From Vision to Impact: How Marion Hitchcock Is Powering Europe’s Gene & Cell Therapy Startups

“My best friend had a severe disease with no treatment options—Morbus Crohn (Crohn's disease)—and that made me passionate about wanting to find better treatments for people with real medical need,” Marion shares. That experience laid the foundation for a career dedicated to pharmaceutical innovation, and eventually, her dual leadership role at Bayer.

Marion highlights how gene and cell therapies are expanding the boundaries of what’s treatable in modern medicine. “We’ve been able to move into areas of medical need that previously weren’t treatable, and with a hope to become more curative—not just treating symptoms,” she explains. “My hope is that this becomes the new standard in patient care.”

Reflecting on her career, Marion points to a pivotal time: “My five-year assignment in Boston, working with the Kendall Square innovation ecosystem—that was a defining moment. The density of talent and openness to collaborate shaped how I think about innovation today.”

At Advanced Therapies Europe 2025, Marion Hitchcock will take the stage to share insights into the Berlin-based initiative she now leads: a joint venture between Bayer and Charité University Medicine designed to support the next generation of gene and cell therapy startups. “This initiative is about building the infrastructure startups need to thrive,” she says. “We’re offering an incubator with fully equipped lab and office space—and under the same roof, a GMP manufacturing site with access to scale-up and production expertise for clinical trials.”

This unique model enables early-stage companies to accelerate progress from concept to clinic, backed by one of Europe’s most established academic and pharma networks.

But Marion’s contribution to the event goes beyond the presentation. She’s also looking forward to the opportunity for genuine connection: “I’m really looking forward to meeting startups, startup networks, and VCs—to see how we can support each other and help startups grow and succeed in Europe.”

Whether attending her session or connecting off-stage, delegates will gain access to one of the industry’s most engaged and impact-driven leaders—making Marion’s presence at ATE Europe a highlight for anyone focused on biotech innovation, infrastructure, or investment. You can learn more about the agenda here.

“Find allies early on,” she emphasizes. “Strong partnerships are essential to building a product that’s both scalable and successful.”

Asked what three things she’d take to a desert island:

• “My cat Sammy—to keep me company”

• “My hiking boots”

• “A hammock”

Marion Hitchcock’s story is a testament to the power of purpose-driven innovation—and a glimpse into the kind of thought leadership shaping the future of advanced therapies in Europe. At Advanced Therapies Europe 2025, you’ll hear directly from Marion and other pioneers who are redefining what’s possible in gene and cell therapy. Whether you’re a startup founder, investor, or pharma leader, this is your opportunity to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the next chapter of therapeutic advancement. Join us in Barcelona to be part of the conversation—and the solution.

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