Our Story
At CAVIGEN, we specialize in developing cutting-edge technology for 3D cell cultures, enabling more accurate and reliable models for drug development. Whether through oxygen-sensing systems or other advanced techniques, our mission is to improve in vitro conditions and make drug testing more effective.
CAVIGEN was founded with over 25 years of combined experience in 3D cell culture systems development, specifically in the field of micro-thermoforming. We originated as a spin-off from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), with initial funding through programs like GO-Bio Initial, Helmholtz Enterprise, and ZIM Cooperation Projects. Our team has a rich history in the development of Organ-on-Chip systems, project management, intellectual property (IP) protection, and successful company founding.
Our Vision & Mission
We envision a future where pharmaceutical research is no longer hindered by the limitations of traditional drug testing models. By advancing 3D cell cultures and integrating innovative technologies, we aim to significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of drug development.
At CAVIGEN, our mission is to bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo testing, providing pharmaceutical companies with precise, reproducible models for faster, more reliable drug development.
Team
Christoph Grün
Founder &
CEO
Christoph holds a Ph.D. in Biotechnology from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), where he specialized in oxygen measurement in 3D cell cultures. With a strong background in chemical biology, he developed SensoSphere, CAVIGEN’s groundbreaking product. Before founding CAVIGEN, Christoph led a project on the development of Organ-on-Chips, supported by programs like EXIST. He also completed a certification in Patent and Innovation Protection Management at the Saarland University. As CEO of CAVIGEN, Christoph is responsible for the company’s overall strategy, driving technological innovations, and ensuring the successful execution of projects. His passion for entrepreneurship and improving drug development is evident in his leadership and vision for the future of the company.
Eric Gottwald
Founder &
CSO
Eric is a Professor of Technical Biology at KIT, with over 25 years of experience in the development of 3D cell cultures and assays. His deep expertise in microthermoforming and assay development has been pivotal in shaping CAVIGEN’s approach to cell culture systems. Eric’s experience in spin-offs and his strong connection to KIT allow him to guide CAVIGEN’s biological advancements. As the head of biological development, he ensures that the company stays at the forefront of innovation, bridging the gap between scientific research and practical applications in drug development.
Cordula Nies
Founder & Customer Experience Manager
Cordula is a food chemist with extensive experience in 3D cell culture and microthermoforming. She brings a meticulous and hands-on approach to her work, ensuring that all of CAVIGEN’s customer projects meet the highest standards. As the person responsible for client relations and quality management, Cordula is dedicated to understanding and addressing customer needs with precision and care. Her extensive laboratory experience and her commitment to quality are vital to the smooth execution of projects and the continued success of CAVIGEN. Cordula also plays an important role in fostering a supportive, open environment within the team, where collaboration and continuous learning are encouraged. She always makes time to listen to her colleagues, ensuring that the team feels supported and motivated in achieving their goals.
At CAVIGEN, we believe that innovation thrives in an environment of openness, creativity, and continuous learning. We foster a culture of ‚Openity,‘ where collaboration and transparency are central to our work. Our commitment to credibility, responsibility, and accountability drives everything we do.
(C) Markus Breig, KIT
Why Work with Us?
At CAVIGEN, we combine innovative sensor technology with extensive expertise in cell biology to develop advanced 3D cell culture systems. Our approach focuses on measuring oxygen levels in cell cultures to create conditions that more closely resemble the in vivo environment, resulting in more physiologically relevant results. This accurate oxygen measurement through our cutting-edge oxygen sensor systems helps create Physioxia – an oxygen condition that mimics human physiology, ensuring more transferable and reliable research outcomes.
Why choose CAVIGEN? Because we are dedicated to overcoming the limitations of traditional in vitro models. Our 3D cell cultures provide a platform that more accurately reflects real biological conditions, leading to more reliable and reproducible research. This makes our technology ideal for drug development, enabling pharmaceutical companies to make faster, more informed decisions while improving the success rate of clinical trials. With our solutions, we provide a deeper understanding of how drugs interact with human cells under realistic, oxygen-controlled conditions.