Day Two - Western European Summer Time (WEST)
Where will the next biotech breakthrough emerge? This panel will explore the rise of global innovation hubs and their potential to reshape the industry. From regions offering competitive funding, access to top talent, and favourable regulatory environments to the role of international collaborations in accelerating academic research translation, the discussion will highlight the unique advantages these hotspots bring to early-stage biotechs. Panellists will also tackle the challenges of spinning out companies outside established biotech centers, sharing strategies for overcoming barriers and driving the future of biotech innovation.
- What regions offer the best funding, talent, or regulatory incentives for early-stage biotechs?
- How can academic researchers leverage international collaborations for translation?
- What are the challenges of spinning out companies outside traditional biotech hubs?
- Mathias Frederiksen - Principal, Novartis Venture Fund
How can academic discoveries become the foundation for successful biotech companies? This panel will delve into the essential steps for transforming groundbreaking research into viable ventures. From strategies to de-risk academic science and attract investors to navigating university tech transfer offices and overcoming IP challenges, the discussion will provide actionable insights for founders. Panellists will also explore the most effective funding mechanisms, such as grants and venture creation, to support early-stage translation and set the stage for long-term success in the biotech industry.
- What are the critical steps to de-risk academic science for investors?
- How can founders navigate university tech transfer offices and IP hurdles?
- What funding mechanisms (e.g., grants, venture creation) work best for early translation?
- Marta Lesko - VP, Head of Neurology & Immunology Business Development, Merck KGaA
Should early-stage innovation target rare diseases with streamlined regulatory pathways or broad indications with larger market potential? This panel will tackle the strategic decisions academic spinouts face when choosing their focus. From evaluating niche versus mass-market opportunities to exploring funding sources like patient advocacy groups and venture philanthropy for rare disease work, the discussion will provide critical insights for navigating this pivotal choice. Panelists will also examine the advantages of starting with rare diseases and later expanding to broader populations, offering guidance on how to balance impact, feasibility, and long-term growth.
- How can academic spinouts strategically choose between niche and mass-market opportunities?
- What funding sources (e.g., patient advocacy groups, venture philanthropy) support rare disease work?
- Are there advantages to starting with rare diseases and expanding to broader populations?
- Lori Badura - Head of Global Partnering Rare Disease & Neuroscience, IPSEN
What’s next in the evolution of drug development? This panel will explore the cutting-edge modalities that are redefining the biotech landscape. Panellists will debate which of these emerging platforms hold the most translational promise and which may be overhyped. The discussion will also address the technical and manufacturing hurdles that must be overcome to bring these innovations to market and provide strategies for early-stage companies to de-risk novel mechanisms, making them more attractive to investors and partners.
- Which emerging modalities are overhyped vs. undervalued?
- What are the key technical and manufacturing challenges for these platforms?
- How can early-stage companies derisk novel mechanisms to attract funding?
- Nuno Alves - Associate Director, Business Development, Astellas
- Christopher Church - Head of Technology Search & Evaluation, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca