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When findings from sciences such as molecular biology, biochemistry, or genetics are made technically usable, it is usually referred to as biotech. Very often, the solutions can be assigned to the healthtech sector – but not always, as, for example, Amsilk The startup produces artificial spider silk with the help of modified bacteria. Or 4Genes, which is working on a new way to seal fragrances in cosmetics and food.
These two biotech startups, and many others, are based in Biotechnology Innovation and Start-up Center (IZB). At its two locations in Martinsried and Weihenstephan, the IZB currently houses 45 startups, but in its 27-year history, it has been able to support many more companies in their growth. And with great success, as IZB Managing Director Peter Hanns Zobel told the Süddeutsche Zeitung revealed: Of the more than 160 startups the IZB has supported so far, only seven have had to give up. Starting at minute 3:05, we explain what makes the startup center so successful.
Another example of a startup from the IZB is ThermosomeThe company, founded in 2015 by Pascal Schweizer, Martin Hossann, and Lars Lindner, is developing a new method for delivering drugs to the targeted site in the body. This method is intended to combat tumors more effectively. We reveal exactly how this works and how far the three founders have progressed with the development of their drug starting at minute 4:25.
Genetics and protein research at biotech startups
Also Eisbach Organic is dedicated to fighting tumors (starting at minute 8:00). The startup attacks the internal mechanisms of cancer cells to ultimately prevent the virus genome from reproducing. Furthermore, the two founders, Adrian Schomburg and Andreas Ladurner, are also working on a SARS-CoV-19 drug that uses similar mechanisms. We not only explain how the startup is financed, but also attempt to shed light on the genetic basis behind Eisbach Bio's solutions.
A special form of genetics has Epiqmax The startup, founded in 2018 by Moritz Voelker-Albert, Victor Solis, and Axel Imhof, investigates the epigenetic influences that patients are subject to. They aim to support patients in finding a healthier lifestyle through personalized nutrition and exercise recommendations. You can learn more about epigenetics and how the startup works with it starting at minute 12:05.
The fourth startup in our 49th episode comes from the field of proteomics, the science of the totality of all proteins in a cell or living being. Preomics develops and produces technologies for the preanalytics of samples for mass spectrometry. With its solutions, the startup aims to help other proteomics companies standardize and accelerate their laboratory processes. Thanks to Preomics, tests should take only hours, rather than days. You can hear more about the startup and its founders Nils Kulak and Garwin Pichler starting at minute 14:45.
The VC Andera Partners
All four startups featured in this episode are based at the IZB, and they recently gained a very special neighbor there: Andera Partners An investor has moved into the incubator. Starting at minute 17:15, we take a closer look at the Paris-based VC. With its nearly 20-year history, €3.6 billion under management, and six funds specializing in life sciences, it should have a lot to offer its new neighbors.
