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

As the biotech and pharma sectors enter a pivotal year marked by rapid scientific breakthroughs, evolving regulatory landscapes, and shifting economic pressures, dealmaking remains the steady anchor amid unpredictable market tides. This session unravels the forces shaping the future of biopharma partnerships and M&A in 2026, including the financing climate, emerging therapeutic trends, and geopolitical factors influencing cross-border transactions. Analysts and experienced BD executives from pharma and biotech will dive into real-world case studies spanning transformative M&As, innovative licensing agreements, and cross-border collaborations that highlight strategies for navigating valuation challenges, harnessing AI-driven innovation, and addressing unmet medical needs. The panel will debunk myths surrounding strategic collaborations, such as overreliance on traditional deal structures or underestimating cultural alignment in partnerships, while examining how companies can capture momentum, build resilience, and seize the next wave of opportunity. From leveraging venture debt to bridge funding gaps to optimizing alliance management for long-term success, this session equips pharmaceutical executives, investors, and innovators with actionable insights on how strategic collaboration and smart capital deployment can guide innovation towards sustainable growth in a dynamic global landscape.

The biotech IPO class of 2025 and 2026 has been nothing short of transformative, ushering in a wave of innovation and ambition. But what happens after the confetti settles and the headlines fade? In this compelling panel, hear directly from the trailblazers who took their companies public and are now navigating the next chapter of their journey. From overcoming market hurdles to scaling breakthroughs, these leaders will share the untold stories of resilience, vision, and the bold steps they’re taking to shape the future of biotech. Step into their world and discover what’s next for the companies rewriting the rules of the industry.

Explore the art of deal-making through the lens of recent successes.

Over the past decade, accelerated development timelines have gone from being a competitive advantage to becoming an industry expectation. Today, reaching the clinic faster can influence everything from fundraising and partnering opportunities to portfolio strategy and company valuation. Yet speed alone is rarely the goal.

For biotech leaders, the real challenge is understanding where acceleration creates value, where it can introduce unnecessary risk or unwanted consequences, and how early decisions can shape a program long after IND. As molecules become more complex and capital remains constrained, companies are under increasing pressure to move quickly while still preserving future flexibility and scalability.

In this fireside chat, industry leaders will explore how the role of speed in biotech is evolving. From investor expectations and key value inflection points to manufacturability, development strategy and long-term growth, the discussion will examine how companies can turn faster development into lasting strategic advantage.

Early-stage investment is the lifeblood of biotech innovation, powering groundbreaking ideas and transformative discoveries. This panel brings together seasoned investors, industry leaders, and ambitious entrepreneurs to explore the current state of early-stage funding in biotech. From emerging investment strategies to the evolving priorities of venture capital, gain a deeper understanding of how startups are securing the resources they need to thrive. Hear firsthand accounts of challenges, opportunities, and the critical factors shaping the future of biotech funding. Whether you’re building, investing, or simply curious, this session offers a front-row seat to the forces driving biotech’s next wave of growth.