Max Planck Innovation presents four breakthrough technologies at BioVaria 2026

All technologies presented by Max Planck Innovation at BioVaria are protected by patents and are available for licensing and industry collaboration.

Optical Lung Function Measurement by Non-Invasive Chest Motion Tracking

Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences and the University Medical Center Göttingen have developed a non-invasive optical method for measuring lung function without physical contact or patient cooperation. The technology tracks chest motion using structured light projection and stereo imaging, enabling precise analysis of breathing patterns in animals as well as in patients who cannot perform conventional lung function tests, such as infants or intensive care patients. The system provides high-resolution data on respiratory dynamics and may improve monitoring in both preclinical research and clinical settings. A functional prototype has been developed and validated in animal models, with clinical validation planned.

Generation of RNA Therapeutics by Conjugating NAD-Capped RNAs to Proteins

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology and Marburg University have developed a novel approach to generate RNA-protein conjugates for next-generation RNA therapeutics. The technology enables the enzymatic attachment of NAD-capped RNAs to specific target proteins, creating biomolecules with improved stability, functionality, and potential for targeted cellular delivery. This platform could support the development of innovative RNA-based vaccines and therapeutics as well as precision genome engineering strategies. The technology has been demonstrated at proof-of-concept level in vitro and is currently available for further development and collaboration with industry partners.

RNA-Binding Small Molecules with a Rigid Core (R-Score)

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Physiology and TU Dortmund have developed a new approach to designing RNA-binding small molecules based on a rigid scaffold (R-score). This scaffold enables the attachment of functional groups that enhance the binding efficiency and selectivity, allowing the rational design of compounds targeting oncogenic microRNAs such as miR-21 and miR-17, which are implicated in cancers including lung and breast cancer. By addressing RNA targets that are difficult to drug with conventional approaches, the platform opens new avenues for RNA-targeted therapeutics. First-generation R-score molecules have been synthesized and biochemically evaluated for their RNA-binding affinities and tested for their ability to induce cellular changes in cancer cell models.

RiboSTS – Ribosome Signatures Targeted by High-Throughput Single-Cell Sequencing

The technology RiboSTS, developed at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics together with the University of Konstanz, enables high-throughput single-cell sequencing of both ribosomal RNA and messenger RNA. This allows researchers to study ribosome regulation and cellular heterogeneity at single-cell resolution, opening new opportunities for biomarker discovery and disease research, particularly in cancer and viral infections. The technology has been validated in proof-of-concept studies and is currently available for licensing and further development with industry partners.

Connecting Max Planck Innovations with Industry Partners

At BioVaria, the technologies will be presented by Max Planck Innovation GmbH together with the inventors, offering potential partners opportunities for licensing and collaboration. Max Planck Innovation is a main partner of BioVaria, together with the Lead Discovery Center, and will host a joint booth at the event. “BioVaria is an excellent platform to connect breakthrough discoveries from Max Planck research with industry partners and investors,” says Dr. Ingrid Kapser-Fischer, Team Lead Translation Team at Max Planck Innovation. “The technologies we present this year illustrate the strong potential of fundamental research to generate innovative solutions for medicine and the life sciences.” The team looks forward to welcoming partners and visitors at the joint booth for discussions and new collaboration opportunities.