Albert Boehringer (1861–1939) was the German entrepreneur and pharmacist who founded the massive pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim. Born in 1861, his life and career were entirely rooted in the tradition of German chemical and pharmaceutical excellence.

Albert stemmed from a family with a long, established history in the chemical trade. His grandfather, Christoph Heinrich Boehringer, co-founded the 'C.H. Boehringer und Söhne' company in 1817. Albert received extensive training as a pharmacist and chemist, equipping him with the specialized scientific knowledge required to master the complex industrial processes of drug manufacturing. His background was one of intellectual and commercial heritage, setting the stage for him to carve out his own distinct and powerful legacy in the global pharmaceutical industry.

Albert Boehringer founded his own chemical-pharmaceutical company in 1885 in Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany. His early efforts were focused on the production of industrial chemicals and tartaric acid, which was widely used in the food and beverage industry. The pivotal turning point, however, came with his innovative work in fermentation chemistry.

In 1893, he pioneered the large-scale production of lactic acid using bacteria. This breakthrough provided the company with a unique competitive edge in a globalizing market. Boehringer quickly diversified into the pharmaceutical sector, focusing on alkaloids. Under his leadership, the company successfully entered the global arena, and the introduction of drugs like 'Cardiazol' and his patented expertise in the large-scale industrial synthesis of crucial chemical compounds secured the company's status as a leading global pharmaceutical player. He led the company until his death in 1939, establishing the multi-generational private ownership structure that persists to this day.

Albert Boehringer’s philanthropy and social impact were rooted in the principle that scientific endeavor should serve human health. His work as a chemist and pharmacist who made essential drugs and chemicals widely available was in itself a major societal contribution.

The company he founded, Boehringer Ingelheim, continues this mandate through its extensive research focus, particularly in areas like respiratory diseases and oncology. This mission has a global social impact, providing essential medicines across the world. The Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds (Foundation) supports basic biomedical research and offers scholarships and travel grants, ensuring the continuation of the scientific excellence that Albert originally championed. This enduring family commitment to science and medicine defines their philanthropic legacy.