X Tech Academy
Empowering Biotech Excellence Globally
About
XTech Academy
We’re building the next generation of hands-on biotech education. From the first pipette to AI-assisted analysis, we turn theory into practice so learners and teams can contribute to real science faster. Based at BioLabs Heidelberg, we connect classrooms to working labs and industry mentors.
Our Mission
Enable accessible, practical, and industry-ready training in biotechnology and life sciences, bridging the gap between academic theory and the skills employers need today.

Dr. Maryam Kazemi
Co-Founder (Head of R&D, Strategy, partnership & Program Development)
Dr. Maryam Kazemi co-founded XTech Academy at BioLabs Heidelberg to connect academic excellence with real-world biotech practice and hiring needs. She holds a PhD in Cancer Biology from Heidelberg University at DKFZ, where she worked on translational models in cancer genetics. Drawing on industry experience in gene and cell therapy, she develops market-relevant curricula and partnerships with universities, startups, and corporate R&D groups. At XTech Academy she leads R&D projects ,strategy, finance, operations, piloting and validating training modules against industry workflows with a focus on rigorous SOPs, reproducible outcomes, and strong learner employability.

Dr. Najmeh Heshmatpour
Co-Founder (Head of Programs, Quality Management & Strategic Finance)
Dr. Heshmatpour is a co-founder of XTech Academy and leads its hands-on and online education programs as well as quality management. She studied at the University of Freiburg in cancer research and has worked for years in the biotechnology industry, focusing on gene and cell therapy. Alongside overseeing lab operations and quality assurance, she contributes to the academy’s financial strategy plan, ensuring that the training model integrates scientific excellence with long-term sustainability and growth.
Advisory Bord
Prof. Dr. Dirk Breitkreutz
Advisor (Cell Biology)
Prof. Breitkreutz is a leading cell biologist whose work spans cellular signaling, cell–matrix interactions, and advanced microscopy. He advises XTech Academy on curriculum depth for core wet-lab skills, ensuring our cell culture, imaging, and assay modules mirror current research standards. Dirk mentors instructors on experimental design, controls, and reproducibility. He also supports capstone project review and connects learners with academic and industry labs.
Prof. Dr. Martin R. Berger
Advisor (Immunology)
Prof. Berger brings extensive expertise in immunology and translational life-science research. He guides the development of our immunology track-flow cytometry, immune assays, and data interpretation, so learners gain job-ready competence. Martin counsels on study design, biosafety, and ethical practice, and regularly provides feedback on learner projects. He helps align our teaching with clinical and biotech applications of immune technologies.
Dr. Jacqueline Dreyer-Lamm
Head of Operations, Anavo Therapeutics
Dr Jacqueline brings a unique combination of scientific expertise, strategic insight, and hands-on experience in professional development for researchers. With a background in biotechnology and a PhD in molecular biology, J complemented academic training with several years as a strategic consultant in the life sciences sector. During nine years at EMBL, J played a pivotal role in establishing and expanding the institute’s renowned external scientific courses programme, gaining extensive experience in designing, delivering, and evaluating training for bench and research scientists across disciplines. This blend of scientific knowledge, consultancy experience, and leadership in scientific education is further strengthened by Jacqueline’s current role as Head of Operations in a start-up environment.