Day 2 *AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE*Tuesday, 24 March 2026

Location: Room Sintra

This session delves into the cutting-edge frontiers of CNS innovation and their potential to deliver transformative solutions for patients. Explore the latest breakthroughs in neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatric disorders, rare CNS conditions, and more. Engage in discussions on the challenges shaping the future of CNS research and development, including clinical advancements, patient access, and commercialization strategies, Ultimately, uncover the opportunities driving progress in the field and reimagine the future of CNS care.

Location: Room Sintra

Cardiometabolic diseases remain a significant global health challenge, demanding innovative approaches to drive meaningful progress. This session will spotlight the latest therapeutic advancements, forward-thinking investment strategies, and collaborative efforts shaping cardiometabolic care. Understand how the industry is navigating the waves innovation to develop sustainable, patient-centered solutions that address the pressing health concerns and steer the future of cardiometabolic health in 2026 and beyond.

Location: Exhibit Hall Stage

China’s biopharma sector is experiencing a transformative surge, positioning itself as a global leader in drug development and strategic collaborations. This session will explore the latest advancements within China’s dynamic R&D ecosystem, highlighting cutting-edge therapeutics, groundbreaking innovations, and regulatory reforms that are driving rapid progress. The panelists will discuss the growing momentum of cross-border partnerships and the significant opportunities they bring to global biopharma companies, reshaping the global healthcare landscape and driving innovation on an unprecedented scale.

Location: Room Porto

This ever-popular session offers an in-depth look at the current state of the life sciences industry, guided by insights from top pharma dealmakers and venture investors. Join the discussion to gain valuable strategies for navigating the evolving biotech landscape and staying ahead in today’s competitive environment.

Location: Room Porto

Artificial intelligence (AI) promises to revolutionize the drug discovery and development process, offering opportunities to accelerate timelines, enhance precision, and reduce costs. This session will explore how AI is being harnessed to identify novel targets, optimize clinical trials, and streamline R&D pipelines. Hear real-world applications, success stories, and lessons learned, providing a roadmap for navigating the complexities of integrating AI into drug development and the future of therapeutic innovation.

Location: Room Porto

Is artificial intelligence (AI) truly playing a pivotal role in the transformation of biopharma business development? Hear from industry leaders as they discuss how AI is uncovering new market opportunities, optimizing partnership strategies and driving smarter deal-making. Explore the impact of AI on competitive intelligence, decision-making and portfolio management, offering insights into how companies can leverage AI to maintain a competitive edge in an evolving market.

Location: Room Porto

In the high-stakes world of biotech, knowing when to walk away from a deal can be as critical as knowing when to say yes. In this session, panelists will share real-world examples of deals they chose to pass on, and the valuable lessons learned. Explore how young investors are navigating the pressures of proving themselves in a competitive market, where the fear of missing out can cloud judgment, whilst CEOs face tough choices between keeping their companies afloat vs. avoiding dilution traps. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation about the art of strategic decision-making and how to strike the right balance between opportunity and caution.

Location: Room 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: 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.

Location: Exhibit Hall Stage

Biotech innovation is venturing into humanity’s last great frontiers—the deep ocean and outer space—to drive breakthroughs in therapeutics, biomaterials, and health research. This session features pioneers leveraging marine biodiversity and microgravity to advance drug discovery, regenerative medicine, and precision therapies. From uncovering novel compounds in the Atlantic to engineering organoids in orbit, participants showcase scalable and investable pathways reshaping health innovation.

The discussion will explore how marine biotech and orbital R&D are becoming scalable and commercially viable, highlighting the unique advantages of these extreme environments for health innovation. Understand the near-term partnering opportunities for pharma, investors, and agencies, while examining emerging business models and barriers such as cost, regulatory challenges, and IP concerns. Anchored in Lisbon, a city defined by exploration, this session frames Europe’s potential to lead this bold new era of convergence, unlocking the next generation of healthcare innovations.

Location: Room Sintra

The Startup Spotlight is a live pitch competition featuring the most innovative biotech startups. A select group of promising companies present their ideas to the BIO-Europe Spring audience and are evaluated by a panel of distinguished judges, who also provide expert feedback and select the winners. Witness the future of biotech innovation unfold in real time!

Startup Finalists:

Exalt

Eygo Bio

Helical

Kindling Bio

Nascent Therapeutics

Nionyx Bio

Serendo Therapeutics AB

VRG Chemogenetics Ltd