Research, Innovation, Education / 24.09.2026
Award for entrepreneurial spirit: Christian Hackenberger receives the UNIPRENEURS Prize

Prof. Dr. Christian Hackenberger of the Leibniz Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) and Humboldt University of Berlin has been awarded the UNIPRENEURS Prize. He is now one of 20 professors nationwide to be honored for their commitment to spin-off companies. The prize recognizes individuals who, in addition to their research and teaching, have made a significant contribution to transferring innovations to the business sector.

“I am incredibly delighted about this award; it is a fantastic recognition for my colleagues and me, especially since it underscores the importance of basic academic research. And of course, I am immensely proud to be part of such a great founding team that set Tubulis’ success story in motion,” says Prof. Dr. Christian Hackenberger.

Christian Hackenberger has been conducting research on methods for modifying peptides and proteins since 2005. After moving to the FMP and Humboldt University of Berlin, his team developed the so-called P5-labeling method in 2017 for the production of novel antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). The method provides easy access to ADCs that are more stable and effective than other molecules on the market—without the need for additional genetic modification of the antibodies.

From P5-labeling to Tubulis 

Hackenberger has received numerous awards for his research, which includes the development of cell-permeable antibodies, including the DFG’s Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Prize, the Max Bergmann Medal, the UCB-Ehrlich Award for Excellence in Medicinal Chemistry, and, in 2020, as the very first recipient, the “Breakthrough of the Year” Award from the Falling Walls Foundation in the life sciences.

This year, UNIPRENEURS honored 20 professors across Germany from more than 800 nominations. Together, they have supported around 600 startups as mentors, advisory board members, or investors; 90 percent of the honorees have founded a company themselves.

About UNIPRENEURS

UNIPRENEURS is an initiative aimed at strengthening spin-offs at German universities and non-university research institutions, led by the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft. The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space, as well as the Federal Ministry of Economics, are joint patrons of the initiative. UNIPRENEURS presents its award every three years.

More Information:
https://www.hu-berlin.de/en/news/detail/christian-hackenberger-receives-the-unipreneurs-award-for-outstanding-commitment-to-entrepreneurship

Source: Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie