Deena Hehensteiger

Background

About Deena Hehensteiger

I am a dynamic, results-oriented professional with experience in open innovation, R&D consulting, and research, bridging start-up and corporate environments. My growth mantra is simple: seek discomfort! My background in Pharmacy and Biomaterial Sciences nurtured my love for life sciences, and I’ve since expanded into the business side of R&D. At Bayer Radiology, I work across two complementary roles: Innovation Lead – Driving external partnerships (start-ups, academia, industry) and leading Bayer Radiology’s Innovation Engine, which collects, evaluates, finances, and accelerates early-stage product and service ideas. Chief of Staff, Radiology R&D – Acting as a strategic partner to the R&D leadership team: shaping priorities, influencing key decisions, and leading initiatives that drive organizational impact and transformation. 🤝 Mentorship and empowerment are core to my professional journey — particularly supporting women and first-generation professionals to grow and thrive in science and business. Outside work, you’ll find me cooking, reading sci-fi, or hiking. If you share a passion for life sciences, innovation, and making a positive impact, let’s connect