Day OneTuesday, 29 April 2025 - GMT (Greenwich Mean Time, GMTZ)

In an industry worth over £400B globally, innovation is plentiful and fast moving. Our panel of medtech executives and investors discuss the emerging trends in groundbreaking technology, strategies for developing technology on the cutting edge of science, and what therapeutic areas are next to grow.

• Emerging technologies including robotics, AI, neurotech and regenerative medicine
• Areas generating the most optimism among investors
• Aligning emerging technology with existing strategies of strategic partners

As investment continues to be scarce from traditional VC firms, many medtech startups are looking to the venture arms of large medtech companies to obtain investment and partnerships. Hear from our panel of CVC executives on successful strategies they have seen from SMEs when approaching larger companies and what they are looking for from startups.

• Aligning with business strategy
• Strategies for getting in front of key decision makers
• Benefits beyond capital

• How do we accelerate digital whilst ensuring an excellent standard of care?
• Narrowing the digital divide and not leaving out large populations
• Designing digital health products that promote health equity

• What progress has been made and what are the persisting gaps/challenges in care, research, and investment?
• Highlighting successful initiatives, innovative approaches and tech solutions that have improved women's health outcomes
• Scaling up for impact - collaboration, partnerships, and sustainable funding models
• Looking to the future - What else can we do as an industry to close the gaps and create a more equitable future for women’s health?

• Future implications for customer engagement models
• Challenges we anticipate, and the solutions to common shortcomings with traditional commercial models
• The evolving role of field teams, digital, omnichannel and cloud technologies and analytics
• The path to 2030 and what companies should consider now

• Future implications for customer engagement models
• Challenges we anticipate, and the solutions to common shortcomings with traditional commercial models
• The evolving role of field teams, digital, omnichannel and cloud technologies and analytics
• The path to 2030 and what companies should consider now

• Welcome (5 mins)
  • Introductions by Moderator
    • The importance of M&A in fuelling biotech growth
• Opening Presentation (15 mins)
  • Overview of Pharma M&A Landscape
    • Current trends and statistics in pharma M&A
    • Impact of recent M&A deals on the industry
  • Importance of M&A for Biotechs
    • How M&A can provide biotechs with resources, market access, and expertise
    • Strategies for biotechs to position themselves as attractive targets or acquirers
  • Key Considerations for Successful Transactions
    • Essential elements of due diligence, and valuation methods and metrics
    • Importance of cultural fit and integration post-acquisition

• Introduction to the Case Study
• Fireside Chat Questions:
  • Motivation Behind the Acquisition
    • What drove the decision to pursue the acquisition?
  • Process Overview
    • Steps taken from initial identification of the target to the closing of the deal, and challenges encountered during the process and how they were addressed
  • Outcome and Lessons Learned
    • Insights for biotech companies considering an acquisition or preparing for a potential acquisition
  • Future Considerations
    • What to expect in future M&A activities based on current market conditions

• Open Floor for Questions (10 mins)
  • How to prepare a biotech company for M&A discussions?
  • What specific attributes do buyers look for in a biotech firm?
  • How can biotechs leverage M&A as a growth strategy?
• Wrap-Up Discussion (5 mins)
  • Summarize key takeaways from the workshop
  • Highlight actionable insights for biotech companies considering M&A

IP strategy is an often-overlooked aspect on the road to success, however, it presents a genuine chance of failure for startups. Join intellectual property experts as they discuss case studies and highlight the risks encountered when obtaining IP protection, and the benefits which can be enjoyed from an effective strategy.

• Case studies
• Due diligence red flags
• Strategies for Identifying and Overcoming Risks when Obtaining IP Protection
• A transatlantic view of IP

Following temporary altered approval processes globally during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact of EU MDR since its introduction, the regulatory landscape (both European and global) has proved a difficult one to traverse for medtech startups. Our panel of investors and regulatory leaders share the success stories they’ve seen and discuss what regulatory success looks like.

• Identifying the greatest barriers to CE Marking, and strategies to overcome them
• Comparing the FDA with EU MDR
• Notified body selection and global market access
• The importance of leadership in gaining regulatory approval

Get a rare insight into the scaling and portfolio opportunities available to Medtech businesses when they innovate with a strategic emphasis on design. Hear expert perspectives on innovation and design, demonstrated through rich case studies and methods gleaned from decades of experience of bringing category-defining products and services to market globally.

• Successful scaling case studies
• Innovation strategies that create value
• Holistic design methodologies that put the power of brand, innovation and design in the hands of businesses
• Reimagining brands for customers globally

• Introduction by Moderator (2 mins)
  • Brief introduction to the workshop's objectives and significance of IPOs in the biotech sector
• Opening Presentation (15 mins)
  • Overview of the Biotech IPO Landscape
    • Recent trends and statistics in biotech IPOs
    • Key factors driving the current IPO market and future expectations
  • Importance of an IPO for Biotech Companies
    • Discuss the benefits of going public, including access to capital, increased visibility, and credibility
    • Outline how an IPO can accelerate growth and development
  • Key Steps to Prepare for an IPO and Common Pitfalls to Avoid
    • Essential preparations, including regulatory compliance, financial audits, and corporate governance
    • The role of underwriters and advisors in the IPO process

• Introduction to the Case Study
• Fireside Chat Questions
  • Motivation Behind the IPO
    • What factors led the company to decide on an IPO at that particular time?
    • Goals for the IPO (e.g., capital raise, market expansion)
  • Preparation Process
    • Steps taken leading up to the IPO, including strategic positioning and stakeholder engagement
  • Execution of the IPO
    • Insights into the IPO launch process, including pricing and investor outreach
  • Post-IPO Experience
    • Key learnings and advice for other biotech companies considering an IPO

• Open Floor for Questions (10 mins)
  • What are the most critical factors to consider when deciding to go public?
  • How should a biotech company approach investor relations post-IPO?
  • What are the best practices for maintaining stock performance after going public?
• Wrap-Up Discussion (5 mins)
  • Summarize the key insights and takeaways from the workshop
  • Highlight actionable steps for biotech companies in preparing for an IPO

The United States has long been regarded as the “holy grail” for European medtech startups, due to the higher reimbursement and more attractive investment landscape. This panel reviews whether this is still the case while discussing the best strategies for moving to America.

• Benefits of the US market
• Reimbursement
• Potential pitfalls
• The benefits of strategic partnerships when leaving Europe

Investment is, of course, the lifeblood of medtech startups on the path to commercialisation. In an ever-evolving funding landscape, VCs remain the cornerstone of innovation and commercial growth. However, alternative financing routes are rising in popularity among startups. Our panel of investors discuss the strategic differences between different funding sources and what they look for in their investments.

• Practical differences between private equity and venture capital
• The role of family offices in medtech
• Recipe for a successful investment

A higher risk of failure for startups in the medtech space has highlighted further the necessity for experience and smart decision making along the road to commercialisation. The panel will review how effective partnerships can address challenges, improve resilience and power long-term growth for both new, and established players in medtech.

• Different types of partnerships
• Strategies for finding the right partnership for you
• What to put on a pitchdeck when approaching tier 1 companies
• Risks and common pitfalls

A thought-provoking debate with key leaders in the industry exploring the challenges and opportunities of scaling digital health solutions and achieving profitability. Despite significant advancements in technology, digital health has yet to fully realize its potential. This debate will delve into the key barriers hindering its widespread adoption, such as regulatory/reimbursement hurdles, privacy concerns, and technological limitations. Additionally, we will discuss the necessary conditions for digital health to succeed, including increased investment, policy changes, and a focus on patient-centred care.

• Keys to success as a digital health startup when looking to expand into new markets
• Scaling in Europe vs scaling in the US
• Evaluating funding availability, investor preferences, and market size in Europe and the US
• Going to the US can be seen as the “easier” option – what’s the truth in this? What are the challenges of entering the US market?
• How can Pharma & VC’s help with geographic expansion?