From Academia to Intrapreneurship

You started your career in academic research. What drew you to the intersection of biotechnology and technology in the first place?

I was always fascinated by biology but I realized early on that I also loved working with software. Studying Life Science at the University of Hannover allowed me to explore both. It’s an interdisciplinary programme combining biochemistry, bioinformatics, and bioprocess engineering. During my master’s, I spent a year at Stanford University, where I completed my thesis at the Department of Chemistry. That experience broadened my perspective.

After returning to Germany, I knew I wanted to shift away from wet lab work and focus more on IT and automation. That led me to a collaborative PhD project between TU Munich and the University of Hannover, where I was able to concentrate on digital tools and process optimization in a laboratory setting.

How did you make the transition from academia to industry?

After finishing my PhD, I joined Sartorius as a Scientist in the Corporate Research Division. It was a natural move, given my growing interest in applied problem-solving. My work here focuses on developing software tools for real-time data analysis and designing automation setups for bioprocessing equipment. Over time I’ve also become involved in collaborative projects with academic partners, especially around live-cell imaging and image processing techniques.

What I find most exciting is the direct collaboration with people in the lab: Discussing real challenges, brainstorming ideas, and then building solutions that improve workflows. It’s incredibly rewarding to see a tool you’ve developed being used daily.

In your view, what role do software and automation play in driving innovation in bioprocessing?

They’re central. Continuous bioprocessing offers major advantages over traditional batch methods, especially in terms of cost-effectiveness and efficiency. But none of this would be possible without software. It enables smooth interaction between complex bioprocessing equipment, supports real-time data acquisition and integration, and allows for precise process control. With advanced algorithms and integrated sensors, process parameters can be adjusted dynamically based on live data which simply isn’t feasible without software-driven systems.

Can you give a concrete example of how that works in practice?

Sure. One powerful setup involves using spectroscopy probes inside bioreactors combined with real-time data analysis software. This allows us to continuously monitor critical parameters like glucose levels or viable cell concentration without any manual sampling. The data can be used immediately to adjust feeding strategies or track cell health. It improves accuracy, reduces labour, and lowers contamination risks all at once.

What are the biggest barriers to integrating automation more broadly?

One major hurdle is the lack of standardization. Different equipment vendors use different communication protocols and data formats, which makes integration complicated. Each automation setup needs to be tailored to the specific devices in use. We try to address this by developing modular, adaptable systems that can communicate across platforms. Flexibility is key.

Your work sounds very entrepreneurial for a corporate setting. Would you consider yourself an intrapreneur?

Yes, absolutely. To me, entrepreneurial thinking means constantly considering the long-term value of a project, even if the commercial application isn’t obvious yet. In my role, I always try to evaluate both short-term impact and future potential. Sometimes, customer needs don’t exist right away. You must spark them. Sharing our work at conferences or trade fairs has often helped generate that interest.

You’ve also worked closely with academic institutions. What’s the value of those collaborations from your perspective?

Academic partners are incredibly valuable because they challenge assumptions and think outside the box. These collaborations give us a chance to explore emerging scientific questions, even before there’s a clear business case. That helps us stay ahead of the curve technologically. I especially enjoy working on topics like live-cell imaging, where AI and new cell models like organoids are opening up entirely new possibilities for non-invasive, real-time monitoring.

How do you handle the challenges of working across sectors, like academia and industry?

Communication is everything. One of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced in complex projects is the friction that can occur when people come from very different backgrounds. Misunderstandings can build up quickly if expectations or methods aren’t aligned. In those moments it’s crucial to create space for open, honest conversations. A big part of my job is diplomacy: translating between disciplines, listening carefully, and helping everyone find common ground.

Does your professional network support this kind of innovation? Is it start-up friendly?

Definitely. I’ve worked directly with start-ups and with academic partners who later founded companies. Sartorius also actively supports the start-up ecosystem through incubators, collaborations, and sponsorships. So yes, I would say the environment I work in is very innovation- and start-up-friendly.

What trends in biotech automation excite you the most?

Continuous bioprocessing will likely replace batch operations in many areas. I’m also excited about drag-and-drop tools for building automation and data workflows—these could democratize the field by letting scientists design their processes without needing programming skills. Another big area is high-throughput imaging combined with AI, especially in drug development.

If you could work on any biotechnology problem without constraints, what would it be?

I’d focus on developing new antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance is a growing global issue, but it is underfunded because the economic return is often low. I think this field urgently needs more attention and sustained investment.

Finally, what advice would you give young professionals looking to enter this space?

You don’t have to be the best in both biotech and automation. There are a lot of specialists in each, but very few people can connect the two. If you can speak both “languages”, you bring enormous value. So, my advice is: stay curious, build a solid foundation in both fields, and aim to become a translator between disciplines.

And what keeps you personally motivated?

Knowing that our work could one day help make medicines more accessible and affordable is a huge motivator. I also genuinely enjoy the energy of the people I work with. And I’ll admit, I love being the first to build something new. That same spark of discovery that first drew me into science still drives me today.

A big thank you to Sartorius for the opportunity to interview Jonas.

What happens next?

Check out our event calendar for upcoming workshops. Stay tuned for more updates, opportunities, and success stories!

Connect with Jonas Austerjost via LinkedIn!

Interviewer & Editor, Design: Bianca Cramer