Networking Event  /  May 20, 2026, 5:00 – 9:00 pm

VBT Reloaded: Connecting Science and Industry in the BioPharma Cluster South Germany

Since the end of 2023, the Fraunhofer IGB “Virus-Based Therapies” branch in Biberach – VBT for short – has been funded by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labor, and Tourism. Working closely with colleagues in Stuttgart, the team develops and characterizes new target-specific viral therapeutics as well as methods for their production and preclinical testing. Since the beginning of the year, VBT is headed by Dr. Ralf Amann, an immunologist with a focus on viral vector platforms, vaccines, and translational research.

Meet & Match Virus-Based Technologies

On May 20, the event “Meet & Match Virus-Based Technologies” will take place at ITZ Plus in Biberach in cooperation with BIOPRO Baden-Württemberg GmbH. You can find the detailed program, further information about the format, and a link to the registration page on the BIOPRO website (see box on the right).

Evening event “VBT Reloaded"

Immediately following the event, Fraunhofer IGB invites guests to an evening event starting at 5:00 p.m. Under the title “VBT Reloaded: Connecting Science and Industry in the BioPharma Cluster South Germany," the event sends a clear signal regarding the strategic development of Biberach as a hub and the need for stronger networking among key players in the fields of virus-based therapies, ATMPs, and biologics. At the same time, it provides a forum to continue the discussions initiated at the Meet & Match within a broader circle of representatives from academia, biotech, industry, and regional influencers.

A special highlight of the evening is the keynote by Professor Jochen Maas, former Head of Research at Sanofi-Aventis. In his presentation, he will shed light on the opportunities and challenges facing biotechnology, with a particular focus on Germany, thereby providing a broader perspective on innovation, translation, and competitiveness.

The event will center on a moderated panel discussion with selected stakeholders from the region, during which key ideas, potential for collaboration, and structural perspectives for the field’s further development will be explored.