Impulses for a successful technology transfer
Medical research at Charité - Universitätmedizin Berlin and the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) should have the greatest possible impact on society and the economy, according to the mission of Charité BIH Innovation (CBI), the joint technology transfer of Charité and BIH. In order to provide a platform for the exchange of experiences and ideas with researchers, CBI hosted the first CBI Community Day on October 16 in the auditorium of the CCO on the Charité campus. Representatives from Charité and BIH as well as various guests from the fields of economy and research joined the event. The program offered a mix of lectures, discussions and workshops and was aimed at all those who wanted to learn more about technology transfer at Charité and BIH.
Thomas Gazlig, Head of Charité BIH Innovation, opened the event, followed by inspiring words from Prof. Heyo. K. Kroemer, Chairman of the Executive Board of Charité and Prof. Dr. Joachim Spranger, Dean of Charité as well as Prof. Dr. Christopher Baum, Chairman of the BIH Board of Directors. Dr. Jens Steinbrink, Head of Strategic Development at Charité, moderated the program.
Dr Elisa Kieback, co-founder and CTO of T-knife GmbH, a spin-off of Charité and Max Delbrück Center, offered insights into her personal start-up story. At the beginning of her doctoral thesis, she would never have thought of becoming an entrepreneur, said Kieback. However, as her research was ultimately intended to benefit patients, she felt that founding her company was a necessary step. Despite recurring obstacles, she would take this step again at any time. She encouraged all future founders to take advantage of every opportunity and every offer of support that may arise on their personal start-up journeys.
Serial entrepreneur Dr. Karsten Henco, founder and former CEO of EVOTEC and Qiagen, agrees with Kieback. He describes himself as a biotech dinosaur. As the (co-)founder of a total of 25 start-ups, he knows the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and gave our participants helpful tips for founding their own companies. “A product usually has no chance without a patent. It is important to find the right time for this.” Thomas Gazlig recommends thinking about application perspectives as early as possible. “At Charité BIH Innovation, we support scientists in ensuring that their research has an impact. We help them find suitable solutions for their ideas and projects, for example through licensing or spin-offs.”
The audience took the opportunity to ask the experts questions. The event was rounded off with an interactive world café in which participants were able to express their wishes and needs for technology transfer at Charité and BIH. We would like to thank our interested audience, the inspiring speakers and all those who made this event possible. Together, we strive to further unlock the innovation potential of Charité and BIH in order to increase the long-term medical, economic and social benefits.