From idea to genius
How Geniu has developed from an initial idea into the leading consulting and training company for laboratories in life science industries.
TIMELINE
2012 - The idea
Based on his scientific work on disruptive innovations and his consulting experience (former Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company), Dr. Wolf-Christian Gerstner develops the idea for Geniu. The innovative business model with the combination of (online) learning and consulting is developed in detail.
2014 - The name
After a long search, the name "Geniu", derived from "the genius in you", is found to match the mission. The application is then filed with the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA), the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the US Trademark Office (USPTO).
2015 - Laboratory benchmarking
Geniu's unique laboratory benchmarking is being developed. It enables the comparison of laboratories using a robust normalization method and helps to identify optimization opportunities and uncover new potential.
2016 - The support
Geniu is supported by the EXIST start-up grant from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), which is awarded to innovative start-ups. The selection criteria were the innovative content and skills of the founding team.
2017 - Launch of online courses
We are launching the self-developed platform with the world's first online course specifically for laboratories, thus realizing a further component of our consulting and training services.
2019 - Labvolution Award
In cooperation with Deutsche Messe AG, the Geniu team received the Labvolution Award for "Operational Excellence".
2020 - Consultant network
In order to be able to advise even more clients in the future, we are laying the foundations for a comprehensive quality network for laboratory consultants. This will enable us to cover even more topics, clients and regions.
2021 - 5th anniversary
In 2021 we celebrated our 5th anniversary.
2012 - The idea
Based on his scientific work on disruptive innovations and his consulting experience (former Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company), Dr. Wolf-Christian Gerstner develops the idea for Geniu. The innovative business model with the combination of (online) learning and consulting is developed in detail.
2014 - The name
After a long search, the name “Geniu”, derived from “the genius in you”, is found to fit the mission. The application is then filed with the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA), the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the US Trademark Office (USPTO).
2015 - Laboratory benchmarking
Geniu’s unique laboratory benchmarking is being developed. It enables the comparison of laboratories using a robust normalization method and helps to identify optimization opportunities and uncover new potential.
2016 - The support
Geniu is supported by the EXIST start-up grant from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), which is awarded to innovative start-ups in a three-stage selection process. Selection is based on the innovative content of the company and the skills of the founding team, among other factors.
2017 - Launch of online courses
We are launching the self-developed platform with the world’s first online course specifically for laboratories, thus realizing a further component of our consulting and training services
Geniu is supported by the EXIST start-up grant from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), which is awarded to innovative start-ups in a three-stage selection process. Selection is based on the innovative content of the company and the skills of the founding team, among other factors.
In order to be able to advise even more clients in the future, we are laying the foundations for a comprehensive quality network for laboratory consultants. This will enable us to cover even more topics, clients and regions.
AND IT GOES ON
In 2026 we will celebrate our tenth company anniversary. Stay up to date with our newsletter.
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