5/6.05.2025 I Public Event
Swiss Biotech Day | Basel
SaxoCell will establish a lighthouse for cell and gene therapies in Saxony, featuring high international visibility. Here you will find a selection of news and information about our cluster. We are looking forward to press and media inquiries. Please contact us!
News
30.04.2025 I Public Event
Fuck-Up Night | Dresden
28/30.04.2025 I Public Event
LSX Leaders | London
15.04.2025 I Public Event
GeneNovate Workshop #4
31.03.2025 I Public Event
GSCN on Tour in Leipzig – SaxoCell in Action!
9.-10.04.2025 I Public Event
German Biotechnology Days
10.-11.03.2025 I Meeting
DG-GT Annual Meeting: Genome editing towards therapies
20/21.01.2025 | Meeting
SaxoCell Kickoff Meeting – 2nd Funding Phase
04.01.2025 | Publication
THE LANCET Paper from the Cluster
06.12.2024 | Workshop
Workshop on Automation in Dresden
03.12.2024 | Press Release
SaxoCell in Handelsblatt
26.11.2024 | Public Event
8th Life Science Forum
24.10.2024 | Public Event
Finance Day Celebrates Premiere in Leipzig
22nd August 2024 | Press release
SaxoCell enters second funding phase!
SaxoCell enters second funding phase!
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
University Leipzig press release
SaxoCell at Swiss Biotech Day 2025: Showcasing Saxony’s Biotech Innovation in Basel
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 Fuck-Up Night
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.
LSX Leaders | London 2025 – SaxoCell at the Forefront of Life Sciences Innovation
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.
GeneNovate Workshop #4 – A Day Full of Insights and Interaction
On April 15, 2025, SaxoCell, in cooperation with the Netzwerkbüro GCT Germany, hosted the fourth edition of the GeneNovate Workshop series at Fraunhofer IZI in Leipzig. This time, the focus was on a powerful trio of themes:
“Regulation, Develop your Product/Solution, and Go-to-Market: Understand & Win Customers.”
We extend a big thank you to our outstanding experts who led the day with valuable insights and practical guidance:
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Ingo Schroeter (Workshop Lead)
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Christoph Conrad (BIH, formerly PEI)
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Julia Hütter (BIH)
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Thorsten Olski (EMA)
Through a combination of expert input and interactive hands-on sessions, participants explored strategies for navigating regulatory challenges, refining their product development processes, and successfully approaching customers and markets.
We thank all speakers and participants for their active engagement and the inspiring discussions throughout the day.
We’re already looking forward to GeneNovate Workshop #5, which will take place in Dresden and focus on:
“Legal, Team, Project, Partnerships.”
“Legal, Team, Project, Partnerships.”
Let’s keep innovating together.
GSCN on Tour in Leipzig – SaxoCell in Action!
What a fantastic day at the “German Stem Cell Network on Tour” hybrid meeting in Leipzig on March 31, 2025!
The event brought together leading experts in stem cell research and created a vibrant space for knowledge exchange and insightful discussions.
SaxoCell was strongly represented with impactful presentations from our experts:
- 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.
The event concluded with a lively networking reception, where attendees exchanged ideas over drinks and finger food, fostering new connections and collaborations.
German Biotechnology Days 2025
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.
BMBF Clusters4Future Meeting 2024
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!
BMBF Clusters4Future Meeting 2024
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!
DG-GT Annual Meeting: Genome editing towards therapies
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
SaxoCell Kickoff Meeting - 2nd Funding Phase
SaxoCell starts its second funding phase
The SaxoCell consortium kicked off the second funding phase with a successful meeting on January 20th and 21st, 2025, at Fraunhofer IZI in Leipzig. In an inspiring and productive gathering, the project teams exchanged ideas about their upcoming three years of research in the field of cell and gene therapy.
During both days, the teams presented their innovative ideas and plans for the further development of the current eight SaxoCell projects. A special highlight of the meeting was the involvement of the project sponsor, Jülich, who provided valuable insights and support for the ongoing implementation of the research projects.
Additionally, a creative Lego Serious Play® workshop, conducted by mikomi – the Institute for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Cooperation at the University of Mittweida, allowed participants to develop innovative solutions and strengthen collaboration within the consortium. Another highlight was the inspiring keynote by Prof. Andreas Zaby from the Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovations (SPRIND), which opened up new perspectives on groundbreaking innovations.
THE LANCET Paper from the Cluster
Breakthrough in the Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases with CD19 CAR-T Cell Therapy
A major advancement in medicine: for the first time, a novel CD19 CAR-T cell therapy has been successfully used to treat a patient with multi-refractory primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). This severe autoimmune disease causes the immune system to destroy platelets, leading to potentially life-threatening bleeding.
The innovative therapy achieved sustained remission in a patient who had exhausted all conventional treatments, including a splenectomy. By specifically eliminating harmful B cells responsible for producing autoantibodies, the CAR-T cell therapy not only normalized platelet levels but also alleviated symptoms and significantly improved the patient’s quality of life—with fewer side effects compared to cancer treatment.
This groundbreaking case study was recently published in The Lancet (January 2025) by a team led by SaxoCell spokesperson Prof. Martin Bornhäuser. The success was made possible through collaboration with Dimitrios Mougiakakis from Magdeburg, an expert in CAR-T therapy for autoimmune diseases, who managed cell collection and reinfusion, as well as Karolin Trautmann-Grill and Malte von Bonin from Dresden, who coordinated patient care and follow-up.
“We have successfully used this therapy in cancer treatment many times before. With the SaxoCell Cluster for Cell and Gene Therapy, we have the ideal conditions to apply our knowledge and expertise to other indications as well,” explains SaxoCell spokesperson Prof. Frank Buchholz. Despite these promising results, further clinical studies are necessary to evaluate the long-term safety and broader applicability of this therapy.
Salvage treatment of multi-refractory primary immune thrombocytopenia with CD19 CAR T cells – ScienceDirect
https://www.uniklinikum-dresden.de/de/presse/aktuelle-medien-informationen/durchbruch-bei-der-the rapie-von-autoimmunerkrankungen-car-t-zelltherapie-erstmals-erfolgreich-bei-der-primaeren-itp-angew endet
Workshop on Automation in Dresden
Successful Workshop on Automation in Cell and Gene Therapy: SaxoCell Sets Important Impulses
On December 6, 2024, a groundbreaking workshop titled “Automated Production for Cell and Gene Therapy” took place at the DKMS Life Science Lab. Organized by SaxoCell in collaboration with Wirtschaftsförderung Sachsen (WFS) and VE.MAS innovativ, the event brought together leading experts in cell and gene therapy as well as Saxon providers of automation solutions.
The goal of the workshop was to identify the potential of automation in cell and gene therapy and to develop new approaches to make the industry more efficient and future-ready. The discussions were so engaging that they extended well beyond the scheduled time. “The enthusiasm and commitment of all participants showed just how strong the spirit of innovation is in this field,” said Stephanie Wieneke from SaxoCell.
A highlight of the event was an exclusive tour of the highly automated DKMS Life Science Lab, where participants gained fascinating insights into cutting-edge laboratory automation, serving as a model for future developments in cell and gene therapy.
“These are exactly the impulses we want to create with SaxoCell to drive the development of the cell and gene therapy sector in Saxony and across Germany,” emphasized SaxoCell. “The combination of scientific expertise and innovative automation solutions offers tremendous potential for growth and progress.”
The organizers announced that the next workshop is already being planned for early 2025. The focus remains on strengthening collaboration within the industry and promoting innovative solutions.
SaxoCell in Handelsblatt
“Saxony is one of the most exciting life sciences regions in Germany” – Thomas Horn in conversation
Saxony is increasingly establishing itself as a leading region for innovations in the life sciences sector. In an interview with Handelsblatt on December 3, 2024, Thomas Horn, Managing Director of Wirtschaftsförderung Sachsen GmbH (WFS), emphasized the region’s outstanding development and future prospects.
“Saxony is one of the most exciting life sciences regions in Germany,” Horn stated in the discussion. He particularly highlighted the Free State Dresden’s growing significance as a hub for cell and gene therapy, one of the most promising advancements in the healthcare sector.
With innovation clusters like the Cluster4Future SaxoCell and close collaboration between research institutions, universities, and companies, Saxony offers a unique ecosystem for groundbreaking developments in diagnostics and therapy. “We see strong momentum in the region, which excites both scientists and investors,” Horn emphasized.
Supported by targeted funding programs and excellent infrastructure, Saxony is attracting more and more start-ups and established companies from the life sciences sector. Facilities such as BioCity Leipzig and the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI) serve as key hubs for networking and advancing innovation.
In addition to its economic and scientific achievements, Horn also praised the region’s international reach. “Saxony is increasingly positioning itself as a global player in the life sciences industry,” he said.
With this positive development, Saxony reinforces its ambition to take a leading role in one of the most important future fields of medicine.
The Wirtschaftsförderung Sachsen GmbH supports companies, investors, and research institutions in realizing their projects in the Free State of Saxony. With a focus on industries such as life sciences, mechanical engineering, and electromobility, WFS actively contributes to the region’s economic growth.
https://www.handelsblatt.com/adv/firmen/wirtschaftsfoerderung-sachsen-gmbh.html
Finance Day Celebrates Premiere in Leipzig
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.
8th Life Science Forum
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.
SaxoCell Pitch-Training
Wir veranstalteten zwei dynamische Pitch-Trainingstage für unsere Projekte zur Vorbereitung auf unseren SaxoCell-Retreat im Juni.
Die Projektvertreter präsentierten ihre 8-minütigen Pitches vor den anderen Teilnehmenden. Auf Input und Feedback durch unseren Coach Markus Schmittberger folgte eine lebhafte Diskussion. Mit weiterem Handout-Material ausgestattet, sind die Projekte nun bereit zu glänzen!
Wir danken Markus Schmittberger und allen Teilnehmenden in Dresden und online für die zwei tollen Workshops!