We'd like to introduce: Dr. Kilian Simmet, Minitube's new CTO
As we turn the page to 2026, Minitube is entering a new chapter. After decades of family ownership, an expanded executive team will be responsible for the company’s future. One of them is Dr. Kilian Simmet, the new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). The PhD scientist and grandson of the company founder brings deep expertise in biology and technology, combining family continuity with fresh ideas.
During our conversation, he discussed the importance of innovation and digital transformation in driving Minitube's growth, his views on safety and responsibility, and his belief that people must always be at the center of technology.
Kilian, as CTO, you are responsible for both technological and biological development at Minitube. How does your scientific background—and the family tradition—shape your perspective on innovation?
Ultimately, the customer experience is what matters. How can you ensure that your innovations are technically brilliant, practical, understandable, and easy to use?
If you could learn or try something new, what would it be?
During our conversation, he discussed the importance of innovation and digital transformation in driving Minitube's growth, his views on safety and responsibility, and his belief that people must always be at the center of technology.
Kilian, as CTO, you are responsible for both technological and biological development at Minitube. How does your scientific background—and the family tradition—shape your perspective on innovation?
One of the favorite anecdotes about our grandfather’s revolves around Minitube’s first patent, which formed the foundation of the company in 1970. He developed the world’s first fully automatic system for filling bull semen, motivated by the exhausting manual work he had experienced firsthand as a station veterinarian. He jokingly described himself as lazy and said that was why he developed the system. However, his innovation stemmed from his practical insight—he knew exactly what labs needed and how processes could be optimized. Our company is still shaped by this close connection to practice today. Through close collaboration with our customers, we strive to understand the real needs of laboratories and develop solutions accordingly, always aiming to simplify work and enable optimal production processes in the spirit of our founder and continuing the tradition.
During my time as a scientist, I learned to accept and appreciate negative results. Whether our hypotheses are confirmed or disproven, there is always something to learn. The important thing is that the principles of the scientific method are applied rigorously, and insights are incorporated into the next iteration. Even seemingly negative outcomes can open new perspectives and lay the groundwork for genuine innovation.
In terms of technology and innovation, where do you see Minitube today?
Our vision and mission clearly state our ambition to be the global innovation leader in our field and we are fulfilling that ambition. This does not mean that we are standing still. On the contrary, we are investing heavily to ensure our continued leadership in the future. As a family-owned company, we have the advantage of being able to think and act in the long term. This enables us to pursue high-risk or long-term projects without being constrained by short-term revenue goals or external ROI expectations. Our drive stems from our culture of innovation, which enables us to work more sustainably and with a future-oriented mindset than many investor-driven companies.
Which technologies are currently driving the most growth for Minitube? Are there developments that are opening new markets or significantly improving processes?
Automation and standardization are currently the key drivers. As our industry approaches the biological limits of reproduction, laboratory processes must function flawlessly. At the same time, laboratory routines are becoming faster, and our solutions must eliminate human error entirely.
In the future, artificial intelligence (AI) will support us by providing more precise predictions and recommendations. AI opens countless possibilities in image-based analysis. However, it is crucial to validate new analytical methods against today’s gold standards and ensure that results are not accepted uncritically. AI has vast potential, but it also has limits and risks. An "AI" label alone does not guarantee higher quality or better results. Sometimes, traditional methods are just as reliable or superior in certain contexts. Therefore, AI must be applied responsibly, based on evidence, and integrated into existing standards..
Minitube has strong ties to research and science. How do new ideas emerge at your company? What role do collaborations with universities, research partners, and other companies play?
In the future, artificial intelligence (AI) will support us by providing more precise predictions and recommendations. AI opens countless possibilities in image-based analysis. However, it is crucial to validate new analytical methods against today’s gold standards and ensure that results are not accepted uncritically. AI has vast potential, but it also has limits and risks. An "AI" label alone does not guarantee higher quality or better results. Sometimes, traditional methods are just as reliable or superior in certain contexts. Therefore, AI must be applied responsibly, based on evidence, and integrated into existing standards..
Collaborating with universities and research institutes is extremely important to us, whether for the scientific validation of our products or the co-development of new solutions. As an industry partner, we participate in numerous projects, supporting and actively contributing to scientific research. Minitube’s sponsorship of the Simmet Prize, the world’s most prestigious award in reproductive biology, underscores our commitment to promoting scientific research.
When it comes to idea generation, the creative process can be very diverse. Some people get their best ideas while walking or in the shower. For me, it is often the exchange with colleagues, customers, or scientists that sparks the decisive insight.
Ultimately, the customer experience is what matters. How can you ensure that your innovations are technically brilliant, practical, understandable, and easy to use?
We are fortunate to have built trusted relationships with our customers around the world. These relationships allow us to test prototypes in real-world conditions before rolling them out globally. Direct feedback on our products and ideas is one of our most valuable resources for development. This feedback ensures that our solutions are technically excellent and intuitive to use, enabling users to achieve optimal results.
Which stages of your studies or research have shaped you the most?
My most formative period was as a doctoral and postdoctoral researcher at the Chair of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology at LMU Munich. The environment was ideal for both academic and personal growth, offering a perfect mix of targeted mentoring and freedom for independent research. I am deeply grateful to my colleagues and my doctoral advisor, Eckhard Wolf, for these invaluable experiences.
What hobbies or interests energize and inspire you?
Making music is my greatest passion, and the bass is my favorite instrument. I am involved in various musical groups and genres, and the best part is collaborating with friends on a project to create something beautiful together. This activity provides me with the perfect balance and is a source of energy.
Do you have a ritual or habit that helps structure your day?
Yes, morning coffee. That’s very important.
If you could learn or try something new, what would it be?
I am fascinated by design and how it influences people. Certain objects, like a Mercedes 300 SL or a KitchenAid stand mixer, evoke affection through their design. I would like to better understand exactly how this works.
Looking ten years into the future, which three keywords best describe Minitube’s technological future?
Precision, standardization, and automation.
