Bioprocessing Venture, Innovation & Partnering Conference
（バイオプロセシング向けベンチャー・イノベーション・パートナー会議）

In the rapidly evolving field of life sciences, understanding investment trends is crucial for both investors and innovators. This panel will bring together industry leaders to discuss the current state of investment in life science industrial innovation, focusing on bioprocessing and biomanufacturing. We will explore how these sectors are driving investment, highlighting the key trends and technologies that are capturing investor interest. The session will highlight discussion and insights around the topic such as:

• Has the investment market rebounded, and what is its forecast?
• What is being invested in and why?
• When to invest in an innovative/disruptive technology? What do you look for?
• How are changes in the global environment affecting the market and investment strategies?
• What can start-ups do to move the needle on valuation of their company?
• What to raise, when to raise, and how to raise, along with what to spend capital on post-raise
• Lessons learned and best practices for investors and start-ups 

Exit strategy is always important to consider, but particularly so in today's market environment. Both the capital markets and buyer landscape are shifting in the bioprocessing space, and it is critical to understand the impact of this evolution on exit strategies to best optimize outcomes. This panel will bring together leaders in the industry to discuss considerations around IPO vs. M&A and share perspectives on exit strategies more broadly. Topics to be discussed include:

• The current state of the capital markets 
•  Buyer landscape evolution 
•  When does an IPO make sense and what are the factors to consider? 
•  When does M&A make sense and what are the factors to consider? 
•  Company perspective: IPO readiness and life as a public company + challenges of acquisition and integration 
•  Lessons learned and current perspectives

The life sciences industry is transforming with advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). This panel will explore AI innovation, regulatory frameworks, and technological advancements in bioprocessing and drug development. Key discussions will cover AI's role in data management, process optimization, quality control, and operational efficiency, as well as regulatory challenges and opportunities. We will also examine the implications of the Loper Bright decision, which may allow courts to overturn FDA regulations, and the US-EU collaborative efforts to evaluate AI technologies.

Takeaways 

• Emerging AI tools and platforms 
•  Real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance 
•  AI-driven workflow optimization and cost reduction 
•  Regulatory frameworks for AI in bioprocessing 
•  How the Loper Bright decision affects the FDA and HHS guidance regarding AI 
•  Navigating the existing while preparing for both the EU AI Act and the US AI regulations to evolve 
•  Future trends and breakthroughs in AI

This panel brings together industry leaders to delve into the strategic decisions and adaptive measures taken by CEOs in the CDMO sector. Focused on navigating through market shifts, regulatory challenges, and technological advancements, the discussion aims to uncover key insights into maintaining resilience, fostering innovation, and delivering operational agility amidst volatility. The panelists will share their experiences, perspectives, and foresight on steering their organizations through dynamic and complex business landscapes to achieve sustainable growth and industry leadership.

• What key strategies were employed to navigate market volatility in the CDMO sector?
• How do you balance short-term pressures with long-term strategic goals during uncertain times?
• What regulatory challenges you have faced and what strategies were used to adapt to them?
  
• How has technology played a role in a company’s ability to innovate and stay competitive?
  
• How do you identify and capitalize on emerging market opportunities amidst uncertainty?
  
• Measures to implement to build and maintain resilience within your organization? 
•  How do you integrate new technologies into your existing workflows without disrupting operations? 
•  Ways to foster a culture of innovation within your company during times of volatility? 
•  How do you keep your team motivated in the face of challenges and create growth opportunities for key talent?
  

The role of the CDMO has transformed from lifecycle management to being a key contributor to a drug's development and commercialization. With geopolitical tensions, new modalities, supply chain issues, drug shortages, regulatory requirements, M&A, and other factors at play, how will CDMOs and their partners rise to the post-pandemic challenge? This discussion will center on how clients large and small can optimize their CDMO strategies, work with their partners more effectively, and adapt to the rapidly changing biopharma R&D environment.

Takeaways:

• Understanding the CDMO ecosystem
• Relying on trusted partners while keeping supply chain transparency
• Leveraging CDMO expertise to advance pipelines
• Staying on top of industry-shifting trends like onshoring & the rise of GLP-1s