BioNTech co‑founders Ugur Sahin and Özlem Türeci announced they will step down and launch a new startup focused on next‑generation mRNA innovations. BioNTech said the pair will leave by year‑end and the company will transfer certain mRNA rights to the new venture in exchange for a minority stake; BioNTech will not provide ongoing capital support for the spinout. The move realigns leadership as BioNTech shifts from pandemic vaccine production to a multi‑product oncology and therapeutic pipeline strategy. Board members said the timing supports continuity at BioNTech while letting the founders return to hands‑on research. The new company aims to build on technologies validated during the pandemic and accelerate R&D on advanced mRNA modalities. Markets and industry partners are watching how intellectual property and technology licensing will be structured, and whether the spinout will compete, collaborate or license back to BioNTech on specific programs.