Stepping up in Innsbruck

Europe’s biotech sector is entering a decisive phase. New regulation, tighter ­financing, global competition and the pressure to translate science into scalable companies are reshaping the agenda for entrepreneurs, investors and policy-makers. Against this backdrop, BIOTECH SUMMIT AUSTRIA 2026 will bring leading minds from across the biotech value chain to Innsbruck, Austria, on 13–14 October 2026.

Start up, scale up… step up!

The fourth edition of Austria’s flagship biotech gathering will focus on turning breakthroughs into successful companies, partnerships and products. Keynotes, panels, workshops, start-up pitches and numerous B2B meetings create a compact forum for exchange and deal-oriented networking.

A high-level line-up

The Summit opens with a keynote by ­Ingmar Hoerr, one of the founders of CureVac and long-standing CEO of the company. In “From Start-Up to Exit. A billion market cap company, the CureVac story.”, Hoerr will share first-hand insights into one of Europe’s most prominent biotech journeys and the entrepreneurial lessons behind it.
European policy will take centre stage with Ferenc Marofka, Policy Officer – Health Industry at the European Commission, DG GROW, EU BioPharma & MedTech. His keynote, “What the EU Bio­tech Act means for entrepreneurs and companies”, will offer a timely perspective on Europe’s evolving biotech framework.

How excellent research can become market success will be explored in the panel “Scaling Up Science: How Can We Turn Austrian Academic Breakthroughs into Austrian Success Stories”, with Gert Mayer, Andreas Altmann, ­Veronika Sexl, Christine Ruckenbauer and Gregor Wick.

Another highlight will be the fireside chat “When Stepping Up Science Meets Success: The Christoph Huber Story”, featuring Christoph Huber and Peter Llewellyn-Davies – a conversation that promises strategic depth and personal insight into building biotech impact.

Beyond the programme

BIOTECH SUMMIT AUSTRIA is designed as a conference where connections can take shape. The pre-event “Hike & Dine” at Bergisel on 12 October will offer an informal start high above Innsbruck, combining Alpine scenery with networking in a Tyrolean atmosphere. On 13 October, the Gala Dinner at Adlers Rooftop Bar will continue discussions, strengthen partnerships and celebrate the biotech community.

Set at Villa Blanka, overlooking Innsbruck and the Alps, the Summit combines international relevance with a distinctive Austrian setting. For companies, investors, researchers and policy-makers looking to understand where European biotech is heading next, Innsbruck will be the place to meet.

Registration
www.biotech-summit-austria.com