BIOTECH SUMMIT AUSTRIA: Seed to succeed

Austria’s biotechnology sector was in focus at the second BIOTECH SUMMIT AUSTRIA 2024, held in Innsbruck from October 9–11. Organized by ­BIOTECH AUSTRIA, Standortagentur Tirol, and Human.technology Styria, the event brought together over 250 participants, cementing its role as a key forum for Austrian life science. 

Renowned speakers, including Patrick Trojer (TRIANA Biomedicines), Nicole Schlautmann (MSD Austria), Josef Penninger (Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research), Alexander von Gabain (Valneva) and Severin Schwan (Roche), shared insights on founding companies, securing funding and advancing groundbreaking science. Panels explored biotechnology trends in science, venture capital’s role and interaction with entrepreneurs and strategies for successful exits and collaborations. Participants from 13 countries included leading Pharma companies like Pfizer, Novartis, MSD and Roche, alongside investors such as MIG Capital and Wellington Partners, reflecting the summit’s growing international stature. Local and national governmental players in the industry such as xista, LISA, aws, ABA, FFG amongst universities and institutes from across Austria showed the strong interest and support for the biotech sector. 

The event also offered vibrant networking opportunities and a dynamic start-up area where biotech innovators pitched ideas to investors. A 1:1 partnering program facilitated connections, further emphasizing the summit’s reputation also as a hub for co-operation.

Peter Llewellyn-Davies, President of BIOTECH AUSTRIA, emphasised its significance: “The summit has solidified its position as a vital platform for Austria’s growing biotech sector. The high turnout and engagement highlight the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving the industry forward. Presenting our strategic packages and measures to improve vital prerequisites for success in our industry was key.”

Innsbruck, with its strong research environment and thriving biotech community, served as an optimal venue. Dr. Klaus Weinberger, CEO at Health Hub Tirol, commented on the event: “Thanks to its excellent research environment and strong local biotech community, Innsbruck was an ideal location for this year’s conference. We are delighted that together with BIOTECH AUSTRIA and Human.technology Styria we were able to host such a forward-looking and impressive event that enabled productive discussions and new contacts in an inspiring setting.”

Building on this success, the BIOTECH SUMMIT AUSTRIA 2025 will take place in Graz from October 23–24. Lejla Pock, CEO of Human.technology Styria, shared her excitement: “Given the repeated success of this event and the positive feedback, we are already looking forward to continuing the exchange and driving innovation in biotechnology even further with the Summit’s return to Graz and its dynamic biotech community in 2025.”

Austria continues, also through initiatives like the BIOTECH SUMMIT AUSTRIA, to strengthen its global presence and impact in biotechnology, advancing scientific innovation and fostering impactful connections. At the heart of these efforts, BIOTECH AUSTRIA unites key players and drives the industry’s progress, ensuring a dynamic future for Austrian biotech.