We Focus on the Smallest Things to Make Big Things Happen.
About us
At axiom insights, we are dedicated to transforming biomedical imaging. Thanks to our patented X-ray Fluorescence Imaging (XFI) technology, you receive data that were previously out of reach. This enables faster, safer, and more efficient drug development. Our mission is to push the boundaries of what’s measurable and make next-generation imaging accessible to science, industry, and humanity as a whole.
Our Vision
Axiom insights:
Who We Are.
axiom insights is led by an experienced management team and supported by an advisory board with decades of expertise across research, industry, and science. As a contract research organization (CRO), we deliver breakthrough insights for pharma and biotech — and we invite you to connect with us to explore new opportunities together.
The founders
Prof. Dr. Florian Grüner
Prof. Dr. Alexander Bassen
At the beginning of 2026, Alexander was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit for his commitment to research and practice in the field of Sustainable Finance and Accounting.
Dr. Arik Willner
Arik Willner is a bridge-builder between science and industry. As former CTO at DESY and co-founder of axiom insights, he brings decades of experience in technology transfer, innovation management, and large-scale research infrastructure. With a global network and deep understanding of both scientific excellence and industrial application, Arik helps us translate cutting-edge research into real-world impact. He is also CEO of Impossible Founders, a new deep-tech startup factory, dedicated to turning scientific innovations into scalable ventures.
The team
Prof. Dr. Michael Rossbach
Michael Rossbach is a life science innovator with long-standing experience in biotech, pharma, and research management. He connects scientific discovery with business strategy, driving axiom insights‘ partnerships and market development. His cross-sector background ensures that our innovation meets industry relevance.
Dr. Sara Bornhöft
Dr. Oliver Dabrowski
Dr. Carina Fedosejevs
Dr. Mahdi Bidhendi
Dr. Linda Dalipi
Dr. Theresa Staufer
Dr. Ekaterina Jung
Dr. Bryan Barcelona
“I want to find the limits, see what’s possible and what’s not — and then keep pushing those limits to make things even better.”
Prof. Dr. Florian Grüner, Co-Founder
The story so far
How We Started
axiom insights was founded in 2019 as a spin-off from DESY, one of the world’s leading synchrotron facilities, and the University of Hamburg. The idea grew out of years of pioneering work by Prof. Florian Grüner, whose team turned the existing XFI method into a globally unique technology. Recognizing that its potential extended far beyond academia, he joined forces with Arik Willner, former CTO at DESY. Together they laid the foundation for axiom insights.
Looking Ahead
After the pandemic, axiom insights is now accelerating: We are expanding our team, launching new pilot projects, and preparing to scale. A long-term goal is to move beyond large-scale synchrotrons toward smaller, portable, and laser-based X-ray systems. While physics still sets limits, our research is already paving the way. Our team is also developing standardized protocols to make XFI easier to adopt and comparable across studies. Step by step, we are building a flexible, widely accessible technology that might revolutionize preclinical imaging.
Our Location: At the Heart of Innovation
axiom insights is based in the tecHHub, a part of Science City Hamburg-Bahrenfeld, Germany, neighboring the world-renowned DESY. With the University of Hamburg — a designated University of Excellence — and the PETRA III synchrotron facility (soon PETRA IV), we have direct access to groundbreaking science, infrastructure, and world-class expertise. This unique environment ensures high-quality services in drug discovery, early development, and pharmacokinetics.
Working at axiom
Ready to Join axiom insights?
For your organization, XFI translates into faster go/no-go decisions, minimal animal use, and more reliable data to strengthen your FDA/EMA submissions. This reduces R&D costs and risk, while accelerating development timelines.
