Session 2: Applied Synthetic Biology
Saturday, 20.06
13:15 - 15:15
Dr. Ulrich Betz Senior Vice President Innovations at Merck
Future Insight
Merck is a vibrant science & technology company with business in healthcare, life science and electronic materials and a history that goes back to 1668. Open innovation is part of our DNA and we are inviting researchers from all over the world to work with us making great things happen. Merck is also a member in the Future Insight association which unites visionary individuals and organizations in a shared mission: to advance science and education for the benefit of humanity. Future Insight e.V. is an open alliance illuminating tomorrow by integrating scientific insight with inspirational wisdom and timeless virtues to shape a bright and peaceful future for everybody.
Dr. Ricarda Finnern, CEO DiaphOne Therapeutics
From University to Industry
Synthetic biology is redefining what it means to be a scientist: no longer only discovering knowledge, but actively shaping solutions for global challenges.
I will outline a practical journey from university research to start-up creation, showing how ideas can evolve into real-world applications that address industrial and societal needs. Along the way, key elements such as intellectual property, funding, product development, and market understanding are reframed as tools for amplifying impact rather than barriers to entry.
The session also explores how technologies like artificial intelligence can accelerate this transition, and why communication, visibility, and storytelling are essential in today’s innovation landscape.
Entrepreneurship is not an alternative to science, but its natural extension.
TBD