Press Release 

Inaugural BIOTECH SUMMIT AUSTRIA Sets the Agenda
for Emerging Biotech Innovation

Graz, Austria - October 17, 2023. The first BIOTECH SUMMIT AUSTRIA - a milestone event for the Austrian and international biotechnology community - concluded on Friday in Graz, after two days of insightful discussions and networking. The event, co-hosted by BIOTECH AUSTRIA, the pioneering association for biotechnology in Austria, and the dynamic styrian cluster organization Human.technology Styria, left a lasting impression on the industry.

Peter Llewellyn-Davies, President of BIOTECH AUSTRIA, reflected on the significance of this first summit, stating, "The BIOTECH SUMMIT AUSTRIA is an exceptional platform where major players from the industry come together to delve into the latest innovative trends and developments in biotechnology and associated technologies. Austria's state-of-the-art biotech sector is indeed thriving, and this event was perfect to unite, educate, and fuel the growth of our industry."

Austria's strongly expanding biotech industry is at an exciting juncture, and the summit was well-timed to address the sector's burgeoning needs. The program covered the biotech vision of Big Pharma, funding and financing opportunities for startups and established companies, and a comprehensive examination of the regulatory landscape for clinical trials as well as the impact of AI. Participants included international venture capitalists like Wellington Partners, Hadean Ventures and Gateway Ventures and pharmaceutical companies such as Novartis, Lundbeck, Abbvie and MSD.

The decision to hold the summit in Graz was based on the remarkable expertise and prominent figures in the research and business landscape in Styria, which hosts a dynamic biotech community.

Lejla Pock, CEO at Human.technology Styria, expressed satisfaction with the event's outcomes, saying, "We are pleased that, together with BIOTECH AUSTRIA, we have succeeded in organizing this groundbreaking event and bringing Styrian biotechnology into the spotlight. This summit embodied our shared commitment to driving innovation and collaboration within the biotech industry. The program was rich with keynotes, panels, workshops, and a remarkable lineup of speakers. We are thrilled by the connections made, the insights gained, and the positive impact this event will have on the future of biotechnology in our country."

The summit exceeded expectations with more than 200 participants from ten countries, an array of enriching activities, including career sessions, startup pitches and extensive networking opportunities. The conference concluded on a high note with a gala dinner and celebration at a stunning event location embedded in a mountain situated below the castle in the heart of Graz.

Peter Llewellyn-Davies summed up, “To us, it is clear that this summit has set the stage for future editions. The Austrian Biotech industry eagerly anticipates the next opportunity to gather, collaborate and continue advancing the world of biotechnology together.” Lejla Pock added, “We are delighted that we have received only positive feedback and encouragement from all stakeholders to continue this format in the future.”

For further information and to revisit highlights of the 1. BIOTECH SUMMIT AUSTRIA, please visit the BIOTECH SUMMIT AUSTRIA .

For high-resolution images, please contact .

For post-event inquiries and additional information, please contact:

BIOTECH AUSTRIA

Peter Llewellyn-Davies
President

Christine Reith
Head of Operations
+43 670 6030601
Email:  

Human.technology Styria

Lejla Pock
CEO

Eva Bucht
PR und Marketing
+43 699 188 99 708
E-Mail:

 
International Media and Investor Relations

MC Services AG
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Raimund Gabriel
 


About BIOTECH AUSTRIA

Since December 2020, BIOTECH AUSTRIA has been the voice of the Austrian biotech industry, enabling and connecting an ecosystem so that businesses can start, grow and deliver world-changing innovation. Biotechnology is one of the fastest developing industries in Austria with high growth dynamics and international competitiveness. BIOTECH AUSTRIA is constantly expanding its network with new members and supporters in order to gather even more expertise under one roof. It is a representation of around 80 biotech and life science companies, from start-ups to big pharma, as well as academic institutions, research organisations and service providers to the sector. More information can be found at or on .

About Human.technology Styria

Human.technology Styria GmbH (HTS) is a cluster organization founded in 2004 with a focus on Life Sciences. It operates in three strategic priority areas: Medical Technology, Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology, and Health & Sustainability. Additionally, HTS is actively involved in cross-cutting topics such as Start-Ups, Digitalization, and Qualification. The cluster sees itself as a bridge-builder between research, development, and industry, aiming to create synergies, enable innovations, forge new partnerships, and enhance the national and international visibility of the region. Companies within the cluster community benefit from exclusive service offerings related to Contact Management, Business Development, Internationalization, Networking, Events, Communication, and Knowledge Transfer. Within the environment of the Styrian Life Science Cluster, there are 150 companies with 40,000 employees generating a turnover of 5 billion euros. Approximately one-third of this can be attributed to the Pharma/Biotech sector. It is worth highlighting Styria's competence in industrial biotechnology, process development, engineering, and plant design. Key players in R&D such as ACIB, as well as industrial companies like ZETA, VTU Group, and many others, significantly contribute to the success of this industry. More information can be found at