Day 1 *AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE*
Location: Porto
Location: Porto
Lisbon, once the launching point for history’s greatest voyages, now serves as the gateway to biotech’s next wave of global discovery. In an era where innovation emerges from unlikely corners -from stealth-mode startups to academic spinouts, and regional hubs—partnerships are the driving force shaping the future of life sciences.
This opening plenary brings together leaders who are redefining biotech’s rules of engagement. Whether scaling stealth ventures, pioneering next-generation platforms or advancing regional innovation, these voices will reflect on the art of partnering in biotech’s new frontier. Key topics include the evolving dynamics of strategic partnerships, the factors that make regions and founders investable, and the untapped opportunities shaping biotech’s future—from AI to global health equity.
- Holger Kissel - SVP Corporate Strategy, BioNTech
- Nuno Prego Ramos - Founder & CEO, CellmAbs
- Joao Ribas - Venture Partner, Novo Holdings
- Mehdi Shahidi - CMO, Ottimo Bio
Location: Porto
The biopharma investment landscape is constantly evolving—shaped by scientific breakthroughs, shifting capital flows, and global dynamics. After a period of contraction, where funding tightened and valuations recalibrated, investors and innovators are seeking the next wave of opportunity.
Join this session as experts share an insider's view how leading venture capital firms and strategic investors are positioning themselves for the future. Understand where the market is headed, what types of innovation are attracting the most attention, how both early- and late-stage companies can best align their strategies with investor priorities and how new deal structures, capital efficiency strategies, and ecosystem partnerships are benefitting biotech’s. The discussion will offer practical guidance for companies seeking to secure funding and navigate toward long-term success, in today’s waves of uncertainty.
- Olivia Cavlan - Partner, LifeArc
- Karl Naegler - Partner, Sofinnova Partners
- Sander Slootweg - Managing Partner, Forbion
Location: Porto
Explore the art of deal-making through the lens of recent successes, such as...
Location: Porto
As the biotech and pharma sectors enter a pivotal year, dealmaking remains the steady anchor amid unpredictable market tides. In this session, analysts and experienced BD executives from pharma and biotech will explore the forces shaping partnering and M&A in 2026, including the financing climate, emerging therapeutic trends, and geopolitical factors influencing cross-border transactions. With early post-JPM signals on the horizon, the discussion will examine how companies can capture momentum, build resilience, and seize the next wave of opportunity. Discover how strategic collaboration and smart capital deployment can guide innovation towards sustainable growth in a shifting global landscape.
Location: Porto
Explore the art of deal-making through the lens of recent successes, such as...
Location: Sintra
Powered by leading analyst intelligence and data-driven insights, this session offers a comprehensive exploration of the evolving therapeutic landscape. Dive into emerging trends, market dynamics, and investment opportunities across key therapeutic areas, and uncover how shifting R&D pipelines, regulatory changes, scientific breakthroughs, and technological advancements are transforming the biopharma industry. Gain a forward-looking perspective on the most promising therapeutic areas and high-growth investment opportunities, equipping you with the strategic insights needed to navigate 2026 and beyond.
Location: Sintra
Oncology continues to be a cornerstone of therapeutic innovation, with significant progress and emerging patterns reshaping the fight against cancer. This session will explore the latest advancements in oncology, from precision medicine and immunotherapies to novel modalities, combination treatments, and the use of alternative data points for pre-clinical development and clinical trial optimization. Experts will discuss the evolving investment landscape, strategies for navigating regulatory pathways, improving patient access, and fostering collaborations to accelerate innovation and create a brighter future for patients.
Location: Sintra
In March 2025, Roche registered a $2.4bn impairment on its books following the launch of Luxturna. However, despite the commercial challenges, uptake of Luxturna among patients has been high, restoring functional sight to many. The outcome has sparked critical discussions amongst investors, CEOs, and key stakeholders on 'What's next for ophthalmology?'
This panel brings together companies who have recently secured significant funding, alongside key supporters, to explore the next steps for the field. The discussion will focus on the evolving landscape of ophthalmology, the relevance of sight-restoring innovations, and their potential to shape the future of healthcare.
Location: Sintra
The rare disease space continues to be a frontier of unmet need and innovation. This session will convene leading voices to explore how scientific precision, strategic partnerships, capital, and novel business models are accelerating drug development. Through real-world insights, panelists will explore the critical role of patient-centric approaches in R&D and the use of real-world evidence, while addressing the complexities of clinical development, commercialization, and building sustainable pipelines in the face of regulatory, reimbursement, and patient access challenges. Discover what makes a rare disease company fundable today and the mindsets shaping the future of rare disease innovation and partnerships.
Location: Exhibit Hall Stage
Long before biotech entered the national spotlight, Pedro de Noronha Pissarra transformed scientific ambition into enterprise, playing a pivotal role in shaping Portugal's biotech ecosystem and establishing Portugal’s place on the global biotech map. His journey, spanning from Lisbon’s laboratories to international boardrooms, reflects resilience, creativity, and a born-global mindset that continues to inspire the next generation of innovators. This fireside chat will explore the origins of Portugal’s biotech ecosystem, offer insights into building a life sciences sector in an emerging market, lessons on taking science beyond borders, and the lasting impact of mentorship and leadership in shaping budding innovators.
Location: Exhibit Hall Stage
As the Middle East emerges as a key player in the global life sciences landscape, the region is drawing attention for its recent developments surrounding the potential to accelerate clinical trials and ATMPs. This session will explore how the regulatory advancements could transform the pace of innovation in the region, the opportunities presented for global stakeholders, and the implications of the regulations. Gain insights into the evolving regulatory environment and discover how the Middle East is positioning itself as a hub for cutting-edge clinical research and advanced therapies.