2. BIOTECH SUMMIT AUSTRIA in retrospect

The second edition of the BIOTECH SUMMIT AUSTRIA, which successfully concluded on Friday, October 11, 2024, in Innsbruck, brought together participants from 13 countries and cemented the event's reputation as a leading forum for the Austrian biotechnology community.

Co-organized by BIOTECH AUSTRIA, the association of the Austrian biotechnology industry, as well as the local organizations Standortagentur Tirol and the styrian cluster organization Human.technology Styria, the summit provided a dynamic platform for industry leaders, innovators, and investors to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and accelerate innovation in biotechnology.

Peter Llewellyn-Davies, President of BIOTECH AUSTRIA (BTA), commented on the event’s success: “The summit has solidified its position as a vital platform for Austria’s growing biotech sector. The high turnout and engagement this year exceeded expectations and underscore the increasing importance of collaboration and innovation, which are essential to drive the industry forward. I would also like to thank our co-hosts as well as industry leaders in Innsbruck such as the BTA board colleague Gregor Wick, whose regional contribution was invaluable.”

Keynotes and impulse speeches from global thought leaders and successful Austrian biotech entrepreneurs and scientists such as Patrick Trojer (TRIANA Biomedicines), Nicole Schlautmann (MSD Austria), Joseph Penninger (Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research), Alexander von Gabain (Valneva) and Severin Schwan (Roche) captured the audience’s attention with insights into how to successfully found a biotech company, funding strategies, and the groundbreaking innovations and science that drive the sector forward. Panels and discussions tackled pressing industry themes, such as emerging trends in biotechnology, funding opportunities for start-ups and established companies, venture capital’s role in fueling biotech start-ups and strategies for successful exits. High-profile participants included international investors such as MIG Capital or Wellington Partners, alongside pharmaceutical giants like Pfizer and Roche.

Dr. Klaus Weinberger, CEO at the Health Hub Tirol, commented: “Innsbruck proved to be the ideal setting for this year’s summit, thanks to its rich research environment and the strong local biotech community. We are pleased that, together with BIOTECH AUSTRIA and Human.technology Styria, we succeeded in hosting such a forward-thinking and impactful event, which facilitated productive discussion and connections in an inspiring setting.”

Beyond the formal sessions, the summit offered vibrant networking opportunities, from the pre-conference Hike & Dine to Umbrüggler Alm and the networking dinner at Adlers Rooftop Bar overlooking Innsbruck, to the 1:1 partnering program and start-up pitches. The bustling start-up area proved a valuable space for emerging biotech companies to pitch their ideas and connect with investors.

This year’s BIOTECH SUMMIT AUSTRIA was already fully booked two weeks in advance, exceeding expectations with around 250 participants from 13 countries. Looking ahead, the BIOTECH SUMMIT AUSTRIA 2025 is scheduled for Graz from October 23-24, 2025.

Lejla Pock, CEO at Human.technology Styria, added: “With the success of this year’s event and the positive feedback received, we are already looking forward to expanding the conversation and driving biotech innovation even further with the return of the summit to Graz and its dynamic biotech community in 2025.”