Day 1 – April 7, 2027 - Western European Summer Time (WEST)
- Jack Giles - Senior Conference Producer, Medtech Lead, Informa
Join industry leaders for an insightful examination of the current global life science investment landscape. This panel brings together experienced life science executives to provide a comprehensive view of funding trends and strategic opportunities in life science, globally.
Who is stepping up to fill gaps in early-stage funding, and what new investment models are emerging?
Which life science companies and therapeutic areas are attracting investor capital in today's market?
Practical strategies for companies to navigate and thrive in the current funding environment
Europe's life science sector stands at a pivotal moment, balancing groundbreaking innovation with evolving regulatory landscapes and investment challenges. This panel brings together industry leaders and innovators to examine the current state of Europe's life science ecosystem, exploring the opportunities and obstacles shaping its trajectory. Join us for an insightful discussion on how collaboration, technology, and strategic vision are driving the future of biotechnology across the continent.
Assessing Europe's competitive position in life sciences and the breakthrough technologies reshaping the industry
Examining capital flows, venture funding trends, and strategies to attract sustained investment in European biotech
Navigating the complexities of European regulations and their impact on innovation speed and commercialization
Identifying emerging opportunities, collaborative models, and the key drivers that will define Europe's life science leadership in the coming decade
- Claire Skentelbery - Director General, EuropaBio
- Zvonimir Ratkovski - Head of Life Sciences Division, European Investment Fund
The biotech landscape is evolving at breakneck speed, with novel modalities emerging that promise to tackle diseases once considered undruggable. From cell and gene therapies to RNA-based medicines, protein degraders, and beyond, the question is no longer whether these technologies will work, but which ones will deliver transformative clinical and commercial success. But breakthroughs aren't limited to new modalities alone—advances in AI-driven drug discovery, precision medicine, novel targets, and innovative clinical trial designs are equally poised to reshape the industry. This panel brings together scientific and investment leaders to evaluate the most promising next-generation platforms and emerging innovations, assess their real-world potential, and identify where the next wave of biotech breakthroughs is likely to emerge. Discover which areas are overhyped, which are underappreciated, and what it takes to separate genuine innovation from noise.
Assessing the current state and future potential of emerging modalities and other novel platforms
Beyond modalities - breakthrough opportunities in AI and computational biology, precision medicine, novel target discovery, and innovative trial design
Which disease areas and patient populations stand to benefit most from next-generation approaches, and where traditional strategies still hold the advantage
Investment perspectives on evaluating early-stage innovation risk, platform versus product companies, and where capital is flowing across the breakthrough landscape
- Laura Ferguson - Sr Director Platform Technologies BD, AstraZeneca
- Daniel Abernathy - Director of Strategic Research and Development, Otsuka
Technology transfer offices sit at the critical intersection between groundbreaking academic research and commercial biotech ventures. As the startup ecosystem evolves, leading TTOs are reimagining their role—moving beyond traditional licensing to become active partners in company formation, fundraising strategy, and early-stage development. Learn how TTOs are structuring deals to attract investors, supporting founders through the transition from academia to entrepreneurship, and building ecosystems that increase spinout success rates
Modern deal structures that balance university interests with investor expectations
How TTOs are supporting first-time academic founders through the commercialization journey
Building competitive IP packages and data sets that attract early-stage investors
Creating regional ecosystems and partnerships that accelerate spinout success
- Edoardo Negroni - Co-Founder & Managing Partner, AurorA Science
- Federica Frati - Business Development Manager, Oncode Accelerator
Raising a seed round in biotech is fundamentally different from other sectors—investors need to believe in your science, your team, and your ability to generate meaningful data before the capital runs out. This panel brings together seed-stage investors and founders who have successfully navigated early fundraising to discuss what it really takes to close that critical first institutional round. Learn what investors expect to see at the seed stage, how to position your company when data is limited, and how to build momentum toward your Series A.
What seed investors look for in biotech: team composition, scientific rationale, competitive landscape, and capital efficiency plans
How much data is enough—balancing scientific validation with the need to raise capital before running expensive experiments
Crafting a compelling seed pitch: telling your story, defining clear milestones, and demonstrating a path to value creation
Common pitfalls that kill seed rounds and strategies for building investor confidence when you're still in the earliest stages
- Kostas Kaloulis - Venture Partner, +ND Capital
The Series A is a defining moment for biotech companies—it's where promising science must translate into a fundable clinical strategy and a credible path to value creation. Investors at this stage demand more than compelling biology; they want to see a clear development plan, a strong team, and data that de-risks the next phase. This panel features Series A investors and founders who have successfully made the leap from seed to institutional funding, sharing what it takes to build conviction, navigate term sheets, and position your company for clinical success.
What Series A investors expect: the data package, team capabilities, clinical strategy, and competitive differentiation required to close the round
Translating preclinical results into a compelling clinical development plan that demonstrates clear value inflection points
Valuation dynamics and deal terms: understanding what's market, what's negotiable, and how to structure a Series A that sets you up for success
Common reasons Series A rounds fail and how to de-risk your raise through strategic planning, investor engagement, and milestone execution
- Ester Sklarsky - Principal, Sound Bioventures
- Anne Marije van Harten - Investment Director, Apollo Health Ventures
Present your company in person on the Biotech Growth Stage, open to companies at post series A actively developing platform or products
Present your company in person on the Biotech Growth Stage, open to companies at post series A actively developing platform or products
Present your company in person on the Biotech Growth Stage, open to companies at post series A actively developing platform or products
Present your company in person on the Biotech Growth Stage, open to companies at post series A actively developing platform or products
Present your company in person on the Biotech Growth Stage, open to companies at post series A actively developing platform or products
Present your company in person on the Biotech Growth Stage, open to companies at post series A actively developing platform or products
Present your company in person on the Biotech Startup Stage, open to companies at pre-series A actively developing products or platform
Present your company in person on the Biotech Startup Stage, open to companies at pre-series A actively developing products or platform
Present your company in person on the Biotech Startup Stage, open to companies at pre-series A actively developing products or platform
Present your company in person on the Biotech Startup Stage, open to companies at pre-series A actively developing products or platform
Present your company in person on the Biotech Startup Stage, open to companies at pre-series A actively developing products or platform
Present your company in person on the Biotech Startup Stage, open to companies at pre-series A actively developing products or platform
Present your company in person on the TechBio & Digital Stage, open to companies actively developing products or platforms
Present your company in person on the TechBio & Digital Stage, open to companies actively developing products or platforms
Present your company in person on the TechBio & Digital Stage, open to companies actively developing products or platforms
Present your company in person on the TechBio & Digital Stage, open to companies actively developing products or platforms
Present your company in person on the TechBio & Digital Stage, open to companies actively developing products or platforms
Present your company in person on the TechBio & Digital Stage, open to companies actively developing products or platforms
Oncology remains the most active sector in biotech, but financing early-stage cancer programs requires navigating scientific risk, clinical strategy, and intense competition. This panel brings together investors and company builders to discuss what it takes to secure funding in a crowded space where differentiation is everything and the bar for innovation has never been higher.
What investors look for in early-stage oncology programs: differentiation, target validation, mechanism of action, and competitive positioning
Clinical development strategies that maximize learning while managing risk and capital efficiency
Navigating the crowded landscape: pursuing novel versus validated targets and building a defensible competitive moat
Financing realities and deal structures, from seed and Series A expectations to milestone-based funding and strategic partnerships
Building a biotech company is a journey filled with hard-won lessons, pivotal decisions, and inevitable mistakes. This panel features seasoned founders who have been through the full cycle—from inception to exit, pivot, or scale—and are willing to share the unvarnished truth about what they wish they'd known from the start. Hear candid reflections on the choices that shaped their companies, the missteps that cost them time and capital, and the strategies they'd deploy if they were starting over today.
Early decisions that matter most: team building, capital strategy, and choosing the right scientific focus from day one
Mistakes and pivots: what went wrong, how they course-corrected, and what they'd do differently with hindsight
Managing investor relationships, board dynamics, and maintaining founder vision while navigating external pressures
Practical advice for first-time founders: the non-obvious lessons that only come from lived experience in building biotech companies
The right leadership team and board composition can make or break a biotech company's path to commercialization. As startups transition from research-focused organizations to commercial entities, the expertise around the table must evolve accordingly. This panel features experienced executives, board members, and investors who will discuss how to identify and recruit commercial talent, when to make key leadership additions, and how to structure boards that provide strategic value beyond governance. Learn how to build leadership teams that can navigate regulatory approval, market access, launch preparation, and scaling operations.
Timing commercial hires and building the right expertise at each stage
Balancing scientific credibility with commercial and financial acumen on your board
Attracting top executive talent in a competitive market
Leveraging leadership for partnerships, customer access, and investor confidence
- Cem Baydar - Senior Advisor, Afendis Capital Management
Growth stage investment in biotech represents a critical inflection point—companies have validated their science, advanced into the clinic, and now need substantial capital to reach pivotal milestones or commercialization. At this stage, investors are evaluating not just scientific promise but commercial viability, execution capability, and market opportunity. This panel brings together growth stage investors and company leaders to discuss what separates fundable assets from those that stall, how to position your company for larger rounds, and what it takes to attract crossover and late-stage capital.
What do growth stage investors prioritize?
Building the infrastructure and team needed to execute at scale—from clinical operations to business development and pre-commercial planning
Valuation expectations and capital efficiency: demonstrating return potential and managing dilution as you scale
Positioning for crossover investors and IPO readiness: what public market investors want to see and how to build that narrative early
- Tristan Maguet - Senior Associate, Gilde Healthcare
Present your company in person on the Biotech Growth Stage, open to companies at post series A actively developing platform or products
Present your company in person on the Biotech Growth Stage, open to companies at post series A actively developing platform or products
Present your company in person on the Biotech Growth Stage, open to companies at post series A actively developing platform or products
Present your company in person on the Biotech Growth Stage, open to companies at post series A actively developing platform or products
Present your company in person on the Biotech Growth Stage, open to companies at post series A actively developing platform or products
Present your company in person on the Biotech Growth Stage, open to companies at post series A actively developing platform or products
Present your company in person on the Biotech Startup Stage, open to companies at pre-series A actively developing products or platform
Present your company in person on the Biotech Startup Stage, open to companies at pre-series A actively developing products or platform
Present your company in person on the Biotech Startup Stage, open to companies at pre-series A actively developing products or platform
Present your company in person on the Biotech Startup Stage, open to companies at pre-series A actively developing products or platform
Present your company in person on the Biotech Startup Stage, open to companies at pre-series A actively developing products or platform
Present your company in person on the Biotech Startup Stage, open to companies at pre-series A actively developing products or platform
Present your company in person on the TechBio & Digital Stage, open to companies actively developing products or platforms
Present your company in person on the TechBio & Digital Stage, open to companies actively developing products or platforms
Present your company in person on the TechBio & Digital Stage, open to companies actively developing products or platforms
Present your company in person on the TechBio & Digital Stage, open to companies actively developing products or platforms
Present your company in person on the TechBio & Digital Stage, open to companies actively developing products or platforms
Present your company in person on the TechBio & Digital Stage, open to companies actively developing products or platforms
Family offices have quietly emerged as influential players in the life science investment landscape, operating with flexibility and long-term vision that traditional venture capital often cannot match. Yet their strategies, priorities, and impact remain largely unseen by the broader industry. This panel pulls back the curtain on these discreet investors, exploring how family offices are shaping the future of life science funding and what their growing presence means for innovators seeking capital.
Understanding why family offices are increasingly allocating capital to life sciences and what differentiates their approach from traditional investors
Exploring the unique priorities, risk tolerance, and time horizons that guide family office investment strategies
Practical insights on how life science companies can identify, approach, and build meaningful partnerships with family offices
Examining emerging trends, collaborative investment models, and the evolving role of family offices in the life science ecosystem
- Robert Smith - Founder & CEO, Conscious Capital
Corporate venture capital has become a powerful catalyst for biotech companies seeking more than just funding—offering strategic partnerships, industry expertise, and pathways to commercialization that traditional investors cannot provide. This panel explores how biotech innovators can effectively partner with corporate VCs to accelerate development, navigate complex markets, and scale their ventures. Hear directly from corporate venture leaders and biotech executives about building successful partnerships that drive both scientific innovation and business growth
What does corporate venture capital bring to the table? And how can they support biotech companies?
Discussing how best to navigate the unique relationship between corporate VCs and biotech companies?
Exploring how corporate venture partnerships evolve across different growth phases and what support looks like at each stage of the biotech journey
Real-world examples of effective corporate VC-biotech collaborations
- Hakan Goker - Managing Director, M Ventures
- Nuno Alves - Business Development Lead, Astellas
Present your company in person on the Biotech Growth Stage, open to companies at post series A actively developing platform or products
Present your company in person on the Biotech Growth Stage, open to companies at post series A actively developing platform or products
Present your company in person on the Biotech Growth Stage, open to companies at post series A actively developing platform or products
Present your company in person on the Biotech Growth Stage, open to companies at post series A actively developing platform or products
Present your company in person on the Biotech Growth Stage, open to companies at post series A actively developing platform or products
Present your company in person on the Biotech Growth Stage, open to companies at post series A actively developing platform or products
Present your company in person on the Biotech Startup Stage, open to companies at pre-series A actively developing products or platform
Present your company in person on the Biotech Startup Stage, open to companies at pre-series A actively developing products or platform
Present your company in person on the Biotech Startup Stage, open to companies at pre-series A actively developing products or platform
Present your company in person on the Biotech Startup Stage, open to companies at pre-series A actively developing products or platform
Present your company in person on the Biotech Startup Stage, open to companies at pre-series A actively developing products or platform
Present your company in person on the Biotech Startup Stage, open to companies at pre-series A actively developing products or platform
Present your company in person on the TechBio & Digital Stage, open to companies actively developing products or platforms
Present your company in person on the TechBio & Digital Stage, open to companies actively developing products or platforms
Present your company in person on the TechBio & Digital Stage, open to companies actively developing products or platforms
Present your company in person on the TechBio & Digital Stage, open to companies actively developing products or platforms
Present your company in person on the TechBio & Digital Stage, open to companies actively developing products or platforms
Present your company in person on the TechBio & Digital Stage, open to companies actively developing products or platforms