From Academia to Industry:
The ibidi Journey of Innovation
ibidi Blog | July 31, 2024 | Abhishek Derle, ibidi GmbH
Introduction
In the world of biotechnology, bridging the gap between academia and industry can be both challenging and full of opportunities. ibidi GmbH, founded by Dr. Roman Zantl, Dr. Valentin Kahl, Dr. Ulf Rädler and Prof. Dr. Joachim Rädler, exemplifies a successful transition. This blog explores their journey from academic scholars to successful entrepreneurs, exploring their academic beginnings, the inception of ibidi, the transition from research to business, and their subsequent growth and achievements.
Valentin Kahl and Roman Zantl: Among the Top 25 Healthcare Technology CEOs of Europe 2020
Academic Beginnings and Inception
Valentin, Roman and Ulf's journey began in the halls of academia. Roman, a biophysicist, pursued his education at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), where he completed his physics studies in 1997. He then continued his PhD studies in biophysics at TUM, focusing on X-ray scattering of lipid DNA aggregates, a study crucial for understanding gene transfection mechanisms.
Valentin's academic path took him to Heidelberg, where he studied physics. After a brief stint in the semiconductor industry in the USA, he moved to TUM to pursue his doctorate at the Chair of Biophysics under Professor Erich Sackmann. His research focused on laser traps and lipid-supported bilayers, exploring reactions between specific lipids and enzymes using flow chambers made up of glass.
Ulf's academic career began in Halle, where he studied chemistry. Funded by a grant from the US Navy, he had a short research stay at the University of Florida in Gainesville before continuing his studies at the ETH in Zurich. From there, Ulf moved to TUM, where he completed his doctorate in the biophysics group of Prof. Erich Sackmann. Ulf's work focused on the design and characterization of novel lipid systems.
From Serious Scholars to Smiling Co-Founders: Left to right: Ulf Rädler, Valentin Kahl, and Roman Zantl
During this time at TUM, Valentin, Roman, and Ulf met in the research group of Prof. Dr. Joachim Rädler. Their shared experiences and discussions in this academic environment sowed the seeds for founding ibidi. The idea of ibidi germinated during the 1999 Munich Business Plan Competition, a renowned platform for innovative concepts. Valentin and Roman, inspired by their PhD research, decided to participate. Their first product concept was a DNA electrophoresis system using cationic lipid bilayers. However, realizing the commercial viability challenges, they shifted focus to developing cell culture products, a decision crucial for ibidi's future. The breakthrough came with the development of channel slides, which ensured homogeneous cell growth and expression profiles, addressing a significant challenge in cell transfection experiments. In 2001, Valentin, Roman, Ulf, and Joachim officially founded ibidi as a spin-off from TUM and the Center for Nanoscience (CENS) at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich (LMU), and their first product, the µ-Slide I, already debuted at the Analytica exhibition in 2002.
The company name ibidi is a shortened form of "integrated bio diagnostics," referring to the integration of several bio-diagnostic steps on one carrier. What makes it even more fantastic? The design of the name itself! It is a mirror ‘Ambigram’, making the lettering readable from both the top side for the user and the underside when viewed through an inverted microscope—quite a clever nod to their commitment to innovation.
Transition from Academia to Industry
Shifting from academia to industry was a significant leap. Valentin noted a fundamental difference between academia and industry: "In academia, the primary objective is the creation of new knowledge. Conversely, in the industry, the focus shifts to transforming that knowledge into products that are both innovative and profitable." This shift required Roman and Valentin to adapt from a research-focused mindset to a business-oriented one. They had to learn the ropes of running a company, including securing funding, managing production, and navigating the complexities of the market.
Another key difference they noted was the structured approach in business, with defined goals, milestones, and responsibilities across various departments such as sales, marketing, finance, and production. They faced the pressure of financial constraints and the constant need to innovate while ensuring profitability. Yet, this transition also brought a sense of ownership and motivation, as every achievement directly impacted on the company. Their strong entrepreneurial spirit played a significant role in this transition. Even as a child, Valentin was fascinated by company processes within his family environment, which led him to conclude that entrepreneurship offered the most incredible creative opportunities. Roman shared this sentiment, appreciating the entrepreneurial approach of being able to determine one's own life.
Growth and Milestones
Since its foundation, ibidi GmbH has experienced remarkable growth, maintaining an average annual revenue increase of more than 15%, which attests to its robust business model and innovative product portfolio. Today, ibidi is synonymous with innovation in cell-based assays and microscopy, with headquarters in Munich (Germany) and Madison, Wisconsin (USA), and a strong global network of distribution partners. With over 500 products and over 40,000 customers worldwide, ibidi has established itself as the world's leading provider of cell-based microscopy assay products.
The founders have seen their roles evolve over time. Initially, they were involved in every aspect of product development, but now they focus on long-term goals and the company's vision while delegating operational responsibilities to their capable team. Roman is the driving force behind ibidi's products, contributing with his expertise in product and business development. Meanwhile, Valentin, responsible for production, finance, and organizational structures, has been focusing on strategic planning and financial management to ensure the company's steady growth. Today, Ulf is responsible for ibidi's customized solutions business. Here, ibidi develops, produces, and markets customized products for various customers, particularly in the biotech, pharmaceutical, and microscopy sectors.
ibidi's Notable Awards: Celebrating Excellence in Innovation and Solutions: From left to right, Fast 50 Technology Recognition, Export Award Bavaria 2021, Innovation Award Competition Top Winner 2012/13, Top 10 Oncology Solutions Provider in Europe 2023, German bAV Prize 2023, Top 10 Virology Solution Companies in Europe 2021, and the Science Category Award from Deutschland – Land der Ideen 2016.
ibidi’s technologies have significantly impacted both academic research and industry. Their innovative products, such as Culture Inserts, µ-Slide Chemotaxis, and µ-Slide 15 Well 3D, have set new standards, making complex assays like wound healing, chemotaxis, and angiogenesis more efficient, reliable, and straightforward for microscopy. ibidi’s flagship products, including Chambered Coverslips, Perfusion Systems, and Channel Slides, have simplified and enhanced microscopy applications, enabling easy and precise performance of high-end cellular assays.
Reflections and Advice for Future Entrepreneurs
For future entrepreneurs from academia, the founders offer valuable advice. First, ensure your product idea is feasible and can be developed into a working product. Many tech startups fail because their innovative ideas cannot be practically realized. Second, engage with potential customers early on. Validate your product concept and pricing with real market feedback before investing heavily in development. And third, if the founding team has similar ideas about the company's development, then go for it.
Looking ahead, Valentin and Roman envision ibidi continuing to lead in innovative biotech solutions. They foresee significant advancements in microscopy applications and cell-based assays, driven by their ongoing commitment to research and development. New innovations that help advance biomedical research will continue to be the focus of ibidi going into the future. ibidi will expand its Micropatterning product family, which is a breakthrough technology that enables the spatially precise attachment of cells to slides and microscopy chambers for various cell-based applications in 2D and 3D. Additionally, ibidi is involved in numerous pioneering research projects, including 3D cell culture and bioprinting, promoting cooperation between university research groups and industry.
A Glimpse into the Past: ibidi's Early Exhibitions at Analytica and Biotechnica
Conclusion
The journey of Valentin, Roman, and Ulf, from academic scholars to successful entrepreneurs, exemplifies the power of innovation and perseverance. Their story underscores the importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry, transforming scientific knowledge into impactful, real-world solutions. ibidi GmbH stands as a testament to their vision, dedication, and the endless possibilities that arise when academia meets industry.
(3) 
(0)