At BMI Lab, our purpose is to future-proof companies. We are business architects, innovators, and enablers, helping our clients explore and navigate new business avenues.

 

200+

international
clients

400+

innovation
workshops

60+

realized
projects

4

global
offices

 

Selected clients

 
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Established
methodology

St.Gallen Business Model NavigatorTM approach has been applied successfully to many industries.

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Holistic
approach

We foster business model thinking and anchor innovation
culture in our clients’ organizations.

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Leveraging
synergies

We connect our expertise with our clients’ industry know-how and build networks.

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Cross-sector expertise

Our team combines scientific excellence and practical experience.

 

Meet our founders

After years of researching innovative companies, it became clear to Prof. Gassmann and Prof. Frankenberger that the secret of their success was innovative business models. They jointly wrote the Business Model Navigator - a practical guide for companies wanting to break free from their dominant industry logic. Based on this methodology, they created the BMI Lab in 2013. Today, they are the scientific heads of the BMI Think Tank.

Prof. Dr. Oliver Gassmann. Professor of Innovation Management. Director at the Institute for Technology Management at the University of St. Gallen.

Prof. Dr. Oliver Gassmann.

Professor of Innovation Management. Director at the Institute for Technology Management at the University of St. Gallen.

Prof. Dr. Karolin FrankenbergerDirector of the Institute of Management and Strategy, Academic Director of the Executive MBA at the University of St. Gallen.

Prof. Dr. Karolin Frankenberger

Director of the Institute of Management and Strategy, Academic Director of the Executive MBA at the University of St. Gallen.

 

Your contacts

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Zurich office

 

Jelena Brestovac - Managing Consultant & Health Lead, BMI Lab AG

Ask her about: Health Practice and Launchpad

Her background: Jelena specializes in building and launching new (corporate) ventures. As a former start-up founder, she relates to the journey and all that it entails when building, transforming and launching a new business. She is deeply interested in topics regarding the future of healthcare and is responsible for the BMI Health Practice.

Her education: Bsc in Business Management at Brunel University in London (UK).

After work: Exploring the world through travel, nature and cultures. Avid tennis player and scuba diver.

 

Leonie Schäfer - Senior Innovation Consultant, BMI Lab AG

Ask her about: Circular Economy and Advisory

Her background: Prior to joining BMI Lab, she worked as a Business Analyst at the Scandinavian Consulting Group Implement and gained experience in Business Development and Strategy during an internship at Bertelsmann in London and Berlin. Besides that, Leonie is teaching "Digital Transformation & Digital Business Models” at the Fernfachhochschule Schweiz. 

Her education: Leonie earned her Master’s degree in Business Innovation at the University of St. Gallen and completed a semester abroad at NYU's Stern School of Business.

After work: She is a passionate runner, a certified nutritionist, and health coach and interested in modern art.

 

Mariana Nieto de León - Senior Innovation Consultant, BMI Lab AG

 

Ask her about: Health Practice and Advisory

Her background: Mariana brings vast experience in business development and product management from fast-paced industries. Before joining BMI Lab, she was pivotal in globally expanding a sustainability-focused company. She shaped global mid-term business strategy, managed the product and digital portfolio, and led innovation projects worldwide. Mariana's passion for new technologies and their potential to better our planet and society drives her to blend technical and business acumen, fostering sustainable, transformative solutions.

Her education: Master's Degree in Management, Technology and Economics (ETH Zurich) and Bachelor's Degree in Biotechnology Engineering (Tecnológico de Monterrey).

After work: Mariana explores the Himalayas, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and East Asia through travel and overlanding. She enjoys adventure sports like climbing and rafting, plus team sports like soccer and ultimate frisbee.

 

Vera Konrad - Senior Innovation Consultant, BMI Lab AG

Ask her about: Circular Economy and Advisory

Her background: Prior to joining BMI Lab, Vera worked parallel to her studies as a Project Manager of Unisport at the University of St. Gallen (HSG) and gained experience in Business Development as well as Business Interruption Risk Mitigation during two internships at Hilti Group in Liechtenstein.

Her education: Master’s degree in Business Innovation from the University of St. Gallen (HSG), Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of St. Gallen (HSG).

After work: Exploring the outdoors with her dog and power lifting enthusiast.

 

Linda Zaugg - Innovation Consultant, BMI Lab AG

Ask her about: Health Practice and Advisory

Her background: Before joining BMI Lab, Linda gained experience in the design and implementation of new business models in business development at Würth in Germany. She developed her entrepreneurial mindset through her active involvement in her family business.

Her education: Master’s degree in Business Innovation from the University of St. Gallen (HSG), Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of St. Gallen (HSG). 

After work: She likes to unwind by playing paddle tennis, swimming, standup paddling, or hitting the ski slopes on weekends. Moreover, she channels her adrenaline into her passion for cars and oldtimer rallies. 

 
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Munich office

 

Georg von der Ropp - CEO, BMI Lab AG

Ask him about: Launchpad, Advisory and Think Tank

His background: Prior to joining the BMI Lab, Georg held several leadership positions at Capgemini Germany, most recently as vice president in the CTO field, focusing on digital transformation and cooperation with startups.

His education: Computer Science at TU Munich, Executive MBA from the University of St. Gallen.

After work: Long distance cycling, photography, natural wines, reading (graphic) novels and advancing the energy transition in his hometown.

 

Richard Stechow - Managing Innovation Consultant & Circular Economy Lead, BMI Lab Deutschland GmbH

Ask him about: Circular Economy and Advisory

His background: Prior to joining the BMI Lab, Richard worked as a PhD student with his research focusing on the influence of Industry 4.0 on business model innovation.

His education: Dipl.-Ing. in Industrial Engineering at the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg.

 

Beatrix Stemmer - Managing Innovation Consultant, BMI Lab Deutschland GmbH

Ask her about: Learning Journeys and Advisory

Her backgroud: With Half-German, half-Brazilian roots and having lived on three different continents, Beatrix lives an open and multicultural mindset. Beatrix has a strong background in business strategy and innovation . Furthermore she is a certified project manager and Agile Coach.

Her education: Master’s degree in Management and bachelor’s degree in Economics at the Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg. Year abroad at the Kwansei Gakuin University in Nishinomiya, Japan with a focus on Japan and East-Asian studies and Japanese.

After work: She loves to explore the world and different cultures and spend time in nature with her family.

 

Christine Wimmer - Digital Marketing Manager & Junior Innovation Consultant, BMI Lab Deutschland GmbH

Ask her about: Advisory and BMI Pattern Cards

Her background: Prior to joining BMI Lab and parallel to her studies, Christine gained experience in internal communication and innovation management at BSH Group. She was also a key driver in developing a start-up in the field of participatory urban design.

Her education: Master’s degree in Digital Entrepreneurship from Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg (OTH), Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Communication Science from the University of Vienna.

After work: Organizing TEDx Talks, taking trips & exercising boxing, swimming, yoga or mountain sports.

 
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Japan office

Satoru Watanabe - CEO Maximize, Inc & President BMI Lab Japan

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His background: Satoru is the CEO and founder of Maximize, Inc, an international IT consulting firm, and has more than 20 years of experience assisting international software companies with their market entry and growth in Japan. Prior to founding Maximize, he was senior analyst at Trans Cosmos USA, Inc in Silicon Valley, where he sourced and evaluated early stage companies and solutions for investment.

His education: Master’s degree from Yale University and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Tokyo.

After work: Satoru serves as a Japan Chief Representative of the Japan Society of Northern California, an NPO which acts as a bridge between Japan and Silicon Valley in the area of innovation.

 

Brazil office

Rodrigo Balotin - CEO of Upside Innovation & Certified Partner of BMI Lab

His background: Rodrigo is an entrepreneur and innovation specialist for over 10 years, with previous work experience in China, Spain and USA. He’s the founder of Upside Innovation, a consulting firm & Bubble Mix Tea, a franchise company.

His education: MBA in Franchise Management from FIA Business School, MBA in Financial Management from FGV and Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from ESIC Business & Marketing School

After work: Rodrigo loves to play tennis and spend time with his Family. He is also the founder of BIG20 a group of innovation enthusiasts from several industries sharing knowledge and experience.

 

Meet our partners

Together, we guide companies through innovation projects.

Together, we support clients realizing their digital transformation - from strategy via business models to implemented projects.

Together, we help companies develop strategies and business models for a circular economy.

Together, we enable clients to build and execute sustainable growth.

 

Jobs

Do you want to become part of the BMI Lab? We look forward to hearing from you! Check out our current openings.