News

IBT Lower Saxony provides €1.4 million in funding for HZI spin-off Citrapeutics

November 21, 2025

The Institute for Biomedical Translation (IBT) Lower Saxony is supporting the Helmholtz spin-off Citrapeutics from the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) in Braunschweig with €1.4 million. The spin-off is developing a novel oral immunotherapy against cancer, focusing on an innovative drug approach that aims to offer patients a complementary option to existing immunotherapies. The focus is on the drug candidate Citra01, which will be further optimized and developed for clinical application as part of the funding.

Citrapeutics impressed at the fifth IBT portfolio conference in Braunschweig and was selected from seven project teams from leading research institutions in Lower Saxony. The funding will enable research results to be quickly translated into market-oriented innovations and pave the way for the subsequent establishment of a company – an important step in the successful transfer of technology from the HZI.

For the Helmholtz Association, support for the project is a strong sign of the effectiveness of its transfer instruments: Citrapeutics already received Helmholtz Enterprise spin-off funding in 2023, which has significantly advanced the establishment of the spin-off and the further development of the technology. We congratulate them on this success.

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Captain T Cell secures €20 million to advance next development stage

November 17, 2025

Captain T Cell, a spin-off from the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Association, has successfully closed a €20 million financing round. The biotechnology company develops next-generation TCR-T cell therapies for the treatment of solid tumors – an area with significant unmet medical need. With the new funding, the company will advance its lead program CTC127 into a Phase I clinical trial led by Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and conducted across several major cancer centers in Germany.

For Helmholtz, this financing marks an important milestone: it highlights how cutting-edge research at MDC is being successfully translated into real-world medical innovation. The spin-off process was supported by Ascenion, MDC’s technology transfer partner, enabling the transition from scientific discovery to clinical application. The strong commitment of both new and existing investors – including Springboard Health Angels, Pluton Asset Holding AG, and i&i Biotech Fund – underscores the high potential of Captain T Cell’s platform. In addition, the company is advancing a first-in-class allogeneic TCR-T platform with promising preclinical results, further demonstrating the innovative strength of the Helmholtz ecosystem.

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Helmholtz successfully hosts Start-up Days and 4Investors

October 18, 2025

This year saw two outstanding events that are having a decisive impact on start-up activity in the non-university research sector in Germany. Together with the Fraunhofer Society, the Leibniz Association, and the Max Planck Society, Start-up Days and 4Investors took place in October 2025. We are very proud to have hosted these events. Both focused on the transfer of research into entrepreneurial activity and demonstrated how vibrant and innovative our network is.

The Start-up Days took place on October 15, 2025, in Berlin and offered researchers interested in starting their own businesses a platform for exchange, learning, and networking. Around 100 participants from the worlds of science and start-up support came together to learn more in workshops on business model development, financing, and pitch training.
In addition to practical insights from experienced founders, the focus was on collegial exchange.

One day later, on October 16, more than 160 participants gathered in Berlin for 4Investors Day. On stage, 40 technology-oriented start-ups presented innovative business ideas from the fields of deep tech & AI, life sciences & med-tech, green energy, and space to investors. In a dynamic atmosphere of pitches, one-on-one meetings, and exhibition stands, numerous new contacts and cooperation opportunities arose. The high level of interest from the financing side was particularly encouraging, underscoring the high innovative value of the projects presented.

Chronic hepatitis B: First patient receives new vaccine

July 05, 2025

Helmholtz Munich, a research center of the Helmholtz Association, has taken a decisive step in the fight against chronic hepatitis B: In June 2025, the first patient received the newly developed therapeutic vaccine TherVacB as part of a clinical trial. After more than 13 years of research, the approach is now being tested on patients for the first time.

TherVacB is designed to activate the immune system so that the body can fight the virus itself – a potential breakthrough that could enable a cure. The international study is investigating the safety and efficacy of the vaccine and marks a significant success for the transfer of knowledge from research to clinical practice.

With TherVacB, Helmholtz Munich is demonstrating how many years of cutting-edge research can lead to concrete solutions that give hope to millions of infected people worldwide. TherVacB is funded as part of the Helmholtz Enterprise 2025 funding program.

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atSTAKE: Using smart software to transform transportation in small municipalities

June 02, 2025

Rethinking traffic planning: three scientists want to use their software to help small municipalities make smart mobility decisions more quickly and independently. The start-up atSTAKE, founded by social scientist Kerstin Stark, psychologist Viktoriya Kolarova and traffic engineer Nina Thomsen, has developed an intelligent planning tool that replaces complex simulations - efficient, data-based and easy to understand.

The focus is on a clear claim: more sustainability, more social justice - and less dependence on large engineering firms. Local authorities in rural areas in particular should be able to plan better, for example when introducing on-demand buses or sharing services. Through precise demand forecasts, the software helps to use public funds in a more targeted manner and to expand public transport in an economically and socially sensible way.

atSTAKE was created as part of the “Helmholtz Enterprise” funding program, which makes it easier for founders from science to make the leap into business practice. The three researchers previously worked in transport research at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) - they used their practical experience to develop their vision of a tool that makes well-founded decisions for sustainable mobility more easily accessible.

“We are turning the conventional models on their head,” they say confidently - and by this they mean not only the technology, but also the claim to make transport planning more democratic, accessible and comprehensible. With their data-driven approach, they want to empower local authorities to plan in a self-determined and evidence-based way - and to make the mobility of tomorrow fairer.

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Award for Citrapeutics: HZI spin-off wins at BioVaria 2025

May 05, 2025

The spin-off Citrapeutics, a spin-off of the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), was awarded the prestigious “Emerging Start-up” prize at BioVaria 2025 in Munich. The young company impressed the jury with a novel therapeutic approach in cancer immunotherapy: orally available inhibitors of the enzyme ACOD1, which strengthen the immune system and suppress the growth of tumors.

ACOD1 is active in many tumor cells and produces the molecule itaconate, which blocks cytotoxic immune cells such as CD8⁺ T cells and thus creates an immunosuppressive environment in the tumor tissue. Citrapeutics has identified and further developed citraconic acid (CA), the world's first ACOD1 inhibitor. These active substances offer an alternative or supplement to classic immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), which do not work for all patients and often cause severe side effects.

Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Dr. Frank Pessler, the team aims to specifically treat cancers with high ACOD1 activity. The orally available active substances can be produced at low cost and already show promising pharmacological properties in preclinical studies. The project has been funded as part of the Helmholtz Enterprise Program since 2024. BioVaria brings together leading European research institutions, start-ups and investors every year to present innovative life science technologies and make spin-offs visible.

Further information can be found on the official BioVaria website: www.biovaria.org/startup-pitch-partner/startups-2025/startups-detail-view/citrapeutics

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MDC spin-off MyoPax receives EIC Accelerator funding for groundbreaking muscle regeneration therapies

February 20, 2025

The Berlin-based biotechnology start-up MyoPax, a spin-off of the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, has been selected as one of 71 companies for the prestigious EIC Accelerator grant.

MyoPax specializes in the development of innovative therapies for muscle regeneration using proprietary technologies for the isolation and cultivation of muscle stem cells. These make it possible to produce large quantities of high-purity muscle stem cells that can be used to treat muscle atrophy and injuries.

MyoPax was supported by the Helmholtz Enterprise funding program, which finances and supports selected start-up projects every year. This funding enabled the team led by Dr. Verena Schöwel and Prof. Simone Spuler to translate their research findings into practical applications and lay the foundations for founding a company. With the current EIC Accelerator funding, MyoPax plans to further advance the development of its therapies and initiate clinical trials to give new hope to patients with previously incurable muscle diseases.

This year, Helmholtz Enterprise is once again funding inventions within the Helmholtz Centers. Applications can still be submitted until March 28, 2025.

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KIT and IBM launch strategic partnership for AI innovations

February 14, 2025

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and IBM have agreed on a strategic cooperation in the field of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovations. The aim of this partnership is to jointly develop AI solutions that advance both scientific and industrial applications. As part of the cooperation, KIT will contribute its expertise in research and development, while IBM will provide advanced technologies and resources.

One focus is on promoting innovation through the transfer of research results into practice in order to accelerate technology transfer and open up new market potential. This collaboration underscores the Helmholtz Association's commitment to promoting knowledge and technology transfer through strategic partnerships and thus making a sustainable contribution to digital transformation.

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DLR spin-off EOMAP becomes part of Fugro

February 5, 2025

EOMAP GmbH & Co. KG, a former DLR spin-off, has been taken over by the Dutch company Fugro N.V.. EOMAP is a global leader in satellite-based mapping of water bodies and provides precise geodata for industry and authorities. In recent years, EOMAP has become an important partner of Fugro in many climate adaptation and nature conservation projects. The merger enables optimal integration of EOMAP's technologies into Fugro's existing solutions. This strengthens the global water market and expands the offering of both companies. The acquisition is a significant success for technology transfer from the Helmholtz Association. It shows how research can be transferred into successful companies and gain international relevance. Dr. Thomas Heege, founder of EOMAP, welcomes the merger as an important step towards scaling up their technology. This development underlines the value of scientific spin-offs for the economy and society. The Helmholtz Association congratulates EOMAP on this milestone. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

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DLR spin-off ensures safe interaction between robots and humans

January 8, 2025

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) has announced the development of a new robotic system designed to increase efficiency and flexibility in industrial production. The spin-off company Versatile Robotics GmbH is part of the DLR initiative “Factory of the Future”, which aims to revolutionize manufacturing processes through advanced robotics and digitization.

The new system features lightweight, torque-controlled robotic arms that mimic the movements of the human arm, enabling intuitive and safe human-robot collaboration. These robots can be easily reprogrammed for different tasks, making them suitable for the production of small batch sizes and individualized manufacturing.

The DLR Factory of the Future integrates the latest research in artificial intelligence and cooperative robotics to simplify and optimize production processes. By utilizing technologies originally developed for space travel, DLR aims to introduce innovative solutions to the manufacturing industry, thereby increasing productivity and adaptability.

In 2023, the project on compliant robot control was funded as a Field Study Fellowship as part of Helmholtz Enterprise. This funding program allows customer needs to be explored and interviews to be conducted. Projects and ideas are supervised by a professional coach. Sound exciting? Find out more about the program here:

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DKFZ and Beiersforf - Collaborative Research for Next-Generation Sunscreens

December 11, 2024

The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Heidelberg University are jointly developing innovative approaches for the sunscreens of the future. Their research focuses on new compounds that not only protect against UV radiation but also repair DNA damage in skin cells, aiming to provide comprehensive protection against skin cancer.

This initiative combines expertise in dermatology, cancer research, and biochemistry to ensure the safety and effectiveness of these substances. In addition to skin cancer prevention, the new sunscreens will be designed to meet environmental and ecological standards. Close collaboration with industry partners aims to bring these innovations to market quickly.

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Amplitude and HZDR Establish Joint Research Lab for Next-Generation Laser Technologies

December 11, 2024

The Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) and the Amplitude Laser Group are strengthening their 18-year collaboration by founding a joint research laboratory in Dresden. Building on the successes of the high-power DRACO laser, the partnership aims to advance laser diagnostics, technologies, and applications, focusing on electron and proton acceleration as well as radiobiological applications for cancer research.

To enhance the collaboration, Amplitude is relocating research and development resources from France to Dresden, funding PhD positions at HZDR, and establishing a local team. This partnership highlights Helmholtz’s commitment to translating research into applications and fostering international collaborations. The initiative is supported by Hi-Acts, the Helmholtz innovation platform for accelerator-based technologies.

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KIT Spin-off INERATEC Wins German Sustainability Award in the Fuel Industry Category

November 27, 2024

Karlsruhe-based INERATEC, a spin-off of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), has been awarded the German Sustainability Award 2024 in the Fuel Industry category. The company was recognized for its groundbreaking contribution to sustainable energy solutions through its production of synthetic fuels using renewable energy and CO₂.

INERATEC's innovative reactor technology enables the efficient synthesis of e-fuels, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuels. By utilizing captured carbon dioxide and green hydrogen, the company addresses key challenges in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in hard-to-decarbonize sectors like aviation and shipping.

This prestigious recognition underscores the importance of advancing clean energy technologies to achieve global climate targets. INERATEC continues to expand its production capacities, driving the transition to a climate-neutral energy system.

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39th Helmholtz Enterprise Selection Meeting funds six spin-offs and 15 Field Stury Fellowship projects

November 19, 2024

In the 39th intake pitches of the spin-off programme Helmholtz Enterprise, we have selected six new spin-offs and 15 inquisitive Field Study Fellowship projects together with our outstanding jury of VCs, business and science.

The teams will start in the new year and we are excited to accompany them on their entrepreneurial journey:

• EDY Diagnostics (DKFZ Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum)
• KCP (Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT))
• PoreX (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft-und Raumfahrt e.V.)
• DeKox (Helmholtz-Zentrum für Infektionsforschung)
• SideroGaIn (Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR))
• SUNEO (Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT))

Massive thanks to Alex Koch, Stephan Schulze, Leonie Erhard, Yann Fiebig, Thomas Grandke, Lea Bogner, Mirco Müller, Angelika Vlachou, Agnes von Matuschka, Daniel Steffen, Jan Elmiger und Jörn Krupa.

Apply by March 28, 2025 for a Field Study Fellowship to learn more about your future customers and their problems. Or apply for the Spin-off Program to turn your idea into a company.

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DLR spin-off receives 1.7 million euros in funding

November 10, 2024

The spin-off project of the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) ExoMatter has successfully closed a pre-seed financing round of 1.7 million euros. The round was led by Vanagon.vc, with other investors including Bayern Kapital, 212 NexT, Bloomhaus Ventures AG, ZAKA VC and four female business angels from encourageventures e.V. ExoMatter uses an AI-powered platform to help companies develop new, high-performance and sustainable materials - up to 90% faster than conventional processes. This reduces costs and emissions and promotes sustainable innovation. According to Susanne Fromm from Vanagon Ventures, this technology helps companies to prepare for upcoming EU regulations such as the Ecodesign Directive. With customers such as Airbus and Infineon and a clear growth trajectory, ExoMatter aims to become the leading platform for digital material development in Europe. ExoMatter was funded as a DLR spin-off as part of Helmholtz Enterprise in 2022.

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Helmholtz Centre DLR researches driverless trains

November 07, 2024

The German Aerospace Centre (DLR) is researching the use of driverless trains in regional rail transport as part of the "ARTE" (Autonomous Regional Train Evolution) project. The aim is to enable automated driving without extensive modifications to the railway infrastructure - simply by retrofitting the vehicles. As many routes are not equipped with the European Train Control System (ETCS), the trains should be able to recognise and interpret signals independently. Partners are the railway technology provider Alstom and the Technical University of Berlin. The DLR is comprehensively analysing how driverless operation can be integrated into the railway system and is investigating the effects on infrastructure, operating costs and the role of railway personnel, who will increasingly take on monitoring and control tasks in the future. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Economics and the Ministry of Economics of Lower Saxony.

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