Pfizer Healthcare Hub at the 10th Life Science Symposium
From September 16th to 17th, Arvato Systems invites you to the 10th Life Science Symposium in Berlin – the premier industry event for innovation, digitalization, and future technologies in the life sciences sector. Under the theme “Interact. Integrate. Innovate.”, leading experts from industry, research, and technology will come together to explore the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation in healthcare.
The Focus of the 10th Life Science Symposium: Digital Transformation in Life Sciences
In three dedicated tracks – R&D, Production, and Future of Health – experts from pharma, biotech, and IT will discuss the latest developments in digitalization, artificial intelligence, and sustainable processes. The event emphasizes practical insights and fosters exchange between industry and research.
- When: Wednesday, September 16–17, 2025
- Where: Spreespeicher Berlin, Stralauer Allee 2, 10245 Berlin
From Lab to Industry: The Pfizer Healthcare Hub Presents Its Quantum Annealing Project
Pembe Gül Bilir, Innovation Engineer at the Pfizer Healthcare Hub Freiburg, and Dr. Frederik F. Flöther, Chief Quantum Officer at QuantumBasel, aim to inspire companies to embrace quantum technologies. In a joint keynote, they offer insights into various quantum computing approaches and their applications in the life sciences industry.
One highlight: a real-world use case from Pfizer’s Freiburg site, where quantum annealing was used to optimize production planning. This pioneering project was conducted in collaboration with QuantumBasel, Switzerland’s leading quantum technology hub, and D-Wave, a provider of quantum annealing systems. The project compared quantum annealing with classical high-performance computing methods to solve complex scheduling challenges. The quantum approach delivered faster and more efficient production plans, reduced cycle times, and improved resource utilization – demonstrating the tangible benefits of quantum computing in industrial settings.
The keynote will explore:
- How Quantum AI is helping solve real-world challenges in the life sciences industry
- The importance of bold innovation cultures and strong collaborative networks
- What it takes to move quantum technologies from research to industrial application
We look forward to inspiring insights and engaging conversations!
Register here
Quantum leap into the future: The bitkom Quantum Summit 2025
How Quantum Annealing is revolutionizing production planning: At the bitkom Quantum Summit 2025, the Pfizer Healthcare Hub and QuantumBasel will present a groundbreaking quantum annealing project. This future-oriented technology was tested for the first time as part of a “proof of technology” to optimize complex processes in production planning at Pfizer’s manufacturing site in Freiburg.
The bitkom Quantum Summit is a key meeting point for thought leaders, technology experts, and policymakers who are shaping the future of quantum technologies together. The event focuses on concrete steps companies and institutions can take to become “quantum-ready.” It will take place from September 16–17, 2025, at the bcc Berlin Congress Center.
At the heart of the summit are the latest developments in quantum computing – from industrial applications and hybrid architectures combining AI and HPC, to questions of scalability and standardization. Leading experts will share insights in keynotes and panel discussions, demonstrating how quantum solutions are set to revolutionize areas such as production planning, cybersecurity, financial analysis, and more – including Peter Neske and Pembe Gül Bilir from the Pfizer Healthcare Hub Freiburg.
The Pfizer Healthcare Hub at the Bitkom Quantum Summit
Pfizer, in collaboration with QuantumBasel and D-Wave, has launched an innovative quantum technology project in the field of production planning. Peter Neske, Innovation Lead, and Pembe Gül Bilir, Innovation Engineer – both from the Pfizer Healthcare Hub Freiburg – will join Dr. Frederik Flöther, Chief Quantum Officer at QuantumBasel, to present the project’s objectives, results, and key learnings from the Proof of Technology.
Collaborative Quantum Innovation: Pfizer, QuantumBasel, and D-Wave's Success in Production Scheduling
When: September 16, 3:00 PM
Where: Bitkom Quantum Summit, Quantum Stack Stage
How Quantum Annealing is being used in Pfizer’s production planning
Pfizer leveraged the computational power of quantum annealing to optimize complex production planning processes that were previously considered unsolvable using classical methods. The quantum annealing approach was benchmarked against traditional techniques in a Proof of Technology.
Project goals included:
- Reducing planning time for schedulers
- Increasing machine utilization and production efficiency
- Minimizing operational costs and boosting overall productivity
The Proof of Technology delivered promising results that can be applied across various industrial use cases. Moreover, the project highlights how successful collaboration across different partners in the quantum ecosystem can pave the way for future advancements in quantum technology.
Leran more about the project
Innovation meets community: The arise Startup DemoDay 2025
On July 24, 2025, the arise accelerator celebrates its grand finale with the Startup DemoDay. Ten promising startups will showcase their innovative solutions in the fields of industry, smart regions, and healthcare – presenting to a jury, a live audience, and partners from across the innovation ecosystem.
- When: July 24, 2025, starting at 3:00 PM
- Where: BadenCampus, Bahnhofstraße 35a, 79206 Breisach am Rhein
- Admission: free of charge
- Registration deadline: July 17, 2025
arise accelerator
The arise accelerator is an innovation program by BadenCampus that supports startups in the fields of industry, smart regions, and healthcare on their growth journey.
Over the course of an intensive, multi-month program, participating teams gain access to industry experts, tailored coaching, pilot projects, and a strong network spanning business, academia, and the public sector.
The DemoDay marks the grand finale of the arise accelerator – a celebration of innovation, progress, and collaboration.
What to expect
At 3:00 PM, the doors of BadenCampus open for the first part of the DemoDay: the innovation gallery. Over a relaxed summer aperitivo, the startups will showcase their solutions and prototypes.
At 5:00 PM, the main stage program kicks off with startup pitches. Each team will present what they’ve been working on over the past months. The evening wraps up with food & drinks on the summer terrace – the perfect setting for networking and deeper conversations with founders, partners, and innovation enthusiasts.
Meet the Hub-Team
The team from the Healthcare Hub Freiburg will be on site and is looking forward to inspiring pitches and engaging conversations.
Register here
Out of the bubble, into what’s next: Käpsele Innovation Festival 2025
The Käpsele Innovation Festival is back for round two! On June 26, 2025, Freiburg will once again become the hotspot for forward-thinkers, doers, and tech enthusiasts. As the largest innovation festival in southwestern Germany, the Käpsele Innovation Festival brings together participants from SMEs, startups, and innovation networks – and we at Pfizer are right in the middle of it!
Over 600 participants came together at the very first Käpsele Innovation Festival, held on the grounds of the Freiburg Tent Music Festival, to explore the future of AI, GreenTech, MedTech, robotics, and new work. A dynamic mix of startup stories, debates, and hands-on insights made one thing clear: this region is bursting with innovation – and the courage to show it.
This year, it's going to be bigger, bolder, and more exciting than ever.
- When: Thursday, June 26, 2025, 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Where: Sick-Arena, Messe Freiburg
Here’s what’s waiting for you:
- 4 stages packed with real-world business insights on AI, GreenTech, MedTech, robotics, quantum tech, new work, and more
- Open-air networking area inspired by the Black Forest
- Debates & deep-dive panels
- 21 interactive experience stations, 2 masterclass igloos, and a live podcast booth
Pfizer’s VR experience station
Step into the future of medical training: Our immersive VR simulation allows current and future healthcare professionals to experience realistic clinical scenarios in a safe, virtual environment. Participants can practice essential diagnostic and therapeutic skills – without any risk to real patients.
The focus of our simulation is on diagnosing and treating respiratory diseases, early detection and management of sepsis and proper use of antibiotics in line with the latest clinical guidelines.
Curious? Get a sneak peek: 3spin Learning
A quantum leap into the future
Dr. Falk Pharma Stage | 6:00 PM: Join us for a forward-looking panel discussion on the opportunities and potential of quantum technology. Experts from science and industry, including Peter Neske, Innovation Lead at the Pfizer Healthcare Hub, along with representatives from QuantumBW, QuantumBasel, and the chamber of commerce – will share insights into current developments and real-world applications. Pfizer’s contribution: Quantum Annealing in a Proof of Technology
Why you should be there
The Käpsele Innovation Festival is where ideas meet reality – and the future becomes tangible. We’re excited to connect, exchange ideas, and be inspired.
Come by and visit us at our booth!