About CAVIGEN

Christoph holds a Ph.D. in Natural Sciences (Dr. rer. nat., summa cum laude) from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), where he developed oxygen-sensitive 3D cell culture systems based on microcavity arrays. His work combines microthermoforming, optical sensor technology and advanced 3D cell biology and has led to multiple patent applications on oxygen-sensing sensor arrays, cardiotoxicity assays and production processes.

Before founding CAVIGEN, Christoph led an EXIST research transfer project on Organ-on-Chip systems at KIT and built an interdisciplinary team focused on vascularised microfluidic platforms. He also gained extensive experience in business development, fundraising and IP strategy, securing more than €2 million in public funding through programmes such as GO-Bio initial, Helmholtz Enterprise and ZIM.

In addition to his scientific work, Christoph completed a certificate in Patent and Innovation Protection Management (University of Saarland), with a focus on IP rights, licensing and freedom-to-operate analysis. At CAVIGEN, he is responsible for the technological roadmap, partnerships with academic and industrial users and the overall strategic development of the CaviSphere platform. He regularly presents at international conferences on 3D cell culture, Organ-on-Chip and oxygen measurement.

Cordula holds a degree in Food Chemistry and a state examination, and has worked for many years as a scientific researcher at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Her work has focused on 3D cell culture, microcavity arrays and the development of artificial stem cell niches, including model systems for the haematopoietic stem cell niche. She has co-authored scientific publications and book chapters on microcavity-array-based 3D models and has broad experience in biological safety, method development and routine 3D culture workflows.

At CAVIGEN, Cordula is responsible for customer experience and quality management. She works closely with labs to understand their requirements, supports the establishment of CaviSphere-based 3D models and ensures that protocols and application notes are practical and reproducible. Her background in both chemistry and cell biology allows her to bridge between material properties, fabrication processes and biological performance.

Cordula also plays a key role in internal processes: she contributes to the definition of SOPs, quality criteria and documentation, and helps create an open, collaborative working environment in which feedback from users is systematically translated into improvements of the platform.

Eric is Professor of Technical Biology at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and has worked on 3D cell culture, microstructured materials and tissue engineering since the mid-1990s. His group at KIT has been instrumental in developing microcavity array systems, micro-bioreactors and microthermoformed scaffolds that form the technological basis for CaviSphere. Eric has co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in the field of 3D culture, micro-bioreactors and advanced in vitro systems, including systematic reviews and methodological papers.

He has extensive experience with spin-offs and industry collaboration: Eric was co-founder and CEO of 300MICRONS GmbH, a company focused on microstructured 3D cell culture systems, and has been involved in multiple technology transfer projects. His research has been supported by various national and international grants, and he has contributed to the scientific community through teaching, supervision of PhD projects and advisory roles.

At CAVIGEN, Eric acts as Scientific Advisor. He guides the biological direction of the company, helps shape assay concepts and validates new applications of the CaviSphere platform in collaboration with academic and industrial partners. His long-standing expertise and network ensure that CAVIGEN’s technology remains closely aligned with the state of the art in 3D cell biology and tissue engineering.