From idea to genius
What began in 2016 with a vision to rethink lab optimization has evolved over the past ten years into one of the leading consulting and training companies for labs in the life sciences industries. Building on nearly 20 years of experience with lean management in the laboratory, Geniu has developed numerous innovations—from globally unique laboratory benchmarking to the first online Lean Lab course and new methods for planning and optimizing laboratories. Our mission has always remained the same: to empower laboratory managers and staff to independently implement sustainable improvements. Discover the key milestones on our journey from the initial idea to the present day.
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 has launched the Labvolution Award for “Operational Excellence.” The award recognizes both analog and digital laboratory optimization initiatives. The best projects can win high-quality consulting and/or training services worth more than 10,000 euros.
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 – Study on 20 Years of Lean Management in the Laboratory
To mark the 20th anniversary of the first known Lean Lab project Geniu published the Study “20 Years of Lean Management in the Laboratory” . As part of a comprehensive literature review and meta-analysis of more than The impact of Lean Management was first studied in 100 Lean Lab projects. The study systematically examines the performance of laboratories. underlines the central importance of Lean as an established approach to Improving productivity, quality, and throughput time in laboratories.
2023 – Lab Layout Check
Geniu is expanding its range of services to include the Lab Layout Check. With this structured assessment, laboratories can have their designs for new buildings or renovations, as well as existing lab layouts, reviewed by experienced experts to identify opportunities for optimization early on and avoid costly planning errors.
At Analytica 2024, Geniu introduced the Lab Layout Check to a wider audience of industry professionals for the first time. The new service complements the portfolio of the “LabCheck” brand, under which Geniu bundles various assessments, benchmarks , and tools for the objective evaluation and further development of laboratories.
2026 – 10th Anniversary
Geniu is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Since its founding in 2016, the company has grown into the leading training and consulting firm for laboratories. This anniversary also marks the beginning of a new chapter —one in which Geniu will continue to help laboratories around the world achieve greater success through innovative services.
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
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