Introducing our speakers
We are delighted to welcome outstanding individuals who return to Bauhaus-Universität Weimar as alumni – to share how deeply their time here has shaped them and what significant developments have emerged from it.
Whether in science, design, technology, entrepreneurship, or societal transformation: our guests embody creative ambition, innovative strength, and the courage to open up new perspectives – in the spirit of a contemporary Bauhaus that thinks openly, critically, and across disciplines.
Paul Foeckler
Paul Foeckler – Pioneer in Science Technology & Passionate Entrepreneur
Paul Foeckler is co-founder of the renowned platform Mendeley, a milestone in the digitisation of scientific work processes. Founded in 2007, the start-up was acquired by Elsevier in 2013 and is now considered one of the leading tools for literature management in research. Paul played a central role in growing the team and product development.
As a graduate of the Bauhaus University Weimar with a dual background in computer science and economics, he combines in-depth expertise with entrepreneurial spirit. With Blueberg Scientific, he recently launched another start-up that as a first step supports scientists with publishing in scientific journals more easily, quickly and with a higher chance of success – an innovative step towards faster visibility of scientific work.
Gesa Hansen
Gesa Hansen – An International Design Signature with Bauhaus Roots
Designer Gesa Hansen combines craftsmanship, sustainability, and aesthetics at the highest level. As the founder of the furniture brand The Hansen Family, she creates timeless pieces defined by Scandinavian minimalism and emotional depth.After studying at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar and Nagoya Design University in Japan, she gained experience in various design studios in Tokyo as well as at Jean Nouvel in Paris. Her work has been honored with the Red Dot Design Award and the Good Design Award. In both 2022 and 2023, Architectural Digest named her one of the 100 most influential designers worldwide. Collaborations with brands such as Villeroy & Boch, Skagerak, and Fritz Hansen reflect her international success.
Jens Wille
Ubilabs: Making Data Tangible with Data and Location Technology
Ubilabs embodies a pioneering spirit at the intersection of data, location, and cloud technology. The company was founded in 2007 by Bauhaus alumni Jens Wille, Martin Kleppe, and Michael Pletziger and has since specialized in data visualization and location intelligence.
Ubilabs develops innovative software solutions and advises clients such as Google, the European Space Agency (ESA), and Deutsche Bahn on how to make complex data tangible and usable. Cloud technologies are utilized to efficiently process even large amounts of data and transform them into valuable insights. Under the leadership of its three founders and owners, Ubilabs today employs around 40 experts and is known as a leading Google Partner in the field of Location-Based Services and Data Analytics in German-speaking countries. Managing Director Jens Wille is also actively involved in the Entrepreneurs' Organization to specifically promote innovation.
Dr.-Ing. Nathalie Jean-Baptiste
Dr.-Ing. Nathalie Jean-Baptiste – building bridges between Research and Philanthropy
Nathalie Jean-Baptiste embodies a visionary connection between science and social impact. A doctoral graduate of Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, she now serves as Deputy CEO and Head of Programs at the Julius Baer Foundation. As an internationally recognized expert in urban infrastructures and social equity, she offers a crucial perspective on sustainable innovation across continents. Her focus goes beyond traditional start-up narratives, putting at the centre people and inclusive systems and with a clear and lasting impact on the future.