Cooperation hei_INNOVATION partner in the GeneNovate program 2025: Workshop in Heidelberg and finale in Berlin

July 28, 2025
published by hei_INNOVATION

hei_INNOVATION was a cooperation partner in the Germany-wide GeneNovate program 2025, which supports startups in the field of gene and cell therapies. A workshop organized by GeneNovate in Heidelberg and the finale, at which hei_INNOVATION was a guest, were part of the six-month qualification phase, which prepares participants for founding a company with workshops, coaching and access to networks

Other cooperation partners in the Heidelberg Circle were the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), the German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), bioRN, the Helmholtz H3 Health Hub and the Health + Life Science Alliance Heidelberg Mannheim. The GeneNovate program sensitizes scientists from cell & gene therapy-based research to the topic of entrepreneurship. Heidelberg has been one of six locations since 2025 and provides important impetus with its strong research landscape. This year's program concluded with the GeneNovate final in Berlin in June, where 23 teams presented their projects. The Heat Therapeutics team from Heidelberg was named the winner - a sign of the region's innovative strength.

Amina Daca, who works in startup promotion at hei_INNOVATION and manages the GeneNovate program on behalf of Heidelberg University, emphasizes: "hei_INNOVATION is delighted to be part of the GeneNovate program and to represent the Heidelberg region together with our partners in this important initiative. The workshops on site have shown how strong and committed the Heidelberg community is. The finale in Berlin is a worthy conclusion to this intensive funding phase and makes it clear how important the combination of science, entrepreneurship and networking is for successful innovations."

With the successful conclusion of the program, hei_INNOVATION is strengthening Heidelberg's role as a location for innovation in the field of gene and cell therapies and is looking forward to continuing the collaboration.