BIO International Convention 2026
22.06.2026
25.06.2026
San Diego Convention Center (USA)
Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO)
Where and when?
The BIO International Convention 2026 will take place from June 22 to 25, 2026 at the San Diego Convention Center (USA). The event will be organized by the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO).
About BIO 2026
With nearly 20,000 participants, the BIO International Convention is the world’s leading collaboration platform for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. It brings together innovative startups, international investors and global industry leaders, offering a unique space to build connections, share knowledge and drive new projects.
It is a key event for the sector’s main decision-makers.
Key Focus Areas for BIO 2026
For the BIO International Convention 2026, the key focus areas include some of the fields that are transforming the biotechnology and healthcare sectors, such as artificial intelligence applied to health and digital health, cell and gene therapies, personalized medicine and next-generation biotherapies. The program will also address topics such as business development and investment, opportunities in emerging global markets, oncology and rare diseases, as well as issues related to intellectual property, regulation and commercialization. In addition, it will cover key aspects such as translational research, patient access to treatments and health equity.
Sessions of interest
22/06/2026
16:00
Panel 1: Precision Medicine Innovation and Next-Generation Therapies
Location: HBIO Booth
Area of interest: Advanced therapies
Moderator:
- Dimitra Georganopoulou, Qral Ventures
Speakers:
- Ioanna Koukli, Oncolipsy Pharmassist Ltd; Hellenic Biocluster (HBio)
- Athina Oikonomidou, ResQ Biotech
- Alexia Polissidis, Anacalypsis Therapeutics
- Montserrat Daban, Biocat, BioRegion of Catalonia
Albin JEANNE, EIC - European Innovation Council
23/06/2026
11:30-11:45
Catalonia
Location: 5A
Area of interest: Global Innovation Hub session
Speaker:
- Jordi Ortiz, Director, Foreign Direct Investment, Catalonia Trade & Investment
13:15-14:00
Thematic Panel 3: Shaping the Future of Cancer Care
Location: EIC European Pavilion
Area of interest: Oncology
Moderator:
- Stephanie Oestreich, Managing Director, Myeloma Investment Fund
Speakers:
- Neogap (Sweden)
- Oncomatryx (Spain)
- Tetrakit (Denmark)
- Peptomyc (Catalonia)
- Mass General Brigham
24/06/2026
15:30h – 16:30h
European Biotech Ecosystems: National Engines Powering Global Innovation
Location: EIC European Pavilion
Speakers:
- Stéphane Ouaki, head of the EIC, EISMEA
- Elias Eliades, Director of Investment Promotion at Enterprise Greece
- Montserrat Daban, director of Strategy and Global Alliances, Biocat
- Tiziana Rosa, Head of International Relations, Swiss Biotech Association
25/06/2026
10:15-11:15
Fast-tracking biotech innovation in Europe: how and when
Location: 25BC
Area of interest: emerging opportunities in global markets
Moderator:
- Maria Pilar Aguar Fernandez, MA. Directorate-General Research and Innovation, European Commission
Speakers:
- Carmen Hurtado del Pozo, PhD, Director, European Research, Breakthrough T1D
- Jean-David Malo, Directorate-General Research and Innovation, European Commission
- Jacqueline Phillips, Senior Director, Paediatric Product Development, Johnson & Johnson
11:30 – 12:30
Advancing Women's Health Innovation: Building Europe's Women's Health Innovation Ecosystem
Location: EIC European Pavilion
Moderator:
- Orsolya Symmons, Programme Manager for Health and Biotechnology, European Innovation Council
Speakers:
- Stephanie Oestreich, Managing Director, Myeloma Investment Fund (MIF)
- Sjanna Bosma, International Relations Officer, Health~Holland (Dutch)
- Santi Marfà, Business Development and Alliance Director, GP Pharm (Catalonia)
- Paulo Refinetti, Founder and CEO, REM Analytics (Swiss)
Catalan delegation at the BIO International Convention 2026
A total of 59 Spanish companies will participate in the Bio International Convention, 36 of which are based in Catalonia, representing 61% of the national delegation.
Barcelona Catalonia Networking Reception @BIO 2026
• Monday, June 22, from 18:00 to 20:00
• Hotel Hilton Bayfront San Diego – Hudson and Nash Patio. 1 Park Boulevard, CA 92101
The Government of Catalonia, Barcelona City Council and Biocat will host the Barcelona Catalonia Networking Reception @BIO 2026 as part of the BIO International Convention.
This networking event is designed for professionals interested in connecting with the biotechnology ecosystems of North America and Catalonia. It is a unique opportunity to build new connections, explore collaborations and open the door to future business opportunities.
Before the reception, the Catalonia–California meeting will also take place: an invitation-only session to foster dialogue between the two life sciences ecosystems.
Agenda:
Catalonia–California Meeting
Speakers:
• David Andrés Viñas, Delegate of the Government of Catalonia to the United States and Canada
• Representative of GO-Biz (California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development)
• Montse Daban, Director of Strategy and Global Alliances at Biocat
• Jordi Ortiz, Director of Foreign Direct Investment at ACCIÓ (Catalonia Trade & Investment)
• Maria Onorato, Associate Deputy Director for Industry Engagement and Development, California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz)
• Dr. José Terencio, Senior Vice President Discovery at Grifols
• Representative of Amgen
Networking Reception:
17:00 – 17:15: Institutional welcome
- Mr David Andrés Viñas, delegate of the Government of Catalonia to the United States and Canada
- Representative of GO-Biz, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development of California
17:15 – 17:55: Round table "Catalonia–California Life Sciences Dialogue"
17:55 – 18:00: Closing of the session
This is an invitation-only event.
Catalonia and Biocat at the European Night
Catalonia and Biocat will be Premium sponsors of European Night!
The leading European networking event at the BIO International Convention 2026, organized by the European Commission, the European Innovation Council (EIC) and DG SANTE, with the support of the European delegations of Greece, Spain (Catalonia) and Switzerland. The event will bring together innovative companies, investors and high-level institutional representatives from around the world, offering an exceptional setting to establish international contacts, share experiences and foster new collaborations among the sector’s key stakeholders.
23/06/2026
18:30 – 20:30 | San Diego Wine & Culinary Center
Speakers:
• Stéphane Ouaki, Head of the EIC, EISMEA
• Sandra Gallina, Director-General for Health and Food Safety, DG SANTE, European Commission
• Kathleen Stevens, Ph.D., Senior Director of National Security, Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO)
• Elias Eliades, Director of Investment Promotion, Enterprise Greece
• Dr. Ioanna Koukli, President of HBio
• Tiziana Rosa, Head of International Relations at the Swiss Biotech Association
• David Andrés Viñas, Delegate of the Government of Catalonia to the United States and Canada
• Claire Skentelbery, Director General of EuropaBio
By invitation only
Bio 2025 by the numbers
Registrants
Partnering Meetings
Exhibitors
States + DC & Puerto Rico
Countries
US & International Public Officials