About Us

X Tech Academy

Empowering Biotech Excellence Globally

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.

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.

Why XTech Academy

Learning science by doing it

Real laboratory training

Hands-on courses in fully equipped labs at BioLabs Heidelberg – not just theory.

Small groups

Intensive supervision and individualized support for every participant.

Beginner to advanced

Programs for students, researchers and industry professionals at every level.

Certificate of Completion

Every participant receives an XTech Academy certificate after successful participation.

English & German

Courses are offered in both languages on selected dates.

Industry-connected

Developed with partners such as Springer Campus, CAVIGEN and Konexio.

Leadership

Our Founders

Dr. Maryam Kazemi

Co-Founder (Head of R&D, Strategy, partnership & Program Development)

Dr. Maryam Kazemi

Dr. Maryam Kazemi is a co-founder of XTech Academy. 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.

LinkedIn profile
Dr. Dr. Najmeh Heshmatpour

Co-Founder (Head of Programs, Quality Management & Strategic Finance)

Dr. Dr. Najmeh Heshmatpour

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.

LinkedIn profile

Guidance

Advisory Board

Experienced scientists who help shape our curricula and quality standards.

Advisor (Cell Biology)

Prof. Dr. Dirk Breitkreutz

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.

Advisor (Immunology)

Prof. Dr. Martin R. Berger

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 Dreyer-Lamm

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.

LinkedIn profile
Hands-on laboratory training at XTech Academy

XTech Academy Workshops Registration

First, we will initiate the pre-registration process. Upon receipt of your pre-registration, we will promptly contact you with comprehensive registration and payment instructions.

Click Here

Trusted Partners