Germany-wide association for industrial cell technology founded

The Lübeck-based Fraunhofer Research Institution for Marine Biotechnology (EMB) is to become a nucleus for innovative developments in modern cell technology. Scientists working in research institutes and industry founded the German Society Industrial Cell Technology during the second Industrial Cell Technology Congress in Lübeck with the aim of promoting the development of innovative products and services. The future development of new therapeutic agents, cell-based therapy concepts and bio-production of complex materials call for new joint technology. Three-dimensional cell cultures featuring several cell types, complemented by the relevant equipment technology and new materials, play a key role here. In founding the German Society Industrial Cell Technology, the members are creating new and promising synergies between organisations and disciplines in biomedical research fields of application, including regenerative medicine, medical technology, marine biotechnology and food technology. 

Apart from the Fraunhofer Institution, which runs the association, the founding members of the non-profit organisation include well-known companies and institutes from all over Germany such as Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH, Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Eppendorf AG, and the German biotechnology sector association, BIO Deutschland.

“The society is the first application-oriented network of its kind in Germany. Our aim is not merely that the members benefit from pooling information among each other, but also that collaboration on concrete issues proves very useful,” said Charli Kruse, local head of the Fraunhofer Institution and scientific advisor to the society.

Viola Bronsema, managing director of BIO Deutschland, sees great potential in the society. “Cell technology is one of the most innovative fields within biotechnology. There is a very wide range of possible future products is. BIO Deutschland looks forward to providing this new union of industry and science with active political support,” she said.

Norgenta Norddeutsche Life Science Agentur GmbH will be responsible for the operative management of the society. The company’s managing director, Kathrin Adlkofer, also welcomed the foundation of the new organisation. She said, “In this society, we have created a pool that combines great expertise and skills from various technological fields in a very special way. This will not only significantly increase the attractiveness of Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg as locations for innovation, but will also accelerate the development of innovative applications and products.”

The foundation of the society is in part due to the success of the Industrial Cell Technology Congress, which took place in 2011 for the second time and was held in the Lübeck Music and Congress Centre (MuK). With 25% more exhibitors and visitors than the first event, the event was a great success. Around 200 participants and exhibitors were involved this year.

BIO Deutschland members may apply to join the German Society Industrial Cell Technology free of charge. Further information is available at www.industrielle-zelltechnik.de/en.