On June 20, SaxoCell participated in the Long Night of Science (LNDW) at two locations: in Leipzig at Fraunhofer IZI and in Dresden at CRTD.
Both venues drew great interest – our booths were consistently well attended by curious guests of all ages who wanted to learn more about innovative therapies from the Saxon cell and gene therapy cluster.

Through hands-on stations, interactive models, and educational games, we presented complex topics like CAR immune cell therapies and gene therapies in an accessible way.
A particular highlight was our cell quiz, where visitors could discover which immune cell best matches their personality – from the T-helper cell to the natural killer cell or the macrophage.

A special moment of the evening was the panel discussion with the Hannah Arendt Institute for Research on Totalitarianism, titled:

“Innovation and Doubt: How Science Moves Society”

Why does medical progress sometimes trigger skepticism?
Experts in medicine, ethics, and social sciences discussed opportunities, concerns, and the role of trust in new technologies.

The discussion was broadcast live to Leipzig and can be rewatched here: [YouTube link]

A sincere thank you to all collaborators, organizers, and of course to our many visitors.
We look back on an inspiring and insightful evening.

Finance Day Celebrates Premiere in Leipzig – Successful Networking of Life-Science Start-ups and Investors

The Finance Day, one of the most important events for start-up, growth, and capital market financing in the life sciences industry for the past 18 years, has opened a new chapter this year: for the first time, the prestigious event was held in Leipzig.

Organized by GoingPublic Media and the Plattform Life Sciences, the Finance Day provided an inspiring platform for promising life science projects and start-ups. In the unique atmosphere of BioCity Leipzig, innovative companies showcased themselves to renowned investors from across Germany.

Particularly notable were the contributions from the SaxoCell Future Cluster, including companies like Seamless Therapeutics, Katana Labs, and Singleron, which presented their groundbreaking technologies and business models. Ulrike Köhl, Cluster spokesperson of SaxoCell, took the opportunity to introduce the future cluster and other partner companies such as Cancilico, T-Cell Tolerance, and T-Curx to a wide audience.

In addition to the exciting pitches from the start-ups, networking and personal exchange were also at the heart of the event. The concluding evening event provided an ideal setting to forge new connections and further deepen the synergies within the industry.

With the first Finance Day in Leipzig, it was impressively demonstrated that the region is becoming a growing hub for innovation and collaboration in life sciences.

For 18 years, the Finance Day has been bringing together companies, investors, and industry experts from the life sciences sector. The goal of the event is to provide founders and start-ups with access to capital providers and thereby promote the development of innovative projects and technologies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZz_Fp_WqOU

https://goingpublic.events/finance-day-2024-leipzig/

Precision Medicine in Focus: Successful 8th Life Science Forum Leipzig brings Science and Industry Together

At the end of November, the 8th Life Science Forum Leipzig took place, bringing together over 80 participants from science and industry to discuss the latest developments and perspectives in precision medicine. Organized jointly by Wirtschaftsförderung Sachsen (WFS) and the SaxoCell Cluster for Future, the event impressively demonstrated the importance of dialogue between research and business for progress in medical precision technology.

Following the opening by Uwe Lienig (WFS) and Stefanie Binder (SaxoCell), participants enjoyed a diverse program featuring high-profile presentations. Highlights included inspiring keynotes by Prof. Dr. Martin Bornhäuser (University Hospital Dresden), Dr. Maximilian Merz (University Hospital Leipzig), and Dr. Thorsten Pisch (Gilead Sciences), offering fascinating insights into the latest advancements and challenges in precision medicine. The program was further enriched by presentations on innovative approaches in diagnostics and therapy, emphasizing practical solutions for the healthcare of the future.

A particularly positive aspect was the active participation of numerous companies from saxony, including Seamless Therapeutics, Cancilico, T Cell Tolerance, DKMS Life Science Lab, and MDTB Cells. These contributions highlight Saxony’s outstanding position as a hub for innovative developments in the life sciences industry.

The venue, BioCity Leipzig, provided the perfect setting for a successful day filled with in-depth discussions, networking, and knowledge exchange. “The Life Science Forum Leipzig has once again proven how essential this regular exchange is for the advancement of precision medicine,” summarized Stefanie Binder from SaxoCell.

The Life Science Forum regularly brings together experts from science and industry to discuss key topics in life sciences and biotechnology. With a focus on current challenges and innovations, the forum serves as a platform for interdisciplinary exchange and networking within the industry.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=WfPue4W9n7U 

https://standort-sachsen.de/de/aktuelles/veranstaltungen/detail/e1490-8-life-sciences-forum-sachsen-praezisionsmedizin-von-diagnostik-bis-therapie 

Advancing Genome Editing Towards Therapies – DG-GT Annual Meeting 2025 Recap

Dresden, March 10-11, 2025 – SaxoCell proudly participated in the DG-GT Theme Day 2025: Genome Editing Towards Therapies, held on March 10-11 at the German Hygiene Museum in Dresden. This high-profile event, organized in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gentherapien (DG-GT), Technische Universität Dresden, SaxoCell, and the University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, convened leading experts to discuss the latest breakthroughs in genome editing and their therapeutic potential.

Under the leadership of SaxoCell speaker Frank Buchholz and SaxoCell PI Zoltan Ivics, the conference provided a dynamic forum for addressing key topics, including CRISPR screening, advanced delivery technologies, clinical applications, and ethical considerations in genome editing. The exchange of knowledge and ideas further reinforced SaxoCell’s commitment to pioneering next-generation therapies for patients in need.

Link to the event: https://www.dg-gt.de/currentmeeting

• Prof. Dr. Ulrike Köhl (Fraunhofer IZI / Medical Faculty) gave an overview of SaxoCell’s precision therapy cluster, highlighting innovative developments in cell-based therapies.
• Prof. Dr. Zoltan Ivics (Fraunhofer IZI / Medical Faculty) shared insights into the challenges and opportunities in gene therapy, a key area in regenerative medicine.
• Dr. Michael Cross (Department of Hematology) explored the fascinating field of hematopoietic stem cell metabolism, shedding light on mechanisms behind blood cell formation and disease treatment.

German Biotechnology Days 2025 – SaxoCell Was There!

This week, SaxoCell was represented at the German Biotechnology Days (DBT) in Heidelberg (April 9–10), with Anette Bartsch and Cathleen Meerheim from Saxocellutions attending on our behalf.

The event featured two inspiring days full of exciting presentations and valuable networking opportunities. A special highlight was the strong contribution from our cluster spokeswoman, Prof. Dr. Ulrike Köhl, who brought SaxoCell’s vision to the stage.

Another key moment: the symbolic handover of the DBT baton to André Hofmann from biosaxony, marking the start of the countdown to DBT 2026 in Leipzig!

We at SaxoCell are proud and excited to welcome the biotech community to our home region next year.

• Ingo Schroeter (Workshop Lead)
• Christoph Conrad (BIH, formerly PEI)
• Julia Hütter (BIH)
• Thorsten Olski (EMA)

LSX Leaders | London 2025 – SaxoCell at the Forefront of Life Sciences Innovation

Our transfer representative, Alexander Funkner, represented SaxoCell at the LSX Leaders Forum in London from April 28–30, 2025—one of Europe’s premier platforms for innovation, investment, and collaboration in the life sciences sector.

Under the motto “Accelerating European Life Sciences,” the forum brought together decision-makers, investors, and industry pioneers to explore emerging trends, pressing challenges, and the future of health innovation.

For SaxoCell, the conference provided valuable insights into:

•  Strategic development of advanced cell and gene therapies
• Effective transfer models for research and start-ups
• New impulses for international partnerships and investments

A special highlight was the CEO Forum Day on April 28, which offered an exclusive environment for high-level exchange—an ideal platform to advance SaxoCell’s vision for a sustainable innovation and transfer culture.

Alongside compelling panels and keynotes, the forum also offered a chance for joyful reunions: Alexander reconnected with familiar faces from Wirtschaftsförderung Sachsen, leap up, and Apollo Health Ventures—a strong testament to Saxony’s dynamic presence and growing influence in the international life sciences arena.

Courage, Failure, and Real Talk: 2nd SaxoCell Fuck-Up Night at Cosmo Wissenschaftsforum

On April 30th, SaxoCell, in collaboration with Cluster4Future SEMECO, proudly hosted the second edition of the SaxoCell Fuck-Up Night at the Cosmo Wissenschaftsforum in Dresden.

The evening featured three courageous speakers: startup founders Jens Geißler from DIA42 and Jan Moritz Middeke from Cancilico, as well as hardware developer Alexander Gürbig from ConnCons. They took to the stage to share what is often left unsaid: the hard lessons, the unexpected setbacks, and the “not-so-glorious” moments of building a business.

Their stories were raw, honest, and inspiring – at times humorous, at times painful – but always authentic. Most importantly, they sparked real conversations and delivered valuable insights for everyone in attendance.

With curious questions, engaging discussions, and well-earned snacks and drinks, the night proved once again: failure isn’t the opposite of success – it’s part of the journey.

Let’s continue learning, failing forward, and shaping resilient innovation ecosystems together.

We were thrilled to be part of this year’s Swiss Biotech Day in Basel – one of Europe’s leading biotechnology conferences!

Representing SaxoCell, our colleague Stephanie Wieneke joined the event as part of the Saxony joint booth, highlighting the strength and innovation emerging from our region. It was a great opportunity to connect with fellow biotech professionals, explore new collaborations, and present SaxoCell’s vision for the future of cell and gene therapy.

We’re proud to contribute to shaping the future of biotech from the heart of Saxony.

SaxoCell returns from Munich after this year’s Clusters4Future experience exchange.

Over two days, the seven clusters from both the first and second rounds of the competition had the opportunity to network and exchange ideas on key topics like cluster management, sustainability, and industrial collaborations. Representing us were SaxoCell spokesperson Frank Buchholz, along with Maren Henneken and Stefanie Binder from the Hub team.

This year’s hosts were Munich-based clusters MCube and CNATM. In addition to their thematic focuses on mobility and nucleic acid therapies, Best Practices on cluster sustainability, such as those presented by BioRN, were shared. During the panel discussion, participants received valuable insights into attracting young talent and skilled professionals, as well as transitioning Clusters4Future to the second funding phase. An open dialogue with representatives from the BMBF and Projektträger Jülich rounded off the meeting.

As in the past two years, the annual exchange provided an ideal opportunity to gain new insights, learn from one another, and reconnect with long-standing contacts. We’re looking forward to next year!

SaxoCell is pleased to announce that it has been selected by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and an independent expert jury for a second phase of funding in the Clusters4Future initiative.

We are very happy about this as it highlights the potential and achievements of SaxoCell, a pioneering cluster for innovative cell and gene therapies.

BMBF Clusters4Future press release

TU Dresden press release

University Leipzig press release

Fraunhofer IZI press release

SaxoCell returns from Munich after this year’s Clusters4Future experience exchange.

Over two days, the seven clusters from both the first and second rounds of the competition had the opportunity to network and exchange ideas on key topics like cluster management, sustainability, and industrial collaborations. Representing us were SaxoCell spokesperson Frank Buchholz, along with Maren Henneken and Stefanie Binder from the Hub team.

This year’s hosts were Munich-based clusters MCube and CNATM. In addition to their thematic focuses on mobility and nucleic acid therapies, Best Practices on cluster sustainability, such as those presented by BioRN, were shared. During the panel discussion, participants received valuable insights into attracting young talent and skilled professionals, as well as transitioning Clusters4Future to the second funding phase. An open dialogue with representatives from the BMBF and Projektträger Jülich rounded off the meeting.

As in the past two years, the annual exchange provided an ideal opportunity to gain new insights, learn from one another, and reconnect with long-standing contacts. We’re looking forward to next year!

SaxoCell is pleased to announce that it has been selected by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and an independent expert jury for a second phase of funding in the Clusters4Future initiative.

We are very happy about this as it highlights the potential and achievements of SaxoCell, a pioneering cluster for innovative cell and gene therapies.

BMBF Clusters4Future press release

TU Dresden press release

University Leipzig press release

Fraunhofer IZI press release

Pressemitteilung des Fraunhofer IZI

Once again this year in Dresden, science enthusiasts of all ages had the chance to get to know SaxoCell and learn about the latest advances in cell and gene therapy in discussions with our hub team.

Our tried-and-tested games and craft materials were available at our booth, including the colourful magnetic fishing game on CAR-T cell therapy and the entertaining immune cell quiz. We were delighted to welcome so many curious visitors at our stand!

The enthusiasm and curiosity of the visitors made the event truly special. Seeing so many people eager to learn about scientific advancements and participate in our activities was incredibly rewarding. We look forward to continuing this tradition and sharing more exciting developments at future events. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the night unforgettable!

At the beginning of June, our two-day SaxoCell retreat was a resounding success, offering a perfect blend of productive discussions and engaging activities. PIs and scientists from our projects and platforms, members from the SaxoCell Hub as well as our Scientific Advisory Board representatives gathered at Congress Hotel Chemnitz.

Our agenda was packed with insightful discussions, innovative pitches, and a comprehensive outlook on our future projects and perspectives.

The highlight of our retreat was the team challenge, where we formed eight teams to build spaghetti towers – aiming for the highest – fostering creativity and teamwork. The winning tower measured 70 centimetres! There was also a winner of hearts which was not as high but very stable and ready long before the end of the challenge.

Our SaxoCell Retreat 2024 not only strengthened our professional bonds but also provided valuable insights and renewed enthusiasm for our collective goals. Thank you to everyone who was part of this event! It was great to get to know each other apart from desk and bench!

SaxoCell returns from Munich after this year’s Clusters4Future experience exchange.

Over two days, the seven clusters from both the first and second rounds of the competition had the opportunity to network and exchange ideas on key topics like cluster management, sustainability, and industrial collaborations. Representing us were SaxoCell spokesperson Frank Buchholz, along with Maren Henneken and Stefanie Binder from the Hub team.

This year’s hosts were Munich-based clusters MCube and CNATM. In addition to their thematic focuses on mobility and nucleic acid therapies, Best Practices on cluster sustainability, such as those presented by BioRN, were shared. During the panel discussion, participants received valuable insights into attracting young talent and skilled professionals, as well as transitioning Clusters4Future to the second funding phase. An open dialogue with representatives from the BMBF and Projektträger Jülich rounded off the meeting.

As in the past two years, the annual exchange provided an ideal opportunity to gain new insights, learn from one another, and reconnect with long-standing contacts. We’re looking forward to next year!

SaxoCell Retreat 2024

Auch in diesem Jahr hatten Wissenschaftsinteressierte jeden Alters in Dresden die Chance, SaxoCell kennenzulernen und die neuesten Fortschritte in der Zell- und Gentherapie in Gesprächen mit unserem Hub-Team zu erfahren.

SaxoCell kehrt begeistert zurück aus München vom diesjährigen Erfahrungsaustausch der Zukunftscluster.

An zwei Tagen hatten die sieben Cluster der ersten sowie die sieben Cluster der zweiten Wettbewerbsrunde die Möglichkeit, sich untereinander zu vernetzen und zu wesentlichen Themen wie Clustermanagement, Verstetigung und Industriekooperationen auszutauschen. Mit dabei waren unser SaxoCell-Sprecher Frank Buchholz sowie Maren Henneken und Stefanie Binder vom Hub-Team.

Gastgeber in diesem Jahr waren die beiden Münchner Cluster MCube und CNATM. Neben thematischen Schwerpunkten Mobilität und Nukleinsäuretherapien wurden Best Practices zur Clusterverstetigung, etwa von BioRN, vorgestellt. In der Paneldiskussion erhielten die Teilnehmenden wertvolle Impulse zur Nachwuchs- und Fachkräftegewinnung sowie zum Transfer der Zukunftscluster in die zweite Förderphase. Ein offener Austausch mit dem BMBF und dem Projektträger Jülich rundete das Meeting ab.

Wie in den beiden Jahren zuvor, bot auch dieser Erfahrungsaustausch eine ideale Gelegenheit, neue Eindrücke zu gewinnen, voneinander zu lernen und alte Kontakte aufzufrischen. Wir freuen uns auf das Treffen im nächsten Jahr!

SaxoCell wurde vom Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF) und einer unabhängigen Fachjury für die zweite Förderphase im Clusters4Future-Wettbewerb ausgewählt!

Wir freuen uns sehr, denn diese Entscheidung unterstreicht das enorme Potenzial und die bisherigen Erfolge unseres Clusters für innovative Zell- und Gentherapien.

Pressemeldung BMBF Clusters4Future

Pressemitteilung der TU Dresden

Pressemitteilung der Universität Leipzig

Pressemitteilung des Fraunhofer IZI

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