The countdown is on: On 1-2 July, BayoConnect 2025 will once again bring together key stakeholders from biotech, pharma, academia, start-ups, and policy in Munich - for two days full of strategic discussions, technological insights and practical networking.
The first day of the conference promises a compelling mix of strategic dialogue, cutting-edge insights, and high-level networking – with a clear focus on the future of biotechnology and global collaboration. Join us and be part of shaping the future of biotech: www.bayoconnect.org.
Opening Address: Unlocking Germany’s Full Biotech Potential
The day kicks off with a welcome from Ralf Huss, Managing Director of BioM Biotech Cluster Development GmbH, followed by an opening keynote by Francis de Véricourt from the Institute for Deep Tech Innovation (DEEP). His talk “What Makes Biotech Innovation Unique - And Why Is Germany Struggling?" addresses the structural challenges facing Germany’s biotech landscape – particularly the lack of cross-stakeholder collaboration – and explores how to strengthen the country’s innovation capabilities and global competitiveness.
Global Biotech in Turbulent Times
The first plenary session, titled “The Future of Global Biotech: Collaboration, Investment and Policy in a Volatile World”, brings together thought leaders including Laura Matz (Merck KGaA), Kevin Peters (MSD) and Francis de Véricourt, moderated by Han Steutel (vfa). The discussion will explore how shifting geopolitical dynamics, evolving investment patterns and new policy frameworks are impacting the life science sector – and how international partnerships can drive sustainable growth and resilience in Europe and beyond.
Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Application
In the afternoon, the session “Mind the Gap: Aligning Academia, Biotech and Pharma” will address one of the most persistent challenges in biotech: the disconnect between academic discovery and industrial development. Stefan Oschmann (Amira) moderates a panel featuring Mareike Albert (Noselab), Christian Haas (DZNE) and Francesco Mazzotta (CDL-Berlin). Together, they will explore how to improve incentives, infrastructures and translational pathways to accelerate innovation and create long-term value.
Smart Tools & Strong Ecosystems
The session “Smart Tools & Strong Networks for Innovation” focuses on the transformative role of digital technologies, AI and data platforms within robust innovation ecosystems. Hildegard Büning (DZIF), Stefan Engelhardt (TUM School of Medicine and Health), Ahmed Khalifa (MSD) and Bernard Mulder (RegMedXB) will share best practices and discuss the key enablers of vibrant, agile biotech clusters. The panel will be moderated by Gerd Maass (Roche).
Spotlight on Exhibitor, the Partner Country & Evening Networking
Throughout the day, exhibitors will showcase their solutions in a series of Exhibitor Pitches, including presentations by Collaborative Drug Discovery, Codetta Bio, nNano and the Grund IP Group. The day will conclude with an Evening Impulse of the Partner Country The Netherlands and a BBQ Networking – providing ample opportunity to exchange ideas and build new alliances.
Press contact:
BioM Biotech Cluster Development GmbH
www.bio-m.org | presse@bio-m.org