A New Chapter for MetaSystems

MetaSystems Group establishes non-profit foundation to secure the company’s future and strengthen regional commitment

The MetaSystems Group, established forty years ago as a spin-off from Heidelberg University, has continuously evolved into a globally active technology company known for innovation and stability. What began as an academic research initiative has developed into an international enterprise with more than 180 employees at its Altlußheim headquarters and across seven subsidiaries in North and South America, Asia, and Europe.

MetaSystems Hard & Software GmbH ranks among the world’s leading providers of automated, microscope-based image analysis systems and is recognized as the global market leader in automated chromosome diagnostics. In 2016, the company expanded its portfolio to include the production of specialized reagents for medical laboratory diagnostics, which continues under MetaSystems Probes GmbH.

To secure the company’s long-term independence and continuity, the founders, Dr. Thomas Lörch and Dr. Andreas Plesch, have transferred the majority of their ownership shares to a newly established foundation. The MetaSystems Foundation (“MetaSystems-Stiftung”), registered as a non-profit organization, aims to preserve the founders’ life’s work while providing employees with stable jobs and long-term development opportunities in the region.

The foundation’s objectives include promoting climate and environmental protection, advancing science and education, and strengthening civic participation and democracy. Special focus will be placed on supporting regional initiatives and projects in the Rhine-Neckar area, thereby reinforcing MetaSystems’ local ties and social responsibility.

With the establishment of the MetaSystems Foundation, the founders reaffirm their commitment to sustainable entrepreneurship that extends beyond economic performance. “We owe a substantial part of our success to the dedication of our employees as well as to Germany’s favorable business environment,” said the founders. “For this reason, we intend to dedicate the future proceeds of our companies to the common good. By relinquishing the majority of our personal assets, we also want to raise awareness of the growing issue of wealth inequality and actively contribute to reducing it.”