The delegation, led by Manuel Hagel, Chairman of the CDU Parliamentary Group of the State Parliament, visited key locations within the start-up and research ecosystem that make Boston and Cambridge global hubs for technology and science. Discussions highlighted the interplay between networking, venture capital, and academic excellence.
There was an intensive exchange with McCloy Fellows of the American Council on Germany (ACG) and with scholars of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation studying at renowned universities in the Greater Boston area. Topics included innovation, values, and responsibility in a transatlantic context.
In dialogue with the German Consul General and subject-matter experts, the focus was on investment strategies and the role of smart regions. Another key area was platform approaches by leading companies in artificial intelligence and biotechnology, such as Ginkgo Bioworks. The delegation gained insights into the development of explainable and controllable AI models suitable for applications in healthcare and industrial automation.
The group also visited several key players in the life sciences sector, including LabCentral, the Bayer Research & Innovation Center, and MilliporeSigma. These institutions demonstrate how shared laboratory infrastructure and strategic partnerships accelerate the development of new therapies.
