Do you have an innovative idea or questions about IP and patents? The Idea Office is a service offered by Charité BIH Innovation, the joint technology transfer of Charité and the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH). The Idea Office was developed as part of the ‘Detect & Dispatch’ project in 2022 and was funded by Stiftung Charité until 2024.

The Idea Office is the first point of contact for scientists and clinicians at Charité and BIH who would like advice on turning their research ideas into medical products. Questions on IP, patenting and other industrial property rights are also answered here. Ideas are welcome at any stage of development.

How does the Idea Office work?

During the Idea Office, you present your idea, project or discovery to us. Together we will work out if and how we can protect your idea or how Charité BIH Innovation can provide you with concrete support in realising it. The main purpose of the Idea Office is to put you in touch with the right person.

In particular, you will receive from us: 

  • an initial rough assessment of the potential of your idea by our respective experts from the fields of biomedicine, digital health, IP protection (IP & licensing) and business development
  • Information about the relevant services from Charité BIH Innovation: protection of your idea, suitable funding programmes, further training, financial resources, etc.
  • an outlook and a suitable contact person for the next necessary steps

How to book your Idea Office

Book your non-binding, free and confidential appointment now via Open Iris. We look forward to hearing from you!

When does the Idea Office take place? Every Wednesday from 2 - 3.45pm 

How long does the Idea Office last? 15 minutes 

Where does the Idea Office take place? Online via Microsoft Teams

How do I book a free slot? Via Open Iris. Use your Charité or BIH access data to log in and then search for ‘Idea Office’. 

Feel free to use our step-by-step guide for booking an appoinment. 

Important!: Please book your Idea Office at least one week in advance so that our experts can prepare for your visit.

FAQ

  • Who will advise me?

    The Idea Office is organised by the Charité BIH Innovation technology managers Dr. Bettina Otto (Start-up Consultant and Technology Manager) and Dr. Henrik Mei (Technology Manager). 

    Dr. Bettina Otto, Ph.D. studied Biology at the University of Edinburgh (2001-2005). She obtained her Ph.D in Biology at the University of Cambridge in molecular plant virology (2006-2009). She continued to work as a postdoc in the UK and Germany. In 2017, she started working as an Innovation scout at the University Göttingen specializing in Life science und medical Science. In 2018 she started working as a startup coach at the university of Hamburg. In 2022 she joined the CBI team as a Technology Scout and Technology manager. In 2025 she took on the additional role as a start-up consultant.

    Dr. Henrik Mei is an immunologist and biotechnologist with extensive experience at the interface of biomedical research, advanced bioanalytics, and innovation management. He earned his PhD in Immunology from Humboldt University of Berlin after studying Medical Biotechnology at the Technical University of Berlin. His academic career includes different  roles in B-cell and plasma cell research, as well as a fellowship at Stanford University, where he adapted mass cytometry (CyTOF) for immune profiling in rheumatic diseases. In 2015, Dr. Mei was appointed Scientific Head of the Mass Cytometry Platform and independent Principal Investigator at the German Rheumatism Research Center (DRFZ). He has contributed to more than 70 scientific publications, raised substantial third-party funding, and is the inventor of two patents. He also held leading positions within the German Mass Cytometry Network and the German Society for Cytometry. After expanding his perspective through consulting services for Medtech industry  (2023–2024), Dr. Mei joined CBI as Technology Manager in 2024. In this role, he bridges science, technology, and strategy to drive impactful innovation.

    Depending on which additional exptertise is required, we invite other co-workers at Charité BIH Innovation to join the Idea Office. This offers you the best possible consulting. Have a look at our team to get an overview of our experts.

  • I can't participate on Wednesdays. Are there any alternative appointments?

    If you cannot make it to our ususal appointments, we're happy to offer you an alternative date and time. Please reach out to us via email. 

  • How far should my idea be developed?

    We are curious about all kinds of ideas in any development stage. Ideally, you explain to us in several sentences, which stage you're currently in, which results you may already have and which potential you see in your idea or solution. This way, we can get a first impression and refer you to the best fitting experts. The appointment is scheduled for a total duration of 15 minutes. 

  • Are there any restrictions on the field in which my idea is located?

    No. At Charité BIH Innovation, we strive for a holistic technology transfer that covers innovations in all fields of expertise. Whether it's an idea for a diagnostic procedure, a drug or an app - we are fundamentally open to ideas of any kind. Our focus is on the benefit for our patients and employees.