Biotech once saved my mother’s life. That’s why I do this.
I grew up in a family of craftsmen in a small Bavarian village. Curiosity took me into science; entrepreneurship made it practical.

Today I serve as Vice President for Entrepreneurship at LMU Munich and Executive Chairman & Co-founder of NanoTemper.

At LMU, I work with students, researchers, and colleagues across our faculties to move bold ideas into society, through startups, partnerships, and knowledge transfer.

At NanoTemper, we build biophysical tools that help scientists study proteins and design better therapies that may reach patients sooner.

I believe integrity and ambition belong together: the heart of my book, The Honorable Entrepreneur.

Grateful for milestones like the German Founders Award and the German Innovation Prize. What matters most: when ideas cross the gap from research to benefit people.

If you have a bold business idea or are a founder aiming to scale with integrity, let’s connect.

No risks, no wins: Is Europe playing it too safe & too small?

In 2008, I pitched NanoTemper to German investors.
"Too risky," they said. "The market's too small. The tech's too early. You'll fail." 

I built it anyway. 18 years later, we're global leaders in biotech instrumentation.

But here's what keeps me up at night:
If I started today in Germany, would I even try?
The regulatory hurdles are higher.
The fear of failure is louder.
The risk appetite is lower.

Years ago, I saw a phrase at the German Federal Defense Forces Innovation Hub in Berlin:

"Who risks nothing, will risk everything."
It hit me hard. Still does.

Because that's where Europe is heading.

We talk endlessly about the risks of innovation:
• AI? "Terminator!"
• Gene editing? "Playing God!"
• Flying taxis? "Too dangerous!"

But the opportunities? Barely a whisper.

Meanwhile, the breakthroughs in AI, biotech, and clean energy are happening elsewhere.

Here's the paradox:
By avoiding 100 small risks, we're taking one massive risk: 𝗜𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲.

Now, as VP for Entrepreneurship at LMU, I see brilliant founders hesitate.

Not because they lack ideas.
Because they fear the bureaucracy more than the market.

𝗪𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗮 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁:
From "What could go wrong?"
To "What could go right?"

Not reckless risk-taking. Educated bets.
Create regulatory sandboxes where innovation can breathe. Celebrate failure as learning, not shame.

Europe has the talent. The capital. The infrastructure.
What we're missing is the courage to use it.

What's the one risk you wish we would take?

Philipp Baaske

Empowering founders & innovators | Vice President Entrepreneurship LMU | Executive Chairman NanoTemper

My first 100 days as Vice President for Entrepreneurship at LMU Munich, one of Germany’s largest universities.

It’s out of my comfort zone. Totally.

For 17 years, I helped build NanoTemper. ~250 people. One company. Fast decisions.

Now at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, it’s more than 72,000 people: students, researchers, and colleagues across science and administration. We can fill an Olympic stadium. It’s a 554-year-old institution. It breathes history. Different gravity.

The surprising part?
I don’t feel “bigger.” I feel like a student again.

My brain is full every day: new conversations, new emotions, new friends, new responsibility. And yes... some days it’s overwhelming.

But I also feel lucky.

Because where else can you watch students walk in every morning, full of hope and energy… and in the afternoon discuss the future of artificial intelligence with researchers shaping the field?

And there’s a hidden gem: the administration. The people who keep the whole machine running. They welcomed me with open arms… and I’m starting to see how much leverage sits there.

4 things that surprised me so far:
• The welcome of new students in our giant Lichthof: pure energy. You feel the future in the room.
• Week 2. Coffee break. Nobel laureate Ferenc Krausz offers me the informal “du”: first-name basis. That’s LMU culture in one sentence.
• Our top secretary tells me she’s going to a heavy metal Sabaton concert with her son. Small detail. Big trust.
• And every day: the fresh White Rose, a quiet reminder of LMU students who resisted the Nazis. Values matter, especially in hard times.

Takeaway: Scale is impressive. Trust is everything.

Next 100 days: listen more. Identify the first quick win for supporting our founders. Execute it together: with persistence and patience.

What surprised you most in your first 100 days?
And if you're a founder: I want to hear what's working and what's not. My job is to make your path easier.

One seat. One rising star. Nominate her.

Know a woman scientist-founder who deserves this? Or is it you?

I'm opening my seat at the Monaco Woman of the Year Conference & Gala (20 March 2026) to a rising star in life sciences. Last year, one seat changed a path. This year, it's your turn to nominate. 

Who we're looking for
• Woman with a life-science background
• Founded her company in the last 7 years or currently founding
• Values-driven: turning science into real impact

What she gets
• Gala seat at my table
• Two 1:1 check-ins over 90 days with me
• Two warm intros from my network
• €477 towards travel & accommodation

How to nominate (or self-nominate):
Comment name + company/area + one line why (DM if sensitive).

Example: "Dr. Sarah Chen — protein therapeutics startup. Bootstrapped 3 years, ready to scale internationally."

Selection
A small panel incl. Prof. Bettina Borisch and Dr. Nada Raddaoui (on stage in the photo) + me.

Deadline: 21 Jan 2026 
Announcement: 30 Jan 2026

Let's amplify talent. One seat can change a path.

P.S. 
NanoTemper, where I'm co-founder, sponsors the MONACO WOMEN FORUM because diverse teams build better science.. and better companies.

Real readers. Real moments.

Nothing beats seeing a book in real hands.

A reader in the snow, friends in Sweden reading it together, an HR leader with the book, colleagues at an event, and a quiet library moment. 

That touches me: I wrote the book for people, for emotions. To inspire, to connect. To show, that we are many. Many living & acting the honorable way.

Thank you to everyone who read, sent a pic, or shared a line about what they learned. You made every early-morning writing session worth it. 

How does your readers moment look like? 
What’s your favorite chapter? 
Please send it. 

I’ll save the best reader photos for a highlights post in February.

P.S. 
You’ve surprised me: Even got a photo from the Maldives.. You’ve made me laugh out loud. I had tears in my eyes reading your words.  Never ever dreamed about such wonderful feedback from you.

taplio

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taplio

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