Dr. Boris Benkner is one of the co-founders of Striatech and has been shaping the company from day one. As a neuroscientist with a strong technical mindset, he played a key role in developing the OptoDrum — Striatech’s flagship product — and turning an academic prototype into a trusted research tool.

Driven by a deep commitment to quality and scientific relevance, Boris brings together research, engineering, and business thinking to make advanced lab tools more accessible and reliable. He’s calm, curious, and always looking for the next challenge to solve — whether it’s designing better systems or refining how science and technology can meet in practice.

In this interview, he shares how the company grew out of his own PhD work, what inspires him to keep building, and why adaptability matters just as much as innovation.

Professional Insights

What inspired you to start Striatech and how has the company’s vision evolved over time?

The inspiration to start Striatech came from the need to develop an improved experimental setup using the optomotor reflex during my PhD. Initially, the goal was to demonstrate restored vision in optogenetically treated animals. As the new system improved, I received increasing requests from various departments, which sparked the idea to offer the OptoDrum through a dedicated company. To me its impressive how Striatech has grown from a university project to a company that collaborates with renowned scientists and physicians to develop reliable and objective devices for measuring the visual abilities of laboratory rodents. The support from the Innovation Grant of the University of Tübingen as well as the EXIST stipend have also played a significant role in shaping the company’s vision and growth.

What do you see as the biggest innovation Striatech has brought to the field of visual neuroscience?

Our biggest innovation is how we’ve simplified complex research tools. In the past, researchers manually observed the behavior of individual mice to assess visual function, which led to inconsistent results and significant time investment. The OptoDrum automates these observations, providing standardized, comparable results across different scientists. This not only saves time but also ensures a level of precision and consistency that wasn’t possible before.

What challenges have you faced as a founder and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges I faced as a founder was generating visibility for Striatech. Making the name known and convincing people to buy from a young company was particularly difficult. In the beginning, we had only one product and few references. Overcoming this required a strategic approach to marketing and building trust with potential customers. We focused on showcasing the unique value of our product, leveraging early adopters’ feedback, and gradually expanding our product line to meet the needs of a broader audience. This helped us establish credibility and grow our customer base over time.

What’s been your proudest moment as a leader at Striatech?

My proudest moment as a leader at Striatech has been receiving excellent feedback from customers, being recognized as an entrepreneur at trade shows and in customer conversations, and, most notably, witnessing researchers recommending our products to their peers. This particular milestone was truly inspiring as it reaffirmed that we were not only offering a tool, but becoming a trusted part of the scientific community.

Additionally, it brings me great joy to hear that our employees not only enjoy working here but also feel valued and motivated.

How do you envision Striatech shaping the future of visual neuroscience?

I envision Striatech shaping the future of visual neuroscience by continuously translating ideas from applied research into innovative products. Our goal is to make these advancements accessible to as many people as possible. By bridging the gap between research and practical application, we aim to empower scientists with the tools they need to make significant strides in understanding and treating visual disorders. This approach not only accelerates scientific discovery but also ensures that the benefits of our research reach a broader audience, ultimately driving progress in the field of visual neuroscience.

Personal Insights

What drives you personally in your work and life?

What drives me personally in my work and life is a strong commitment to quality. I strive to provide our customers with a well-developed, reliable, and high-functioning product. Ensuring that our products are user-friendly and pleasant to handle is also a top priority for me.

On a personal level, I am very calm and not easily rattled. I have more endurance than many others when it comes to tackling, researching, and solving problems. Additionally, I received the feedback to be very diplomatic and making a genuine effort to consider and incorporate all suggestions. Though, I must admit, sometimes being punctual is not my strong suit 🙂 .

Outside of work, what inspires you or keeps you motivated?

Outside of work, I find inspiration and motivation in several activities. I enjoy delving into technical details even in my personal time, which keeps my curiosity and passion for innovation alive. I also love going to the theater, trying out new restaurants, and attending various events.  These experiences not only provide a refreshing break but also fuel my creativity and enthusiasm in both my personal and professional life. Im am impressed by the work and life story of Jane Goodall:

Jane Goodall’s journey is incredibly inspiring. Her dedication to studying chimpanzees in their natural habitat, starting from a young age, showcases her relentless pursuit of knowledge and her commitment to making a difference. Despite facing numerous challenges, she remained focused and driven. Her work has not only advanced scientific understanding but also inspired countless individuals to pursue their passions and contribute to meaningful change.

She inspired me to dive deeper into behavioral neuroscience and motivated me to continue my work as a neurobiologist.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work that helps you stay balanced?

Outside of work, I find balance and enjoyment in various activities. One of my passions is traveling and immersing myself in different cultures. My first trip to the USA left a lasting impression on me as I had the opportunity to experience and appreciate the positive aspects of American culture. It provided me with a fresh perspective on life, challenges, and creative problem-solving.  In terms of personal favorites, I have a particular fondness for mulled wine and cheese, as they both bring happiness to my soul. As an avid sports enthusiast, I make it a point to watch American football every Sunday night, and I proudly cheer for the Seattle Seahawks. These activities outside of work help me maintain a sense of balance and fulfillment.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned as an entrepreneur that you wish you knew at the start?

Adaptability is key. Early on, I focused mainly on the product and technology, but I quickly learned that being flexible and open to change is just as important. Business is unpredictable and embracing change rather than resisting it has been a critical lesson in sustaining growth.

Who or what has been your greatest source of inspiration throughout your career?

Throughout my career, humor and satire have been my greatest sources of inspiration. I am deeply impressed by people who have the ability to not take life too seriously. Their perspective and light-hearted approach to challenges and everyday situations inspire me to stay positive and resilient, no matter what comes my way.

How would you describe Striatech’s journey and culture in three words?

Unexpected, bold and all-in.

Want to meet the rest of the team?

Appreciate you reading Boris’ story. There’s more to discover — explore the other team interviews to learn what drives Striatech forward.