Starting from the tangible benefit for the customer

Whether researching new technologies or developing innovative products, ZETA’s customer-centric approach is always about creating a specific benefit or added value for the customer. “We work in an application-oriented way and usually start with very specific problems,” explains Thomas Maischberger, who was recently appointed Corporate Head of Research and Development and is responsible for innovation issues. “We strive to push the boundaries of what biotechnological systems can achieve. Our aim is to translate the promise of new drugs into actual production facilities or systems, so that these therapeutics can reach the market and patients as early as possible.”

A key feature of ZETA is its integrated research approach, in which research and engineering go hand in hand within interdisciplinary teams. This involves working very closely with customers and regularly with universities and other research institutions.

Current highlights and research focus areas

ZETA’s innovation map ranges from data science, integrated engineering approaches and production simulation to issues relating to the sustainability of production sites. An important focus of research is the characterization and optimization of bioreactors. Another major topic is magnetic agitator technology, which thanks to ZETA has made enormous progress in recent years. Innovative equipment components such as reusable sterile connectors for liquid transfer are also constantly being developed. ZETA is driving digitalization forward: Smart Engineering Services represent a software platform based on an integrated engineering toolchain. Integrated engineering combined with end-to-end digitalization of data results in the digital twin of the production system, enabling valuable smart tools.

ZETA‘s Innovation Hubs

The TechCenter ZETA in Lebring provides an important research environment with space and infrastructure for various experiments and test series. However, it is by no means the only location where innovative concepts are developed. The topics of digitalization and data science are concentrated at the ZETA headquarters in Lieboch. In the field of automation, the Innovation Hubs conduct research at the ZETA site in Hallbergmoos and at SIGMA in Goldbach, Germany. ZETA in Vienna has a strong focus on process innovation, and the experts at Biotree in Bangalore are responsible for operator training. ZETA sees itself as a hub for talents, bringing together entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and experts.

There are currently 1400 employees working at 28 ZETA locations – an enormous potential of know-how and creative ideas just waiting to be explored. In a research environment where all employees can contribute their respective expertise, the spirit of innovation is put into practice.

“In terms of R&D, we are currently working on adapting our structural organization, which will enable us to work together even more efficiently”, explains Thomas Maischberger, Corporate Head of Research and Development. “There will be a rather small permanent R&D team, which will be flexibly supplemented by experts from the various departments depending on research field, project, or questions to be explored. A suitable team will be put together for each research topic.”

No progress without innovation

At ZETA, innovation is seen as a fundamental corporate value. Through spaces for inspiration, the generation of ideas, and the targeted implementation of innovations, customized solutions are developed and added value is created.

Here you can find further information about innovative products and services: https://www.zeta.com/en/newsroom/blog/detail/feature-article-how-zeta-drives-innovations.html