Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in biotech leadership, particularly in executive roles, investment decision-making, and board positions. This session moves beyond tokenism to explore tangible strategies for creating meaningful pathways to leadership. Featuring accomplished female leaders, this discussion will focus on the structural, cultural, and financial barriers women face and the actionable solutions that can drive systemic change.

• What does success look like beyond increasing the number of women at the table?
• What are the key challenges preventing more women from advancing into biotech leadership and board roles?
• How can organizations shift from passive mentoring to active sponsorship of female talent?
• What leadership structures and policies work to drive gender equity in biotech?
• How can biotech companies attract and retain more women in executive and scientific roles?

• Current state of play – global volatility and uncertainty
• Addressing the challenges and seizing the opportunities of the current environment
• Australian case studies
• What’s ahead?

With shifting policies reshaping the US biotech sector — ranging from regulatory changes, reshoring of pharmaceutical manufacturing, and evolving FDA approval pathways — global biotech players must adapt to a new landscape. These shifts present a unique opportunity for Australia. This panel will explore the impacts of US policy changes and how Australia can attract investment, talent, and innovation in drug development and commercialization.

As global health challenges continue to evolve, mRNA technologies are reshaping the future of medicine – from rapid vaccine development to new therapeutics. In this session, we will explore how advances in mRNA science are strengthening health security, accelerating biotech innovation, and creating new opportunities for commercialization. Insights will be shared on translational strategies, scalable manufacturing, and what’s next for mRNA platforms beyond infectious diseases.

• What are investors looking for in preclinical or seed-stage biotechs right now?
• What makes a biotech stand out to investors during Phase I–II, when clinical risk is still high?
• What signals do investors look for when backing Phase III or near commercial biotechs?
• How are current macroeconomic conditions and geopolitical factors reshaping investment strategies?

• Practical AI applications in drug discovery & development
• The regulatory landscape for AI-powered biotech
• Investment trends in AI-driven life sciences

In this rapid-fire session, we will hear from four forward-thinking organisations on how they are shaping the future of clinical trials. Each speaker will deliver a sharp 5-minute insight into the innovations redefining trial design, participant engagement, technology integration, and regulatory pathways.

Following the talks, a short panel discussion will bring the speakers together to explore how these innovations are disrupting traditional clinical trial models, improving efficiencies, enhancing patient outcomes, and creating new opportunities for the biotech ecosystem.

Four spots available – don’t miss out!

• Best practices for successful trials
• AI, Decentralization & New Models
• Pitfalls to avoid in early and late-phase trials
• Perspectives from CROs, researchers, and regulatory experts

• How can companies effectively navigate the complex regulatory landscapes across different regions?
• What are the main considerations when scaling up production from clinical trial quantities to commercial volumes?
• In-house manufacturing vs. CDMOs – what are the trade-offs?
• What funding options or partnerships can support commercial readiness in Phase III-to-market transition?

• What are the most common misunderstandings between academic researchers and biotech companies at the outset?
• Practical ways to deal with IP and commercialization challenges
• What new collaboration models are emerging?
• Can you share a real-world example where a university–biotech collaboration succeeded, and what the key ingredients were? Conversely, what’s a cautionary tale you’ve witnessed and what should we learn from it?

• What does it take to move from startup to scale-up?
• What are common board and leadership mistakes in early-stage biotech? How do you fix them?
• How to attract the right investors and board members?
• What does “success” really look like at different stages?

A true highlight of the event. Continue your discussions of the day and network with speakers, delegates and sponsors in a more relaxed and informal setting.

Join us for canapes and drinks at the bar before moving into the seated restaurant.

Numbers to the dinner are limited, book early to avoid disappointment.