This year’s edition attracted 12 high-caliber applicants from Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, and Romania, submitting their solutions in two key areas: 1) In-silico process, formulation, and method development incorporating AI for analytical, process, and formulation development, and 2) In-line/on-line testing technologies for in-process control and real-time release testing of drug substance and drug product.
The selection process was highly competitive, reflecting the growing interest in bridging early-stage innovation with industry expertise. Ultimately, two finalists were chosen for their high potential to contribute to biologics process development using data-driven or AI-based solutions: ONYX Biotech from Germany and OPOP from Austria.
ONYX Biotech, a spin-off from the Technical University of Munich, showcased its hybrid modeling software that combines mechanistic and data-based approaches to optimize downstream processing. “The R&D Science Day provided a valuable opportunity to gain insight into Takeda's innovative approaches for reducing the time-to-market of life-saving drugs and lowering carbon and manufacturing footprint,” said Gregor Essert, co-founder of ONYX. “It was highly informative to learn in person how the process development and analytical development teams address these complex challenges and to explore how ONYX’s new mathematical models in downstream processing could support their efforts.”
OPOP, an Austrian startup, presented its intuitive software platform that uses machine learning to create soft sensors for real-time process monitoring—enabling cost savings and improved efficiency without additional hardware. “The Takeda R&D Science Days are a truly unique opportunity for startups,” said Florian Mozina, founder of OPOP. “It’s not often that you get to exchange ideas with and receive feedback from industry experts in such a welcoming and constructive environment. The insights we received were incredibly valuable for us as an early-stage startup and will help us refine and advance our technology in the right direction. With this initiative, Takeda and LISAvienna are doing something truly remarkable for the startup community.”
The event featured lively discussions between the finalists and Takeda R&D Austria teams, including several experts from Analytical Development and Biotherapeutics Process Development. “We are always looking for new ways to accelerate development timelines while maintaining scientific rigor,” said Birgit Seyfried, Head of Analytical Development, Early Stage. “R&D Science Day gives us a chance to engage directly with innovators who challenge our thinking and bring fresh perspectives to the table.”
Michael Graninger, Head of Biotherapeutics Process Development Europe, added: “The quality of ideas presented this year was exceptional. Events like this help us stay connected to the broader innovation ecosystem and explore how emerging technologies can be integrated into our workflows to benefit patients worldwide.”
To further enrich the experience, a networking lunch was introduced, offering finalists the opportunity to connect directly with Takeda R&D Austria colleagues and with Elvira Kainersdorfer, Life Science Cluster Manager at LISAvienna, who has supported the event since its inception. Elvira emphasized the significance of this event, stating, "Supporting the Takeda R&D Science Day from the beginning has been an exciting journey. This event emphasizes the importance of providing a platform where industry and startups can come together to exchange ideas and foster innovation."
Takeda R&D Science Day is part of a broader commitment by Takeda to foster open innovation and support the life sciences community in Austria and beyond. The next R&D Science Day will take place at Takeda’s new R&D site in Seestadt, marking an exciting new chapter for the event and for Takeda R&D Austria. With LISAvienna’s continued support in promoting the event and connecting stakeholders, the initiative is helping shape the future of biopharmaceutical development.
Learn more about the finalists:
- ONYX Biotech: http://www.onyx-biotech.com
- OPOP: http://www.opop.at
About Takeda in Austria
Takeda is a global, values-based, research-driven biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan. The company is committed to developing and producing life-changing and life-sustaining medicines for the treatment of rare and complex diseases. In Austria, every step of the process for innovative medicines takes place - from development to production. Around 4,500 employees contribute to ensuring that medicines made in Austria reach patients in more than 100 countries worldwide, while also providing patients in Austria with access to Takeda’s innovative therapies. www.takeda.at
About LISAvienna
LISAvienna is the cluster platform for life sciences in Vienna, which was set up at the interface of Austria Wirtschaftsservice and the Vienna Business Agency. On behalf of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism and the City of Vienna, it contributes to the further development of the industry. LISAvienna supports innovative companies in the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical products and digital health that develop new products, services and processes in Vienna and bring them to market internationally. The platform connects these companies with development partners and lead customers. www.LISAvienna.at
Contact
Denisa Lazarescu
R&D Europe Communications Lead
Takeda
Donau-City-Strasse 7
1220 Vienna, Austria
denisa.lazarescu(at)takeda.com
Elvira Kainersdorfer
Cluster Manager
LISAvienna
Karl-Farkas-Gasse 18
1030 Vienna, Austria
Kainersdorfer(at)lisavienna.at