Agenda for Day 1 - Monday 9 November, 2026Monday, 9 November 2026

Location: Ecosystem Innovation Stage

The traditional boundaries of drug discovery are dissolving. Increasingly, pharmaceutical companies are opening their compound libraries, data, and expertise to the global research community through open innovation platforms. Initiatives such as opnMe from Boehringer Ingelheim are reshaping how early scientific ideas move from academia and biotech into the pharmaceutical pipeline. In this Ecosystem Innovation session at BIO-Europe, leaders from pharma, biotech, and venture capital will explore how open collaboration models are accelerating discovery, de-risking early research, and creating new pathways for partnership. From accessing pharma compounds to co-developing breakthrough therapies, the panel will examine how these platforms are changing the rules of engagement across the life sciences ecosystem. Join this conversation to understand what open innovation means for the next generation of biotech founders, academic innovators, and investors—and how collaboration across sectors is shaping the future of drug discovery.

Location: Ecosystem Innovation Stage

Canada is home to a dynamic life sciences ecosystem, combining world-class research, innovative companies, strong healthcare institutions, and growing biomanufacturing capabilities. This panel will provide an overview of Canada’s life sciences sector and feature selected Canadian companies that are developing cutting-edge technologies and solutions to address global healthcare challenges. Join us to learn about innovation trends, partnership opportunities, and the strengths that make Canada a leading life sciences hub.

Location: Ecosystem Innovation Stage

Despite remarkable advances in biomedical research, many promising discoveries never reach patients. Translating scientific innovation into therapies, diagnostics, and successful ventures remains one of the greatest challenges in healthcare innovation.

This fireside chat brings together Stefanie Dimmeler, spokesperson of the German Centers for Health Research (DZG), and a Heiko Lickert, founder of Viacure GmbH, who has successfully navigated the path from academic discovery to company creation. Together, they will share insights from Germany’s coordinated research model and discuss how collaborative networks can help accelerate translation, foster entrepreneurship, and create opportunities for industry partnership.

Drawing on real-world experiences, the conversation will explore the factors that enable successful translation, the barriers that continue to impede progress, and the lessons learned from building bridges between academia, healthcare, investors, and industry. The speakers will also reflect on how research ecosystems can evolve to better support innovation and deliver tangible impact for patients.

Offering both strategic and entrepreneurial perspectives, the session will provide valuable insights for biotech companies, investors, researchers, and partnering professionals interested in turning scientific excellence into real-world healthcare solutions.

Location: Ecosystem Innovation Stage

Through their EMEA Advance Biotech Grant Program, Merck recognize standout emerging biotech companies and helps them navigate their path to commercialization. Delivered as a dynamic competition, five selected biotech companies will have the opportunity to pitch their breakthroughs to Merck's Grant representatives and the overall BIO-Europe audience.

Finalists:

Conveyxo

Procavea Biotech

Luna Therapeutics

Nagene

Navira Bio

Location: Ecosystem Innovation Stage

Around the world, governments, investors, and industry leaders are racing to build the next great biotech hubs. From Boston and Basel to emerging ecosystems across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, success depends on more than funding alone. Talent, infrastructure, translational science, and access to global pharma partners all play critical roles. Following a spotlight on emerging regional innovators, this panel at BIO-Europe brings together ecosystem builders from venture capital and pharma to research institutes and policy leaders to explore what it really takes to build a thriving life sciences cluster. What ingredients attract breakthrough startups? How can regions compete for talent and capital? And how can global collaboration ensure that innovation ecosystems remain connected rather than siloed? Join this discussion to understand how the next generation of biotech hubs will emerge and what it means for investors, startups, and partners worldwide.