluidic workflows such as PCR or gene editing through robust, automated, and widely accessible solutions.
Secondly: personalized diagnostics and drug development that enable affordable and scalable solutions even for rare diseases.
Thirdly: The convergence of microfluidics and digital technologies—including artificial intelligence—to gain meaningful insights from complex biological data.
At memetis, we want to support these developments by providing compact, reliable, and highly integrated fluidic subsystems.
What are your hopes for GENESIS 26 in terms of interdisciplinary and diverse innovation ecosystems?
Oßmer: I am particularly interested in learning where the most impactful innovations in life science technologies are currently emerging and how advanced fluid handling solutions can support them. And of course, I am looking forward to many inspiring interdisciplinary discussions and potential collaborations.
Business Development Specialist Dr. Anna Vidina from memetis. Image: memetis
About the people
Dr. Hinnerk Oßmer, who holds a degree in physics and a doctorate in mechanical engineering, is co-founder and managing director of memetis. He is particularly enthusiastic about how intelligent materials and engineering technology on the smallest scale are opening up new technological possibilities across industries—from industrial systems to future biomedical platforms.
Anna Vidina is a business development specialist at memetis GmbH. With her background in biomedicine and commercial assay development, she combines life science applications with intelligent engineering solutions to design the next generation of research, diagnostic, and medical devices.
About memetis
memetis develops ultra-compact, energy-efficient fluid control systems for next-generation life science devices. We design and manufacture SMA-based micro valves as well as fully integrated fluidic subsystems with manifolds, pumps, sensors, and control electronics for precise, scalable bio applications.
by Joachim Klaehn.
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