SPEAKERS

Christoph Herwig, bioprocess engineer from RWTH Aachen and obtained a PhD in bioprocess identification at EPFL, Switzerland. From 2008 to 2023, he was full professor for biochemical engineering at the Vienna University of Technology. The research area focused on the development of data science methods for integrated and efficient bioprocess development along PAT and QbD principles for biopharmaceuticals. During his employments in various industries, such as with Lonza, he was deeply involved in the design and commissioning of large chemical and biopharmaceutical facilities. In 2013 he founded the company Exputec, which is now part of Körber Pharma, pioneering data science software solutions for the biopharma life cycle. Here, Christoph currently also acts as senior scientific advisor for Körber. In parallel he is serial entrepreneur catalysing bioprocess intensification and continuous bioprocessing using digital twins and control in various emerging organizations.

Michael is a Partner in Sofinnova Industrial Biotech Strategy. He joined us in 2013. His primary focus is on identifying early-stage deals in Europe and North America with applications ranging from chemicals, materials, agriculture, food, feed, and synthetic biology.

Michael is or has been on the Board of Directors of Afyren, Elicit Plant, Meiogenix, Enginzyme, Microphyt, Verley, and EnobraQ. He also served for two years as the CEO of EnobraQ, a Sofinnova Partners Green Seed Fund portfolio company.

Michael came to biotech and venture capital via science and consulting. Before joining Sofinnova, Michael spent six years in industrial biotech start-ups, in senior business development roles. He also worked in a consulting firm advising companies on strategic R&D and organizational issues. Michael is an engineer who graduated from Ecole Polytechnique in Paris and holds a PhD in organic chemistry from Paris X Orsay University.