Belgium has played a key role in shaping the global biotech story. Now the race is accelerating. Join bio.be/essenscia’s annual event on 7 October 2026, with Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Work, Economy and Agriculture David Clarinval, to look ahead.
The Belgian biotech and health ecosystem has built a strong track record of scientific excellence, innovation and global impact, supported by a unique and highly integrated value chain. Yet, in a rapidly shifting global landscape, this leadership is increasingly under pressure. The United States and China are accelerating at scale in clinical trials, investment capacity and manufacturing capabilities, reshaping the global biotech race. How can Belgium sustain its leading position and continue to keep pace with the world’s largest players? Join the annual event of bio.be/essenscia to explore the path forward.
Programme
13:30 – Registration & welcome coffee
14:30 – Plenary Session
- Welcome Address – Geoffrey Pot, Chairman, bio.be/essenscia
- Keynote – Deloitte
- Panel Debate
- R&D / Innovation
- Marek Piprek, MD/PhD Candidate, KU Leuven/VIB; Co-founder, Nucleate Belgium
- Virginie Carthage, CFO, Augustine Therapeutics
- Scaling Up / Manufacturing
- Nicolas Bogler, Founder, Discover Alpha Advisory; Head of Investor Relations and Communication
- François Blondel, CEO, Kitozyme; Founder, KiOmed Pharma; Vice-President, OncoDNA
- R&D / Innovation
- Closing Remarks – David Clarinval, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Employment and Agriculture, Belgian Federal Government
- bio.be/essenscia Chairmanship
15:30 – Networking reception
16:30 – End
The organizer reserves the right to approve registrations to ensure the event remains relevant to its intended audience