Together with the KHAN and the Lead Discovery Centre (LDC) on 25 February 2026 at the Biomedicine Centre Dortmund (BMZ) experience a strong partnering format: a day full of scientific excellence, open discussions and with a clear focus on translation - in other words, on how concrete approaches and sustainable collaborations emerge from research.

The kick-off was made by Dr Kirsten Bender (MWIKE). Afterwards there was Irene Papanicolau (European Investment Fund) insights into European investment prospects for the life sciences, before Bert M. Klebl the KHAN/LDC ecosystem. Further exciting contributions on scientific findings, projects, entrepreneurial approaches and spin-offs followed throughout the day. From the BioIndustry network was, among other things, a board member of the network and head of the BMZ Dr Joanna Stachnik on site and accompanied the exchange.

The Dortmund footprint was particularly strong: Dortmund has long been an established centre for active ingredient research, and this is exactly what was noticeable here. Companies such as KyDo, QLi5 and Serengen show how start-ups are created, grow and are applied on the basis of excellent local research.

When research, entrepreneurship and capital come together in such a focussed way, it creates more than just exchange; it creates points of contact for real partnerships, new projects and the next generation of active ingredients.

Photos: LDC/ KHAN