How It Began
Thuringia`s tradition in scientific research reaches back to the 16th century, when the University of Jena was founded. However, the region owes its technological reputation to the time after 1846, when Carl Zeiss founded his first workshop in Jena. Together with Otto Schott and Ernst Abbe he laid the foundation for a world-renowned optical and fine mechanical industry. Since then glasses, lenses, microscopes, cameras and scientific instruments from Jena are well known all over the world.
In the best sense Jena`s traditions still constitute the fundament of the economy of the region: optoelectronics industry (predominantly equipment and instrument manufacturing), glass industry and medical technology as the main branches are internationally renowned. In contrast, the pharmaceutical industry (Jenapharm/Schering AG) is present, but not dominating. Furthermore, we are confronted with a lack of major players in the field of biotechnology that represent the complete value-added chain, including regional R & D decision-making competence. Until today, system solutions are not dominating the portfolio.
The concept of the „BioInstruments Jena“ network of competence was developed in the mid nineties in a joint effort of experts from science and economics. Focussing on the regional strengths, the following fields of competence have been identified:
- instruments, automation, miniaturization and sensors
- cellular and molecular technologies
- individual-oriented medicine and diagnostics
- biomaterials and biointerfaces
- bioinformatics
- holistic education and further training
What's Going to Happen Now
The market for bioinstruments is global and very dynamic, accordingly the product cycles are extremely short. Furthermore, the global biotechnology industry has changed significantly within the last 15 years. This vitality was triggered by the decoding of the human genome, but also by the identification of the genotype of economic plants, animals, bacteria etc. These advances have opened up many new fields of application.
For instance, the decoding of the human genome allowed for a more personalized medicine considering the genetic and phenotypical specifics of the patient. There already is a huge market for instruments and solutions for the screening, analysing, typing and comparing of the genome of individuals or a whole population. This trend towards a more personalised medicine marks the dawning of a new era of diagnostics – and announces the end of »blockbuster pharmacy«. In the near future, not a single drug will be dispensed without a diagnostic test kit. Every patient and every potential user can test his personal response and predisposition before ingesting a certain drug.
For these reasons, today’s commercial users prefer highly automated, integrated solutions covering all tasks from sample preparation to result output. The presentation and illustration of results based upon highly complex data records and their assessment challenges entirely novel demands. Hence, system solutions including bioinformatics and telematics gain importance. There is also an increasing demand for modular solutions that can be integrated into existing systems and allow step-by-step expansion.
