Life Science Tech Day 2025 in Heidelberg
On April 29, 2025, InnovationLab GmbH hosted the Life Science Tech Day at its iL.Connect.Space in Heidelberg. Around 50 selected participants from universities, research institutions, start-ups, and industry came together. The full-day event was dedicated to personalized medicine, with a special focus on Organ-on-Chip (OoC) technologies. The goal of the event was to promote collaboration among stakeholders committed to innovation and industrialization in the life sciences. By connecting experts from various fields, the Life Science Tech Day enabled targeted scientific exchange and knowledge transfer with a focus on practical applications.
Ahead of the event, Elena Kromidas spoke in an Interview with InnovationLab about the challenges and potential of human-based OoC models, as well as current developments at the 3R Center Tübingen, including the establishment of a Core Facility for Microphysiological Systems.
Kick-off for the day: Keynote on human-based OoC models and 3R initiatives
Elena Kromidas opened the day with a keynote on advanced, human-based OoC models developed at the MicroOrganoLab. In her talk, she highlighted their potential as replacement and complementary methods in biomedical research, with a particular focus on personalized medicine. She also presented the mission of the 3R-Center: to promote innovative in vitro approaches as replacement and reduction methods in line with the 3R-principle. Her presentation laid the foundation for a day full of dynamic discussions and interdisciplinary insights.
Images: InnovationLab
Interdisciplinary Exchange, Technological Insights, and Future Perspectives on Organ-on-Chip
The program further deepened interdisciplinary dialogue and explored key questions surrounding OoC technology. The event began with a panel discussion featuring representatives from GSK, faCellitate, Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials (IMSEAM) Heidelberg University und German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) They discussed technology transfer, current funding challenges, and the future of OoC platforms. Next, five companies including Ibidi, Nanoscribe, Holst Center, Genome Biologics and Chiron delivered concise technology presentations showcasing their latest advancements in microfluidics, 3D bioprinting, biosensing, and personalized drug development. These were followed by themed discussion rounds, where participants exchanged views on core challenges and opportunities in the OoC field. A standout highlight was the tour of InnovationLab’s Biolabs and cleanrooms, offering guests exclusive access to a cutting-edge research infrastructure designed to foster translational projects and scientific innovation. The event concluded with startups and research teams presenting their innovative solutions in short pitches, exploring potential avenues for future collaborations.
Image: InnovationLab
Key Takeaways
- OoC technology is a major driver of innovation in personalized medicine.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration is critical. Events like this are essential to identify shared needs, form consortia, and accelerate translational progress.
- Innovation requires culture. Beyond science, the discussion also highlighted how to improve the research environment—through new formats to foster exchange and collaboration, institutional support, and greater attention to the well-being of researchers.
With its strong focus on Organ-on-Chip, precision therapies, and emerging technologies, Life Science Tech Day 2025 successfully connected thought leaders from academia and industry, laying the foundation for future partnerships and groundbreaking advances in life sciences.
