On stage at 2 July, 11:30 "Start-Up Pitches - Creating New Success Stories"
Moderation: TUM Venture Labs & BioM Biotech Cluster Development
The BayOConnect Start-up Award is sponsored by EBD Group: One free ticket to BIO-Europe 2025, 3-5 November, Vienna.
Start-ups promote their ideas and get in touch with experts, experienced founders, investors and scientists to get constructive feedback.
Spatial transcriptomics platform as a clinical research and Dx tool
2NA FISH is a plug-and-play spatial transcriptomics platform that turns a bladder-cancer biopsy into a high-plex RNA atlas in < 72 h.
DNA-nanotech probes (7-plex today, 20-plex ready) and an AI web-app reveal Nectin-4, Trop-2, HER2 and more, guiding ADC therapy now and fuelling R&D screens. RUO kits ship this year; a repurposable IVD follows.
Meet us at BayOConnect.
AIxBIO: Unlocking unique data insights for ImmunoOncology
Alithea revolutionizes cancer treatment with end-to-end solutions, transforming patient samples into personalized therapies.
RadioNabs®: Targeting Tumors with Atomic Precision
The Next Frontier in Precision Oncology Berking Theranostics is unlocking a new era of targeted radiotherapy with RadioNabs®—ultra-specific nanobodies derived from alpacas, engineered to deliver radioactive payloads directly to cancer cells. These next-generation radioligands offer unmatched precision, reduced toxicity, and faster development timelines. With a scalable platform, global partnerships, and a clear path to clinical validation, RadioNabs® is set to redefine the treatment.
Endothelial Cell Target AAV Gene Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease
Revolutionizing Cardiovascular Gene Therapy.
Precision at the Point-of-Care: CRISPR Diagnostics for a Decentralized Future
Leopard Biosciences is redefining molecular diagnostics with an "upside-down CRISPR" platform that flips the traditional paradigm — enabling ultra-sensitive, multiplex detection at the point of care. Designed for pandemic preparedness and aligned with WHO’s ASSURED criteria, our technology brings lab-quality testing to the front lines of healthcare.
Toleris Biotherapeutics
AutoImmunity Modifying Biologics - Inspired by Pregnancy
Developing novel GTPases Inhibitors for treating KRAS addicted cancers
Tuari Therapeutics’ mission is to develop first-in-class small molecule GTPases inhibitors to treat KRAS-addicted cancers which have a poor prognosis and no curative treatments available. The KRAS pathway is very complex and there are opportunities to develop unique and superior approaches to treat KRAS mutated cancers by targeting GTPases, different from KRAS itself, but which are playing a crucial role in mediating KRAS oncogenic signal.
From Bench to Beehive: LIMITEX
95% efficacy, single-dose application. Residue-free, resistance-safe, and easy to use. LIMITEX targets a €2B global market with strong IP in the EU and US. VAROLIS now seeks partners to bring this lithium-based innovation through approval—an opportunity that combines ecological impact with high commercial potential.
Drugging the “undruggable” by targeting RNA with small molecules
MatrixFOREST identifies RNA–small molecule interactions at an unprecedented scale, unlocking new drug possibilities.
Poster presentations with authors take place during breakout sessions on both days in the exhibition area.
Scientists from research institutes or industry like to take the opportunity to discuss their scientific work and share their expertise with the conference attendees.
Author: Dr Georg Urtel
xFOREST Therapeutics
In recent years, there has been a lack of protein-based drug targets, leading to a growing interest in small molecule drug discovery targeting RNA, such as Evrysdi® (Risdiplam).
However, the development of systematic screening methods to target RNAs remains challenging, and it is still unclear how to optimize the hit compounds for drug candidates. Our proprietary technology, MatrixFOREST, enables the simultaneous and parallel evaluation of all combinations between a large number of RNAs (>1,000) and compounds (>10,000). This allows for the assessment of RNA structural changes at the single-nucleotide level and the selectivity of compounds against multiple RNAs. Through the analysis of extensive combination data, we have discovered selective and potent small molecules binding to RNAs.
This poster represents the following 4 key points: I. Hit identification by our FOREST technologies, II. Structure-activity relationships (SAR) studies for compound-RNA interactions at single-nucleotide resolution, III. An analysis of the physicochemical properties of small molecules binding to RNA from both chemical and target RNA structure perspective, IV. Cellular assay with RNA-targeted small molecule hit from our internal screening.
Author: Dr. Shenxi Zhong
MUM Muskuloskelettales Universitätszentrum München
Background:
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disease with increasing incidence due to aging. Rho-GTPases regulate chondrocyte homeostasis, but the role of RHO signaling-related genes in OA remains unclear. This study explores their diagnostic and predictive value in OA pathogenesis.
Methods:
Primary chondrocytes from OA patients underwent IL1β-induced inflammation, with CDC42, RAC1, and RHOA modulation. RNA sequencing, qRT-PCR, and GLISA assays were performed. Key RHO signaling-related DEGs (RHO-DEGs) were identified using WGCNA and PPI analysis. Public datasets (GSE114007, GSE129147) were analyzed via machine learning to develop diagnostic models, including a nomogram and ROC curves. Functional enrichment, GSVA, and GSEA were conducted.
Results:
IL1β increased CDC42-GTP and RAC1-GTP, indicating RHO pathway activation. Eleven hub RHO-DEGs were enriched in cytoskeletal regulation, focal adhesion, and oxytocin signaling. Two OA subtypes were identified, with FLNA, ACTG1, COL2A1, MMP13, NOS2, and ADAMTS4 overexpressed in subtype 2. GSEA showed upregulation of apoptosis, insulin, JAK-STAT, Wnt, and autophagy in subtype 2. Machine learning identified five diagnostic RHO-DEGs with strong predictive potential, validated via ROC analysis. Correlation and PPI analysis revealed interactions between hub and diagnostic RHO-DEGs, enriched in motor protein-related pathways. GSVA showed RAC1 inhibition and Rho activation increased apoptosis and reduced ACAN degradation. CDC42 inhibition promoted senescence but decreased calcified cartilage genes, while Rho activation suppressed hypertrophic markers. Autophagy-related genes were upregulated after CDC42 and RAC1 inhibition. ALDH3A2 and WWP2 were downregulated in OA, with ALDH3A2 further suppressed by CDC42 inhibition and WWP2 upregulated by Rho activation. TUBB3 exhibited inconsistent expression patterns. RHOQ and DIAPH3 showed subtype-specific changes and were dynamically regulated by CDC42 and RAC1 inhibition.
Conclusion:
This study highlights RHO-DEGs as potential OA biomarkers, identifying molecular subtypes and diagnostic models that offer insights into OA classification and targeted therapies.
Author: Dr. Frank Becker
Intana Bioscience GmbH
For over 20 years we apply Fluorescence Cross Correlation Spectroscopy (FCCS) as a versatile platform technology to interrogate molecular interactions under physiological conditions. The approach has been successfully applied on small molecule drugs, peptides, antibodies, membrane proteins, and nucleic acids to yield equilibrium binding constants and kinetic parameters. Assays were carried out in crude cell lysates, body fluids, living cells, blood plasma and tissue homogenates. FCCS analysis provides a precise and complex read out including exact concentrations, molecular size, binding state, complex half-life and allows for differentiation between on- and off target binding. Taken together FCCS is capable of providing all necessary information for knowledge-based drug discovery and development. This presentation will highlight a set of examples on the use of FCCS throughout the value chain and the critical impact on the projects.
Author: Dr Peter Braun
Fraunhofer ITMP-IIP
Bacteriophages, nature's bacterial predators, are renowned for their extraordinary precision in binding to bacterial targets, which is achieved through specialized receptor binding protein (RBP) complexes on the phage particle. As the initial point of contact with a bacterial host, RBPs serve as critical gatekeepers for all phage infections, fundamentally determining the phage's host range. RBPs are typically categorized into two distinct groups: tail fibers (TFs) and tailspike proteins (TSPs), each with unique morphology. TFs are elongated and slender fibrous proteins, while TSPs are short, stocky, and often equipped with enzymatic capabilities targeting specific surface structures. Compared to antibodies, phage RBPs have evolved over millennia to recognize their bacterial targets in diverse environments and under challenging conditions, making them ideal candidates for bio-probe engineering, especially for targeting non-protein antigens. While significant advancements have been made in rapid diagnostics, such as PCR-based detection of specific genes, the presence of intact bacteria can usually only be verified after one to several days, typically by culture-based methods. We are dedicated to developing an RBP identification and engineering platform that can be harnessed for different bacterial pathogens, enabling the rapid development of RBP bio-probes and associated diagnostic assays. To achieve this, we combine AI-driven predictions with sequence and structural analyses to identify diverse yet target-specific RBPs, which are subsequently biophysically characterized and evaluated for cell binding (under BSL-3 conditions, when necessary). Beyond diagnostics, we are also investigating the therapeutic potential of RBPs as targeted delivery systems for antimicrobial agents, immune modulators, or virulence suppressors, offering a promising strategy to combat multi-drug resistant infections.
Author: COO, PhD Katja Rosti
Avenue Biosciences
Protein production remains a challenge in affordable biologics development. We introduce a novel approach to modulating protein biogenesis using signal peptides – key regulators of protein expression but underutilized in the biotechnology industry. This poster presents results of a high-throughput screening enabled by machine learning to optimize signal peptides in mammalian CHO cells. By testing thousands of variants in parallel, we achieved up to 5-fold yield increases across several medically relevant proteins without compromising quality. This approach has wide applicability in biologics development, including antibody engineering, mRNA therapeutic development, AI-designed proteins and more.
Author: Mr Paul Wissenberg
Leukocare AG/TUM
We curated a database of natural and clinical-stage monoclonal antibodies, performed 3D modeling, and annotated with 100+ properties. Analysis revealed differences between therapeutic and natural mAbs, including higher aromaticity and small residue content. We identified critical biases from mouse-origin sequences, framework regions and phage-display artifacts impacting developability predictions.
Author: Dr. Carsten Radtke
PHABIOC GmbH
UV/Vis spectroscopy is a key method for determining the concentration of biomolecules and monitoring biological processes. However, conventional multi-well plates are prone to meniscus effects, pipetting errors and can only be used within a limited detection range without dilution, often requiring complex dilution series.
The SpecPlate overcomes these limitations by using closed measurement chambers with physically defined path lengths, enabling more accurate and reproducible concentration measurements over a wide dynamic range and reducing the number of dilution steps.
Since the introduction of the SpecPlate, we have been able to demonstrate in further studies that the SpecPlate is suitable for a variety of important applications in research and industry:
- DNA quantification at 260 nm - High dynamic range for nucleic acid analysis
- OD600 measurements for cell density - Improved reproducibility for monitoring microbial cultures without dilution errors
- Bradford assay for protein determination - Optimized dye absorbance measurement through defined optical path lengths, improving accuracy and consistency.
The SpecPlate has been successfully integrated into high-throughput workflows and is compatible with leading liquid handlers and plate readers, enabling fully automated UV/Vis analysis. Serial production is now underway to ensure consistent quality and global availability.
At the BayOConnect 2025 we will present practical case studies that demonstrate the versatility of the SpecPlate in high throughput analysis. In particular, we will look at new applications in cell culture, protein and DNA analysis and discuss how SpecPlate can help to optimize existing laboratory processes.
I look forward to exchanging ideas with the community on future applications and developments of this technology.
Author: Dr. Jacqueline Nakel
Singleron Biotechnologies
Accurate and comprehensive RNA sequencing at the single-cell level is crucial for understanding cellular heterogeneity, gene regulation, and the complexities of disease mechanisms. Traditional short-read single-cell RNA sequencing methods often capture either 5’ or 3’ end of the transcripts for their quantification, which can miss critical information such as alternative splicing events, gene fusion, and allele-specific gene expression. This limitation can obscure the true complexity of cellular transcriptomes and hinder the discovery of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
MobiuSCOPE addresses these challenges by providing a full-length RNA sequencing solution that captures the entire mRNA transcript at single cell level. A microwell chip (SCOPE-chip) is used for partitioning thousands of cells into individual wells, followed by capturing and barcoding mRNA from each single cell. An optimized reverse transcriptase (RT) formulation which has improved enzyme processivity is then used to generate full length 3’ barcoded cDNA, each with a unique cell barcode and UMI next to the 3’ sequence of the mRNA. A circularization step combined with subsequent reverse PCR is then used to bring the 5’ sequence of the same mRNA to the proximity of the cell barcode and UMI, generating a 5’ barcoded cDNA. Sequencing libraries are constructed by random fragmentation of both 3’ and 5’ cDNA pools and ligating the fragments to Illumina sequencing adaptors. All reads coming from the same transcript have the same cell barcode and UMI allowing the assembly by a proprietary bioinformatics pipeline to yield full-length transcript information.
The MobiuSCOPE technology combines advanced molecular barcoding technology with a highly sensitive workflow that minimizes technical biases, ensuring precise and reproducible results. It is scalable, supporting the analysis of hundreds to thousands of single cells, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including detecting and defining the functions of splicing isoforms, fusion genes, expressed mutations or SNPs, under diverse physiological conditions, at single cell level.
Author: Matthias Müllner
Bespark Bio
Gene therapy holds immense curative promise, but technical complexity and high production costs have made it inaccessible for most patients. bespark*bio is transforming this landscape with a radically simplified, high-yield Gene Therapy Technology that cuts costs by up to 90% and opens the door to broader, more scalable applications.
Author: Birgit Kaufmann
Tenthpin Solutions
We are digital for life.
https://tenthpin.com/
Author: Daniela Langenhorst
FungiMAB
Providing protection form invasive fungal disease where established therapies fail.
Author: Fabio Laredo
Nucleate Germany
Nucleate Germany is a student-led non-profit empowering biotech founders through its equity-free accelerator program, the Activator, and vibrant community events. Operating in Munich, Berlin, and Heidelberg, we connect academic innovators with mentorship, resources, and a global network to transform cutting-edge research into impactful ventures.
Author: Yae Jen Shin
Elyvia
We’re advancing precision diagnostics with a scalable, biomarker-based point-of-care platform for quantitative early detection and monitoring of high-mortality diseases. Our first focus is ovarian cancer, aiming to improve survival and ease the burden on patients and healthcare systems
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