An era is coming to an end at BIOPRO Baden-Württemberg. On December 31, Prof. Dr. Ralf Kindervater, the current managing director, will leave the company after 22 years to take on a new challenge. As the first managing director, he not only built up the company, but also continuously developed it further, making it an indispensable part of the state's support for the healthcare sector. He is now handing over his responsibilities at BIOPRO to two long-standing and experienced colleagues: Dr. Barbara Jonischkeit, who has also been with BIOPRO for 22 years and was previously responsible for the areas of strategic communication and innovation/start-up support at BIOPRO, while Dr. Claudia Luther has been responsible for industry analysis and location development since 2018.

"With Dr. Jonischkeit and Dr. Luther as dual leadership, BIOPRO is well positioned for the future," says Prof. Dr. Ralf Kindervater confidently. "Both have many years of experience and expertise in the healthcare sector, the healthcare industry and in the fields of biotechnology, medical technology and the pharmaceutical industry, as well as a broad network at their disposal. I am therefore convinced that, together with the BIOPRO team, they will support the state of Baden-Württemberg in overcoming the many challenges in these areas in a professional and forward-looking manner."

Innovations and new concepts for tomorrow's healthcare

The two new managing directors are also positive about the future and are looking forward to their new duties at the state agency. "Baden-Württemberg is an outstandingly well-positioned location in terms of healthcare research and -economy. I am very much looking forward to further developing ideas and concepts for the challenges, that lie ahead, with the aim of further strengthening the economic potential of Baden-Württemberg's outstanding research in order to improve patient care and further develop the location in a sustainable manner. The focus will be on all three pillars that are important for innovation - business, science and healthcare. And the topic of start-up support - my previous area of responsibility - will also remain important. In order to achieve our goals, I am counting on and looking forward to continued good cooperation with all stakeholders in the state," says Dr. Barbara Jonischkeit. "I would like to personally thank Prof. Kindervater for the inspiring collaboration over the years."

Dr. Claudia Luther also praises her predecessor and is grateful "for the always very creative and constructive exchange and the trust placed in her. According to Luther, the healthcare industry plays a decisive role for Baden-Württemberg as a business location. "It not only offers innovative solutions for medical care, but also makes a significant contribution to economic development, creates numerous jobs, promotes the competitiveness of the region and at the same time ensures the health and quality of life of the population," explains Dr. Claudia Luther. "I am looking forward to rethinking healthcare together with all partners in Baden-Württemberg. By exchanging ideas with everyone involved - from researchers and start-up teams to healthcare providers - we want to drive forward the transformation and prepare Baden-Württemberg optimally for the challenges of the future."