Integrated local economic development

Felix Wälder is Managing Director of biomindz Standortentwicklungsgesellschaft Mainz mbH. He has been focusing on innovative solutions in public sector management for the best part of a decade. As the authorized signatory of ZBM, the city of Mainz’s holding company, he heads up investment management operations in the area of urban development, public utilities, city marketing and education and social affairs. 

Wälder, who studied public administration and political science, has been working toward positioning and cultivating the life science and biotechnology hub in Mainz as part of an interdisciplinary team and in close collaboration with the state of Rhineland-Palatinate since 2021.
 

Expanding the life science and biotechnology hub lays the groundwork for tomorrow’s innovations and is a sign of our commitment to scientific excellence. The ambitions of the hub and the vibrant culture in Mainz will be key factors in our success.

Gerd Battermann has been a consultant at biomindz since September 2022. Prior to this, he worked at Merck KGaA for 30 years, including 23 years in management positions in strategic marketing in the life sciences division – five of which were spent in the USA. He has extensive industry knowledge in life science research & analytics, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology.

His focus is on business strategy (marketing, sales, and innovation management), product development and launch, and leading international and intercultural teams. As a mentor, he supports young life science and biotech companies on their path to successful commercialization.

I am passionate about actively supporting young life science and biotech companies in advancing their innovations. When new solutions make it into practical application, there are real benefits for the region and society as a whole.

Thomas Herget earned his doctorate in genetics from the University of Cologne and his habilitation in physiological chemistry from the University of Mainz. After working in academic research in Germany and abroad, he began his industrial career as a director at Axxima Pharmaceuticals. He then spent more than 20 years in management positions at Merck KGaA, most recently as head of the global innovation network with hubs in Silicon Valley and China. 

He is the inventor of numerous patents, author of more than 70 scientific publications, and recipient of several innovation awards, including the Boehringer Ingelheim Research Award and the Merck R&D Life Time Achievement Award 2024. His scientific and strategic expertise covers the fields of cell biology, signal transduction, new modalities, bioelectronics, and cultured meat.

Since late 2024, Thomas Herget advises biomindz on the development of the life science and biotechnology hub in Mainz.

I want to use my international experience in biotechnology, innovation, and business development to strengthen Mainz's life science ecosystem. Mainz has the potential to become one of Europe's leading biotech hubs—and I am delighted to be able to contribute to this.

Stefan Kilian has been a strategic advisor at biomindz since 2021. Prior to this, he spent many years in international management positions at Boehringer Ingelheim, including almost two decades abroad as a managing director. He gained particular experience in marketing and sales, licensing and business development, market access, and general management.

He is also involved as an investor and business angel in the life sciences sector and is a board member of Angels4Health. His work at biomindz is a labor of love and allows him to contribute his pharmaceutical expertise to further develop Rhineland-Palatinate – especially Mainz – into a major life sciences and biotechnology hub.

It would be fantastic if, in addition to BioNTech, other innovative life science companies and start-ups were to successfully develop and market new therapies in Mainz. In doing so, we would be contributing to the economic development of our region and giving many patients hope for a better life.

Laura Faust holds a degree in business economics (VWA). Before obtaining her degree from the Mainz Academy of Administration and Economics, she began her professional career with an apprenticeship as an industrial management assistant at Stadtwerke Mainz AG. Most recently, she worked in various positions in marketing and sales, gaining extensive experience in the German and international business world. 

She joined the biomindz team in August 2024 with the aim of driving forward the expansion of the Life Science & Biotechnology Hub Mainz.

For me as a native of Mainz, location development in the fields of biotechnology and life sciences is an absolutely fascinating and highly interesting area in which politics, science and medicine intertwine. Being part of this and remaining at the cutting edge is an exciting challenge for me.