Can Berlin lead the Biotech revolution? Ruth Shah thinks so.

Berlin is racing to become Europe’s capital of Deep Tech and Impact, and biotech is leading the race.

In this episode, we sit down with Ruth Shah, Director of Bayer Co.Lab Berlin, to unbox how the city is turning cutting-edge science into real-world health solutions. From gene editing to startup acceleration, Ruth shares what it really takes to build a future-proof biotech ecosystem, and why Berlin is uniquely positioned to do it.

This episode is part of our special series exploring how Berlin is claiming its place as Europe’s Deep Tech and Impact powerhouse in colaboration with Startup Berlin by Berlin Partner.

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With Ruth, we dive into:

– The biggest myths about working with Big Pharma

– What startups really need when collaborating with corporates?

– How Berlin is positioning itself as a global healthtech powerhouse?

– The role of diversity, not just in teams, but in clinical trials too

– Why cell and gene therapies are reshaping modern medicine?

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And of course, we do it the Unboxing way: with live beats, unscripted questions, and a DNA-themed Lego jam session.

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1. Building Biotech with Bricks and Vision

[00:00 – 03:17]
A DNA Lego sculpture sets the stage for Ruth’s mission at Bayer Co.Lab Berlin: to help shape Berlin into a global biotech hub — piece by piece, partner by partner.

2. Can AI Replace Scientists?

[07:46 – 10:47]
Ruth unpacks the hype around artificial intelligence in drug discovery — and why real breakthroughs still need real humans.

3. The Next Big Wave in Biotech

[10:47 – 12:03]
From gene editing to global cooperation, Ruth shares the technologies and trends that could define the next decade of medicine.

4. Gene Therapy, Explained Like a Human

[12:04 – 15:16]
Forget the jargon. Ruth breaks down what cell and gene therapies really are, how they work, and why they’re changing everything we know about treating disease.

5. Why Berlin Could Be the Biotech Capital of Europe

[17:10 – 22:26]
Talent, research, capital — Berlin’s got the raw ingredients. Ruth explains what makes the city uniquely suited to lead the healthtech revolution.

6. Deep Tech Meets Deep Support

[22:26 – 25:43]
Biotech is hard, expensive, and risky. Ruth outlines exactly what healthtech founders need to succeed — and how Berlin helps them stay in the game.

7. Diversity Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s a Biotech Essential.

[25:43 – 26:57]
From team culture to clinical trials, Ruth explains how inclusive thinking drives better science, better products, and better outcomes.

8. The Truth About Startups and Corporates

[27:28 – 31:05]
Are big companies innovation killers? Not so fast. Ruth explains how the right corporate partner can fast-track a startup’s success.

9. Is Big Pharma Just In It for the Money?

[33:13 – 33:44]
A tough audience question. Ruth responds with clarity, addressing the tension between profit and patient impact in the pharmaceutical world.

10. Why Most Startup Pitches Miss the Mark

[46:30 – 48:59]
Ruth reveals the biggest mistakes founders make when reaching out — and the 3 things every startup must nail to land meaningful partnerships.

11. Berlin or Bust?

[53:54 – 55:07]
Is Berlin really the best place for biotech investment? Ruth says yes — but only if we stop thinking in silos and start connecting across borders.

12. Real Impact Means Real Lives Changed

[55:36 – 56:49]
When asked what innovation should actually achieve, Ruth keeps it simple: if it doesn’t change lives, it’s not impact.

13. Ruth’s Playbook: Lessons, Wins & What Drives Her

[57:16 – 58:45]
In the rapid-fire round, Ruth shares what she’s learned from blending startup speed with corporate scale — and the one thing every impact founder needs to hear.