5-HT Innovators Club: A Deep Dive into the Future of Self-Driving Labs

On September 11, 2025, the 5-HT Innovators Club gathered once again – this time in a very special setting: the ZEISS Innovation Hub at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), co-hosted by Prof. Dr. Stefan Bräse (Institute of Organic Chemistry and Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems – Functional Molecular Systems). Together with an inspiring group of corporate leaders, startups, researchers, and thought leaders, we explored the transformative power of lab digitalization, automation, and self-driving labs.

The event kicked off with a pre-evening get-together that already set the tone: open dialogue, fresh perspectives, and a strong sense of community. On the main day, participants engaged in presentations, workshops, and lively discussions, all circling around one central question: How can automation and AI reshape the future of science and innovation?

Key Takeaways from the Day

Lab Sustainability through Digitalization and Automation

In a thought-provoking workshop, Rolf Slaats (Roche, Global Coordinator Laboratory Workplace & Sustainability) highlighted how digital technologies can make laboratory operations more efficient and sustainable - an issue resonating strongly with both corporates and startups.

Rolf Slaats, Roche, at the 5-HT Innovators Club 2025 in Karlsruhe

Lab Data Standardisation and Connectivity

In another hands-on session, Heiko Fessenmayr (Agilent, R&D LabInformatics System Architect) and Ralph Müller (Agilent, Product Marketing Manager) addressed the crucial role of data standards and interoperability in building the foundation for connected, future-ready labs.

Heiko Fessenmayr, Agilent, at the 5-HT Innovators Club 2025 in Karlsruhe

Keynotes on Autonomous Research and AI:

• “Autonomous Research Machines” by Dr. Hergen Schultze (BASF, Head of Data Analytics), showcased the bold vision and industrial drive toward fully automated research ecosystems.

• “Practical AI examples of Boehringer Ingelheim” by Thomas Reith (Site Head Biberach) and Christoph Brabandt (BI X, Head of Digital Product Discovery) demonstrated how AI is already transforming discovery and development workflows at scale.

Dr. Hergen Schultze, BASF, at the 5-HT Innovators Club 2025 in Karlsruhe

Thomas Reith and Christoph Brabandt, Boehringer Ingelheim, at the 5-HT Innovators Club 2025 in Karlsruhe

The Rise of Self-Driving Labs

Speakers from startups including Aixelo, Atinary Technologies, Data Revival, ReactWise, Reach Industries, TissUse GmbH, and UniteLabs shared their visions and solutions. From AI-driven optimization to bridging the gap between algorithms and lab hardware, these pioneers are shaping the infrastructure for tomorrow’s autonomous labs.

Alexander Boeser from 5-HT discussed in his workshop on Self-Driving Labs the status quo and discussed various topics regarding SDLs with his audience.

Alexander Boeser, 5-HT Chemistry & Health, at the 5-HT Innovators Club 2025 in Karlsruhe

Industrial Perspectives

In addition to the speakers' companies, Bayer, Endress+Hauser, Evonik, FUCHS, Lohmann, LTS, SCHOTT, WALDNER, and many others enriched the discussions with real-world insights, highlighting both opportunities and challenges in adopting cutting-edge lab technologies at scale.

Lab Tours at KIT

A special highlight was the guided tour of ChemASAP, the €4M university-backed automated laboratory at KIT, led by Prof. Dr. Stefan Bräse, as well as the Bio.MAT/Bio-LAB facility led by Prof. Dr. Ute Schepers, which provided participants with a unique look into groundbreaking research infrastructures enabling next-generation science.

Voices from the Community

The success of the 5-HT Innovators Club is best reflected in the impressions shared by participants:

• “It’s rare to see such a well-curated mix of lab tech users, solution providers and relevant start-ups coming together in such a productive atmosphere.” – Simon Bungers, WALDNER

• “The discussions were incredibly fruitful, and I returned with a wealth of inspiring ideas that can greatly benefit our teams and projects.” – Cornelia Hoß, Lohmann GmbH & Co. KG

• “I left buzzing with ideas; it’s been a while since I felt this inspired! A bold call: let’s share our code. Open-source keeps tools alive, useful, and cross-industry — even if the original team moves on.” – Marco Tibaldi, Amsterdam Chemistry Network

• “It was exciting to see how both large companies and startups are approaching self-driving labs and data-driven optimization – each bringing complementary perspectives.” – Alexander Pomberger, ReactWise

• “The energy in the room was electric, and it’s clear we’re on the cusp of a major shift in scientific discovery.” – Robert Zechlin, UniteLabs

• “An incredible day exploring lab challenges, research transformation, and the future of Self-Driving Labs and automation.” – Edlyn Wu, Atinary Technologies

• “Many thanks to the organizers for making it possible! The ChemASAP at KIT is impressive!” – Guangqi Wu, University of Oxford

These perspectives highlight what made the event so unique: not just the talks and presentations, but the open exchange across disciplines and industries.

A Heartfelt Thank You

We extend our sincere gratitude to all participants, speakers, and partners who made this gathering so insightful and inspiring. A special thank you goes to Prof. Dr. Stefan Bräse and his team at KIT for co-hosting and opening the doors to the impressive ChemASAP facilities, as well as to Prof. Dr. Ute Schepers for guiding us through the BioMat facility. We also thank the ZEISS Innovation Hub for providing the perfect setting.

Finally, a huge thank you to our community of innovators - your contributions, discussions, and openness continue to push boundaries and shape the future of chemistry and health.

We look forward to seeing you again at the next 5-HT Innovators Club!