Connecting research, AI and entrepreneurship between Leipzig and Minho

In November 2025, Fabian Liessmann, CEO of the Leipzig-based startup AI-Driven Therapeutics GmbH, visited the University of Minho, as part of the International Soft Landing for Young Entrepreneurs (ISLYE) mobility activities.

The two-day visit focused on strengthening links between academic research and startup ecosystems, exploring synergies in biotechnology and biological engineering, and exchanging perspectives on the use of artificial intelligence in research and education.

At the Centre of Biological Engineering, Liessmann met with Joana Rodrigues and Débora Ferreira to discuss challenges in protein engineering and presented the AI-based platform CoScientist. The exchange highlighted complementary approaches between molecular and macromolecular research and provided valuable feedback on how AI tools can better support academic workflows. Discussions with teaching staff also underlined the potential of integrating advanced AI technologies into biotechnology education.

The programme further included meetings at Gnration (a space for creation, performances and exhibitions designed for the Youth European Capital) with representatives from Startup Braga, offered insights into the local startup ecosystem and support structures for founders. A key highlight was the peer exchange with the OmniumAI team, focusing on shared experiences in developing and scaling AI-driven products.

Overall, the visit strengthened cross-sector connections, deepened understanding of academic and entrepreneurial perspectives, and demonstrated how Arqus mobility activities foster collaboration between universities, startups, and local innovation ecosystems across Europe.

The ISLYE programme offers you the chance to visit the start-up incubators of all our partner universities and to participate in the respective entrepreneurship programmes. Students and researchers with an entrepreneurial project (in planning or already active) can participate in this initiative. You can fill out the form with your business idea and peripheral information in case you want to take part of ISLYE.

An article by Steven Rupp