Learning Lounge: Automated, digital, future-proof – practical ideas for the bioeconomy

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 organisations.

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, focusing on sustainable applications in the life sciences. He develops computer-aided methods for analysing and optimising 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 lecture highlights how reinforcement learning models can automatically design flowsheets and molecules.

2. Technology provider:
   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 the programming of 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 specialises in complex structural and flow simulations. In his presentation, he will show 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 been managing as CEO ever since. In the Learning Lounge, he provides insights into various approaches to using AI for control and process optimisation 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 any project ideas, please feel free to contact us directly at mailto:lucas.baumgart@provadis-hochschule.de.