Day 0 – Sept 22, 2026 - ET (Eastern Time, GMT-05:00)
Biotech CEO Forum Agenda
1:30pm - 1:35pm
Welcome & Opening Remarks
- Brief introduction to the forum objectives
- Overview of the session structure
- Housekeeping and confidentiality guidelines
1:35pm - 2:05pm (30 minutes)
Opening Presentation
- Legal and IP strategies for biotech companies
- Brief Q&A (5 minutes embedded)
2:05pm - 2:35pm
Seuss+ Insights Presentation
Kieran Engels, CEO & Co-Founder, Seuss+
2:35pm - 2:55pm
Roundtable discussions:
In today's volatile funding environment, biotech CEOs must balance scientific innovation with financial pragmatism, operational efficiency, and strategic positioning.
Key Discussion Areas:
Capital Strategy in Constrained Markets
How are you extending runway and making strategic decisions about when to raise, how much to raise, and from whom?Prioritization & Portfolio Management
When resources are limited, how do you decide which programs to advance, pause, or terminate?Building Strategic Partnerships
What partnership models are working today? How do you structure deals that preserve value while accessing capabilities and capital?Talent & Culture in Lean Times
How are you attracting and retaining top talent when you can't always compete on compensation?Preparing for Exit or Next-Stage Growth
What metrics and milestones are investors and acquirers looking for? How are you positioning your company for M&A or IPO readiness?
2:55pm - 3:00pm
Closing Remarks & Key Takeaways
- Summary of actionable insights
- Kieran Engels - CEO, Seuss+
As China solidifies its position as a global biopharma innovation powerhouse, understanding how to structure and execute successful partnerships has become mission-critical for pharma and biotech companies worldwide. This masterclass provides senior executives and business development professionals with a comprehensive framework for navigating the complexities of China partnerships in 2026.
East Meets West: Structuring Win-Win China Partnerships
As cross-border collaborations between Western pharma/biotech and Chinese innovators accelerate, the ability to structure mutually beneficial deals has become a competitive differentiator. This panel brings together pharma business development leaders and investors with deep China experience to share practical insights on what makes partnerships succeed—and where deals commonly falter. Panelists will discuss real-world approaches to balancing opportunity with risk, navigating cultural and regulatory differences, and building trust across borders in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.
- Deal Structure & Valuation: How are valuation approaches and deal terms evolving for China-originated assets, and how do you price in regulatory and geopolitical risk?
- Due Diligence & Trust-Building: What are the non-negotiables in vetting Chinese partners, and what strategies help bridge cultural differences and build lasting trust?
- Regulatory Pathways & Market Access: How are FDA/EMA policies on China data impacting partnership strategies, and what's working for dual-market commercialization planning?
- Claris Tsang Munksgaard - Director, Global Business Development, EMD Serono
- William Pay - Chief Investment & Strategy Advisor to the Chairman, HK WinHealth Pharma Group
Pharma Partnering Workshop Agenda
3:30pm - 3:35pm
Welcome & Session Overview
- Introduction to the Pharma Partnering Workshop objectives
- Overview of session structure and speaker introductions
- Setting the stage for interactive discussion
3:35pm - 4:05pm
Opening Presentation: State of the Pharma-Biotech Partnering Market
- Current market dynamics and deal flow trends
- Evolving partnership models: licensing, co-development, M&A
- Valuation trends and deal structures in today's environment
- Geographic and therapeutic area hotspots
- What's changed in pharma's approach to external innovation
- Brief Q&A (5 minutes embedded)
4:05pm - 4:50pm
Panel Discussion: Inside the Pharma Scouting Engine: What BD Teams Look for from Early-Stage to Growth Biotechs
Hear directly from pharma business development leaders about what catches their attention, what makes a biotech "partnership-ready," and how to position your company for successful collaboration. This candid discussion will demystify the pharma scouting process and provide actionable guidance for biotech executives at every stage.
Scouting & Selection Criteria: How Pharma Identifies and Evaluates Potential Partners
Partnership Readiness Beyond the Science: What Makes a Biotech "Deal-Ready"
Deal Structures & Terms: How Pharma Thinks About Risk, Value, and Flexibility
Getting on Pharma's Radar & Maintaining Momentum: Best Practices for Biotech Executives
4:50pm - 5:00pm
Closing Remarks & Actionable Takeaways
- Summary of key insights for biotech executives
Fundraising Workshop Agenda
Welcome & Session Overview
- Introduction to the Fundraising Workshop objectives
- Overview of session structure and speaker introductions
- Setting expectations for interactive discussion
Opening Presentation: Navigating the Current Fundraising Landscape: Strategies for Biotech Companies in 2026
- State of biotech fundraising: market trends, deal flow, and valuation dynamics
- What investors are prioritizing today: therapeutic areas, modalities, and stage preferences
- The evolving investor mindset: risk appetite and return expectations in the current environment
- Building a compelling investment narrative: data packages, milestones, and differentiation
- Fundraising timelines and process management: realistic expectations and planning
- Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Brief Q&A
Panel Discussion: Beyond Traditional VC: Exploring Alternative Financing Sources for Biotech Growth
As traditional venture capital becomes more selective and competitive, biotech companies are increasingly turning to alternative financing sources to fund their growth. This panel brings together representatives from non-dilutive funding, venture debt, royalty financing, corporate venture, and other innovative capital sources to discuss how biotechs can diversify their funding strategies and access capital beyond the traditional VC route.
The Alternative Financing Landscape: Understanding Your Options
Strategic Advantages & Trade-offs: When to Consider Alternatives to Equity
Eligibility & Readiness: What Alternative Financiers Look For
Building a Blended Capital Strategy: Combining Traditional & Alternative Sources
Closing Remarks & Actionable Takeaways