From the invention of a groundbreaking technology at the University of Leipzig in 2004 to a world-leading provider of enzymes - c-LEcta has had an impressive journey. With a growth from 10 to almost 130 employees and the development of a leading technology platform for enzyme development, c-LEcta has significantly influenced the biotech industry. The journey began in 2004 at the then newly built BioCity on the Leipzig Old Fair Grounds and it will continue here - in 2025, c-LEcta will open its new headquarters in the new BioSquare complex.
To celebrate their anniversary, c-LEcta has invited visitors to a festive event at the DaCapo and Oldtimer Museum Leipzig on September 13, 2024. The invited guests were offered a varied programme with speeches, an exciting keynote on the topic of transformation of innovation, and some further surprises. The programme was moderated by Yvonne Oswald. The guests of honour included Edmond Scanlon and Albert McQuaid from the Kerry Group and Clemens Schülke, Leipzig’s Mayor of Commerce. In his speech, Schülke pointed out the lighthouse effect of c-LEcta: “The rise of c-LEcta is impressive and shows how it can be done: From the University of Leipzig, the company has grown through our BioCity into a global provider of enzymes. Previously c-LEcta benefited from the health and biotechnology ecosystem, today the company enriches our cluster. This success made in Leipzig makes me proud."
Edmond Scanlon, CEO of the Kerry Group, praised in his speech the innovative strength of the company and its role within the Kerry Group: 'Over the last 20 years, c-LEcta has contributed significantly to the understanding of specific enzymes and their application in industrial processes, and has discovered valuable new applications. c-LEcta has been a valued part of the Kerry Group since 2022 and together we look forward to developing future innovations for our customers in the food and pharmaceutical industries."
At the end of the official programme, company founder and managing director Marc Struhalla summarised his remarks: We look back with great satisfaction and pride on what we have achieved in 20 years in Leipzig. I would like to thank our great employees in particular, but also all the partners who supported us on this path. We look forward to the next 20 years with confidence and drive! We look forward to opening our new headquarters next year and further expanding our new role as the global biotech innovation hub for the Kerry Group. “
The basis of innovation: c-LEcta’s technology platform ENESYZ enables efficient development of new enzymes with high accuracy. This innovation has helped c-LEcta to evolve from a service provider into a global enzyme supplier. The enzyme products are used in areas of the pharmaceutical industry, especially in cell and gene therapy. In the food sector, c-LEcta’s enzymes can contribute to the sustainable production of healthier foods. c-LEcta supplies more than 50 countries worldwide from Leipzig.