Automated, digital, future-proof: Practical impetus for the bioeconomy
We cordially invite you to the next Learning Lounge. The focus will be on how digital tools, automation, and AI can simplify and accelerate processes.
Digital technologies are currently transforming the entire value chain in the bioeconomy. Data-driven decisions, automated processes, and learning systems are opening up new opportunities to use resources more efficiently, shorten development cycles, and make work processes safer. The Learning Lounge provides a clear overview of what is already feasible today and what specific opportunities are available for different organizations.
The event offers a brief and practical insight from three perspectives:
1. Research:
Prof. Dominik Grimm conducts research at the interface of machine learning and bioinformatics with a focus on sustainable applications in the life sciences. He develops computer-aided methods for analyzing and optimizing biological and chemical systems in order to better understand their functions and properties. After completing his doctorate at the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, he did a postdoc at ETH Zurich and worked briefly in industry. Since 2018, he has been Professor of Bioinformatics at Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences at the TUM Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability. His presentation highlights how reinforcement learning models can automatically design flowsheets and molecules.
2. Technology providers:
Stefan Merkle is the founder of the engineering firm Merkle CAE-Solutions. He studied aerospace engineering in Stuttgart and, even during his studies, was intensively involved in programming early computer systems as well as their assembly and distribution. Today, his company is one of the pioneers of CAE services in German-speaking countries and specializes in complex structural and flow simulations. In his presentation, he shows how to get from the idea to the system when it comes to processes in the field of structural mechanics or fluid dynamics.
3. Implementation of AI:
Dr. Peter Welters is a biochemist and entrepreneur with many years of experience at the interface of plant biotechnology, molecular biology, and industrial applications. After completing his doctorate in molecular plant biology at the University of Tübingen and a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California, San Diego, focusing on protein transport, he founded Phytowelt in 1998, which he has led as CEO ever since. In the Learning Lounge, he will provide insights into various approaches to using AI for control and process optimization in the fermentative production of R-alpha-ionone (raspberry aroma).
Building on this event, we offer interested parties the opportunity to get involved in an interdisciplinary working group. The aim is to formulate project outlines and initiate collaborations. If you are interested or have project ideas, please contact us directly.
1:00 p.m. Welcome – The Learning Lounge – The learning and exchange platform for the bioeconomy
Dr. Lucas Baumgart, Project Manager, Provadis University
1:05 p.m. Autonomous Flowsheet Synthesis and Molecular Design via Reinforcement Learning
Prof. Dominik Grimm, Professor of Bioinformatics, TUM Campus Straubing
1:20 p.m. From idea to plant
Stefan Merkle, Founder, Merkle CEA Solutions
1:35 p.m. AI-supported process optimization
Dr. Peter Welters, CEO, Phytowelt GreenTechnologies
1:50 p.m. Questions, discussion & outlook
2:00 p.m. End of the Learning Lounge
Register for the Learning Lounge at the following link:
Participation is free of charge. Please feel free to share this invitation within your network.
The Learning Lounge – The learning and exchange platform for the bioeconomy is a digital format within the framework of the National Transfer and Acceleration Network for Industrial Bioeconomy (TransBIB). In recurring, one-hour online seminars, topics related to the bioeconomy from the regions are presented and discussed for the regions. The aim is to facilitate a pragmatic exchange of knowledge between stakeholders in the regions and at the national level. TransBIB is funded by the BMWE. Find out more about us at www.transbib.de. You can also find current events and offers on our LinkedIn channel – subscribe to us!
We look forward to welcoming you virtually on February 24, 2026!
Yours Stefan Merkle
