New Kids on the Block 2025 – Platform for Life Science Innovations
The life sciences sector is full of innovations that have the potential to fundamentally change our lives. But which ideas truly have the power to revolutionize the healthcare industry?
April 3, 2025
Event
New Kids on the Block 2025 – A platform for life science innovations
On May 7, 2025, RTZ Cologne once again served as a meeting place for forward-thinking ideas, ambitious startups, and experienced professionals from the life sciences sector. The event "New Kids on the Block", organized by BioCologne and LifeScienceNet Düsseldorf, had already proven to be a success last year: a fully booked venue, dynamic exchange, and plenty of inspiring input made it a true highlight for the life sciences community.
A format that connects
With the goal of making innovation visible and fostering direct dialogue between founders, experts, and investors, "New Kids on the Block" has established itself as a fixture within the life sciences community. The format provides a platform for biotech startups to present their visions and receive valuable feedback from the network.
From the program
After a welcome from the organizing networks, the event kicked off with compelling startup pitches:
Dr. Victor Bustos, Refoxy Pharma
New therapies for old diseases – treatment approaches for age-related illnesses through the activation of “young” biology
Dr. Fabian Mohr & Dr. René Hägerling, LIMAA Technologies
Next Generation Pathology – advanced diagnostics solutions
Dr. Till Matzat, Plasmidsaurus
Innovations in sequencing technology
Dr. Elisabeth Rohbeck, CureDiab Metabolic Research GmbH
A revolutionary compound for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
A high-profile panel discussion followed, addressing key challenges and sharing valuable lessons from the life sciences sector. Panelists included Dr. Achim Plum from High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), Dr. Nicole Faust from Peppermint Venture Partners GmbH, and Tim Hiddemann from Gateway Factory.
The evening was moderated by two experienced figures from the innovation and startup scene: Martin Kretschmer from KölnBusiness guided the audience through the program with an eye for the essentials. He was joined by André van Hall from BioCampus Cologne & RTZ Köln GmbH, who skillfully and succinctly led the panel discussion and created a lively dialogue among the experts.
Get-together and networking
During the informal get-together starting at 6:00 pm, the focus was on networking, exchange, and cooperation. In a relaxed atmosphere, participants were able to make new contacts, refine ideas, and lay the groundwork for future projects – true to the motto: "Innovation happens through dialogue."
Organized by
BioCologne – the central network for biotechnology, life sciences, and health tech in the Cologne/Bonn region, shaping a sustainable future for life sciences.
LifeScienceNet Düsseldorf – an interdisciplinary network promoting exchange between research, business, and investors in North Rhine-Westphalia.
In cooperation with KölnBusiness Economic Development, BioCampus Cologne, RTZ Cologne, and Life Science Center Düsseldorf
Partner networks: BIO.NRW, BioRiver e.V., Gesundheitsregion KölnBonn e.V., Medizin.NRW, IHK Düsseldorf
Looking ahead
The consistently positive feedback, full house, and inspiring discussions demonstrate that "New Kids on the Block" is more than just an event – it’s a growing community. We look forward to the next editions and many more impulses for the life sciences sector in NRW and beyond.
New Kids on the Block 2025 – Platform for Life Science Innovations
The life sciences sector is full of innovations that have the potential to fundamentally change our lives. But which ideas truly have the power to revolutionize the healthcare industry?
April 3, 2025
Event
New Kids on the Block 2025 – A platform for life science innovations
On May 7, 2025, RTZ Cologne once again served as a meeting place for forward-thinking ideas, ambitious startups, and experienced professionals from the life sciences sector. The event "New Kids on the Block", organized by BioCologne and LifeScienceNet Düsseldorf, had already proven to be a success last year: a fully booked venue, dynamic exchange, and plenty of inspiring input made it a true highlight for the life sciences community.
A format that connects
With the goal of making innovation visible and fostering direct dialogue between founders, experts, and investors, "New Kids on the Block" has established itself as a fixture within the life sciences community. The format provides a platform for biotech startups to present their visions and receive valuable feedback from the network.
From the program
After a welcome from the organizing networks, the event kicked off with compelling startup pitches:
Dr. Victor Bustos, Refoxy Pharma
New therapies for old diseases – treatment approaches for age-related illnesses through the activation of “young” biology
Dr. Fabian Mohr & Dr. René Hägerling, LIMAA Technologies
Next Generation Pathology – advanced diagnostics solutions
Dr. Till Matzat, Plasmidsaurus
Innovations in sequencing technology
Dr. Elisabeth Rohbeck, CureDiab Metabolic Research GmbH
A revolutionary compound for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
A high-profile panel discussion followed, addressing key challenges and sharing valuable lessons from the life sciences sector. Panelists included Dr. Achim Plum from High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), Dr. Nicole Faust from Peppermint Venture Partners GmbH, and Tim Hiddemann from Gateway Factory.
The evening was moderated by two experienced figures from the innovation and startup scene: Martin Kretschmer from KölnBusiness guided the audience through the program with an eye for the essentials. He was joined by André van Hall from BioCampus Cologne & RTZ Köln GmbH, who skillfully and succinctly led the panel discussion and created a lively dialogue among the experts.
Get-together and networking
During the informal get-together starting at 6:00 pm, the focus was on networking, exchange, and cooperation. In a relaxed atmosphere, participants were able to make new contacts, refine ideas, and lay the groundwork for future projects – true to the motto: "Innovation happens through dialogue."
Organized by
BioCologne – the central network for biotechnology, life sciences, and health tech in the Cologne/Bonn region, shaping a sustainable future for life sciences.
LifeScienceNet Düsseldorf – an interdisciplinary network promoting exchange between research, business, and investors in North Rhine-Westphalia.
In cooperation with KölnBusiness Economic Development, BioCampus Cologne, RTZ Cologne, and Life Science Center Düsseldorf
Partner networks: BIO.NRW, BioRiver e.V., Gesundheitsregion KölnBonn e.V., Medizin.NRW, IHK Düsseldorf
Looking ahead
The consistently positive feedback, full house, and inspiring discussions demonstrate that "New Kids on the Block" is more than just an event – it’s a growing community. We look forward to the next editions and many more impulses for the life sciences sector in NRW and beyond.
New Kids on the Block 2025 – Platform for Life Science Innovations
The life sciences sector is full of innovations that have the potential to fundamentally change our lives. But which ideas truly have the power to revolutionize the healthcare industry?
April 3, 2025
Event
New Kids on the Block 2025 – A platform for life science innovations
On May 7, 2025, RTZ Cologne once again served as a meeting place for forward-thinking ideas, ambitious startups, and experienced professionals from the life sciences sector. The event "New Kids on the Block", organized by BioCologne and LifeScienceNet Düsseldorf, had already proven to be a success last year: a fully booked venue, dynamic exchange, and plenty of inspiring input made it a true highlight for the life sciences community.
A format that connects
With the goal of making innovation visible and fostering direct dialogue between founders, experts, and investors, "New Kids on the Block" has established itself as a fixture within the life sciences community. The format provides a platform for biotech startups to present their visions and receive valuable feedback from the network.
From the program
After a welcome from the organizing networks, the event kicked off with compelling startup pitches:
Dr. Victor Bustos, Refoxy Pharma
New therapies for old diseases – treatment approaches for age-related illnesses through the activation of “young” biology
Dr. Fabian Mohr & Dr. René Hägerling, LIMAA Technologies
Next Generation Pathology – advanced diagnostics solutions
Dr. Till Matzat, Plasmidsaurus
Innovations in sequencing technology
Dr. Elisabeth Rohbeck, CureDiab Metabolic Research GmbH
A revolutionary compound for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
A high-profile panel discussion followed, addressing key challenges and sharing valuable lessons from the life sciences sector. Panelists included Dr. Achim Plum from High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), Dr. Nicole Faust from Peppermint Venture Partners GmbH, and Tim Hiddemann from Gateway Factory.
The evening was moderated by two experienced figures from the innovation and startup scene: Martin Kretschmer from KölnBusiness guided the audience through the program with an eye for the essentials. He was joined by André van Hall from BioCampus Cologne & RTZ Köln GmbH, who skillfully and succinctly led the panel discussion and created a lively dialogue among the experts.
Get-together and networking
During the informal get-together starting at 6:00 pm, the focus was on networking, exchange, and cooperation. In a relaxed atmosphere, participants were able to make new contacts, refine ideas, and lay the groundwork for future projects – true to the motto: "Innovation happens through dialogue."
Organized by
BioCologne – the central network for biotechnology, life sciences, and health tech in the Cologne/Bonn region, shaping a sustainable future for life sciences.
LifeScienceNet Düsseldorf – an interdisciplinary network promoting exchange between research, business, and investors in North Rhine-Westphalia.
In cooperation with KölnBusiness Economic Development, BioCampus Cologne, RTZ Cologne, and Life Science Center Düsseldorf
Partner networks: BIO.NRW, BioRiver e.V., Gesundheitsregion KölnBonn e.V., Medizin.NRW, IHK Düsseldorf
Looking ahead
The consistently positive feedback, full house, and inspiring discussions demonstrate that "New Kids on the Block" is more than just an event – it’s a growing community. We look forward to the next editions and many more impulses for the life sciences sector in NRW and beyond.
