09:00 – 09:30: Doors open and welcome coffee
09:30 – 09:45: Welcome by Ann Van Gysel (Biovia), and Tom Aelbrecht (HST Group – Health, Science and Technology Group)
09:45 – 10:15: Keynote “From Ideas to Impact: When Innovation Meets Reality“
In her keynote, Eva-Karin Gidlund explores how we can lead in Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) and new modalities, from lessons learned in Sweden to opportunities for Belgium. She will share how innovation, collaboration, and a broader systems perspective are essential to bring advanced treatments to market responsibly. The talk highlights the role of AI, the importance of societal trust, and the collective action needed to turn scientific breakthroughs into accessible cures.
Speaker: Eva-karin Gidlund (NorthX Biologics)
10:15 – 10:45: Keynote “Rooted for Impact: Keeping Innovation and Investment in Belgium”
This keynote provides a strategic overview of the Belgian landscape for novel modalities, spotlighting areas of strength, unmet needs, and top opportunities for investment. With a focus on radiopharmaceuticals, ATMPs, vaccines, and digital platforms, this session will guide stakeholders, public and private alike, on how to channel innovation momentum into sustainable growth and leadership at home.
Speaker: Jérôme Van Biervliet (VIB)
10:45 – 11:15: Coffee break and networking
11:15 – 12:15: Ecosystem Initiatives Presentations
12:15 – 13:30: Lunch and networking
13:30 – 13:40: Railroad Therapeutics
13:40 – 13:50: ATB Therapeutics
with Mark Throsby
13:50 – 14:00: myNEO Therapeutics
with Lore Van Oudenhove
14:00 – 14:30: Panel Session
With Frédéric Sallmann (Railroad Therapeutics), Lore Van Oudenhove, Mark Throsby and Vladan Rankovic (UCB)
13:30 – 13:40: ATMP XB Project
with Gerben Menschaert (OHMX.bio (within Anacura group)) and Frank van der Zanden (Sure Laboratories)
13:40 – 13:50: SpectaCell
with Tony Montoye
13:50 – 14:00: Exo Biologics
14:00 – 14:30: Panel Session
With Tony Montoye, Sandrine Mores, Gerben Menschaert and Frank van der Zanden
14:30 – 15:15: Coffee break
15:15 – 15:45: Keynote “Building a Biotech Success Story in Belgium”
What does it really take to create a thriving biotech company? In this interactive keynote, Christian Homsy shares an insider’s analysis of what makes biotech startups succeed, from the essential ingredients every founder must have, to what already exists (or still needs to be built) in Belgium’s ecosystem. Drawing on real examples and local strengths, he’ll explore where Belgium’s greatest potential lies for the next generation of biotech innovators. Join this session to gain practical insights, inspiration, and a clear sense of what drives biotech success stories, right here in Belgium.
Speaker: Christian Homsy (Capstan Therapeutics)
15:45 – 16:30: Roundtable – Strategies to Anchor Innovation in Belgium
This roundtable follows the keynote: from smart incentives and digital infrastructure to pan-regional collaboration and re-engaging investors, we’ll ask the tough questions: What are we missing? What must we reinvent? And how do we make Belgium the place where innovation chooses to stay, and grow?
Speakers: Christian Homsy (Capstan Therapeutics), Ann Van Gysel (Biovia), Xavier Hormaechea (UCB), Amel Tounsi (Noshaq) and Gert Van Assche (University Hospitals Leuven)
Moderated by Kevin Missault (Deloitte)
16:30 – 16:45: Closing Words by Xavier Hormaechea (UCB)
16:45 – 18:00: Reception
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