Follow-up report: BIOTECH UNITED – ENTER THE NEXT LEAGUE
Team spirit meets drive: On 7 October 2025, BIOTECH UNITED transformed the German Sports & Olympic Museum in Cologne into a vibrant hub for the biotech community. Representatives from start-ups, companies, research institutions and the political sphere came together to discuss how biotechnology will take its next big leap forward.
The day was all about new beginnings and impact. Following the opening address by Dr Kirsten Bender, representing the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (MWIKE), Dr Jasmina Kirchhoff (German Economic Institute) delivered a keynote speech outlining the economic opportunities and challenges facing biotechnology in North Rhine-Westphalia and Europe.
Prof. Klaus Gerwert (Ruhr University Bochum/betaSENSE) gave a fascinating presentation on neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Slim Chiha (PROSION) and Daniel Donadille (SBI Inc. CEO) shared their predictions for biotech development up to 2035. Julia Katrin Rohde (agribiOME) emphasised that regulation must be a driver of innovation rather than an obstacle to it, delivering the clear message that: We are world champions in innovation, but losers when it comes to scaling up.
An atmosphere full of energy, exchange and open discussion developed between presentations and networking. BIOTECH UNITED demonstrated that North Rhine-Westphalia is taking a holistic approach to biotechnology, and that team spirit, courage and collaboration are key to translating research into tangible impact.
Biotech United – Enter the Next League
The boundaries of what is possible are rapidly shifting. Artificial intelligence, synthetic biology and sustainable innovation are radically changing the industry. What are the visions for the future? What if we could not only extend life but redesign it? What if we went beyond treating diseases to preventing them entirely? What if sustainability meant not just conserving resources, but endlessly recycling them? Biotechnology is no longer just an industry – it is redefining what’s possible and shaping a future full of new opportunities.
Biotech United is the playing field for those who don’t just watch the future unfold – they shape it. Science, business and politics come together here to drive innovation, discuss disruptive technologies and develop new strategies for the biotech community.
Topics:
Innovation & Biotechnology – Technological breakthroughs and new perspectives from North Rhine-Westphalia
Disruption & the future – AI, high-tech in the bioeconomy and personalised medicine as drivers of change
Sustainability & the circular economy – Biotechnology as an answer to global resource challenges
Programme highlights:
Keynotes & Impulses: High-profile speakers on innovation, funding and scaling.
Workshops & Discussions: The future of work in biotech, AI, bioeconomy 2.0, sustainability.
Speaker series & Reverse Pitches: Companies, start-ups and investors on the biotech outlook for 2035.
Networking & Exhibition: Share innovative projects and future strategies.
Match me if you can: Networking made easy.
Biotech United stands for collaboration and the joint development of new ideas to further develop North Rhine-Westphalia as a leading biotech location.
Please note that invoices will be generated by BIO Clustermanagement NRW GmbH shortly after the event. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Nirojah Subramaniam.