The program showcased start-ups working on breakthrough solutions – from augmented reality in surgery to ultra-fast bacterial detection, inhalable RNA therapeutics, and next-generation digital patient support. The Pitch Day builds on the success of previous joint events held by BioM and BayStartUP, reinforcing Bavaria’s position as one of Europe’s most dynamic innovation hubs.
The concluding networking lunch provided investors and founders with the opportunitiy for deeper conversations, feedback, and initiating partnerships that may shape tomorrow’s therapies and technologies.

Reflecting on the presentations, Dr. Jörg Traub (HTGF) emphasized the high standards demonstrated by the participating teams, noting: “The level of professionalism we saw today was remarkable. The Pitch Day by BayStartUP and BioM consistently brings forward teams that are both scientifically strong and strategically focused. What stood out most was the diversity of solutions – from digital companions, medtech, diagnostics to RNA therapeutics – and the clarity with which the founders presented their value propositions.”

From the founder perspective, Dr. David Jürgens (RNhale) highlighted: “Presenting at today’s Pitch Day allowed us to clearly show why inhalable RNA therapeutics can redefine the treatment of severe respiratory diseases. Our dry-powder LNP platform addresses a major unmet medical need, and the investor discussions confirmed how much interest there is in viable, scalable RNA delivery beyond traditional injection routes. The feedback we received today will strongly shape our next development steps.”

As one of the organizers, Elisabeth Harbich pointed to the broader significance for the Bavarian ecosystem, stating: “Our Pitch Day once again demonstrated the strength and creativity within Bavaria’s life-science community. Our aim is to empower founders not only in science, but also in entrepreneurial decision-making. Seeing this level of innovation – from AI-supported surgery to novel molecular diagnostics – underlines how important it is to provide these teams with the right stage and network.”

Echoing this perspective, Dr. Carolin Plagmann (BayStartUP) underlined the impact of the concise pitch format: “Six minutes can make all the difference – and today they certainly did. The teams delivered pitches that combined scientific depth with clear business orientation. Events like this underline how effectively science and entrepreneurship can reinforce each other when founders and investors meet directly.”

Pitch Day Highlights

Presenting start-ups included:

• ARON Surgical – Augmented reality & AI for intraoperative guidance
• BreatheAssist – Natural-breathing ventilator for intubated patients
• EVERSION – Gait analysis & personalized insoles for pain reduction
• Flash Tissue Diagnostics – 3D rapid cancer tissue imaging
• RNhale – Dry-powder RNA therapeutic platform
• Tuari – Drugging previously undruggable small GTPases
• XO Life – Therapy-independent digital patient companion
• Nanostruct – Ultra-fast bacterial detection for food safety

Start-ups seeking funding and wishing to pitch at the next event are invited to contact BioM at harbich@bio-m.org.