Let's bring the conversation back to what truly matters: the patients. In this session, we explore how biotech innovation translates into real-world impact and better quality of life. Industry leaders will join forces with a patient advocate to discuss how research decisions, clinical strategy, and company-building can stay grounded in patient needs. Join us for a human-centered discussion on what meaningful patient impact really looks like, and how to make it the driving force behind innovation.

Explore the vibrant world of biotech innovation in the heart of Boston—where groundbreaking ideas and a spirit of collaboration between cutting-edge academic discoveries and robust industry infrastructure have redefined what’s possible in life sciences. This talk dives deep into the lessons learned from the pioneers behind one of the most dynamic biotech ecosystems in the world. Discover how partnerships among academia, research institutions, and entrepreneurial ventures have fostered an environment ripe for innovation.

What makes for a fundable biotech pitch? What does it take to get that venture check? – In today’s evolving biotech funding landscape, what does it take to secure investment? This session explores the full spectrum of funding options, from venture capital and non-dilutive funding to corporate partnerships. Venture capitalists, founders, and industry experts will share insights on current trends, what investors and partners are looking for, and how to craft a pitch that stands out. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to navigate today’s complex funding environment and secure the check.

"This session explores what career paths look like inside large biopharma companies—from corporate strategy and portfolio management to partnering and business development. You’ll hear from professionals who’ve successfully transitioned into these roles and learn what skills and experiences helped them get there. Whether you're coming from academia, a startup, or another industry, this is your chance to better understand the culture, career growth, and day-to-day work in pharma’s business-side roles. Question: or is this intended to be more like doing science in big pharma?"

We are honored to announce that Dr. Lotte Bjerre Knudsen, Chief Scientific Advisor at Novo Nordisk, will deliver a keynote address at the 2025 Nucleate Summit on the transformative journey of GLP-1 therapies—from bench to bedside. Dr. Knudsen's pioneering work has been instrumental in the development of GLP-1 receptor agonists, including liraglutide and semaglutide, which have revolutionized the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity.

With U.S. investment in basic science stagnating and immigration policy tightening, the global biotech landscape is rapidly shifting. Countries like Canada, China, and leading European nations are stepping into the void—doubling down on scientific research, streamlining innovation policy, and attracting world-class talent. This conversation explores whether the next wave of biotech breakthroughs will emerge beyond U.S. borders—and what that means for the future of global leadership in science.

As AI continues to evolve beyond LLMs, its impact on biotech is becoming increasingly profound—from streamlining drug discovery to revolutionizing clinical trials. Advanced machine learning and integrated automation are also transforming biomanufacturing pipelines, bringing greater efficiency and scalability to the bench and beyond. This session will unpack what’s working today, where the bottlenecks are, and how AI and automation tools are reshaping the biotech R&D stack. Join us to gain a sharper view of where things are headed in biotech, and most importantly how to prepare for what’s next.

Step into the world of trailblazing women who are transforming the life sciences industry. Across biotech, pharma, and healthcare innovation, women are driving scientific breakthroughs, building companies, and reshaping the future of life sciences. This session highlights the stories, strategies, and leadership styles of women at the forefront of the industry. We’ll explore the challenges they’ve overcome, the ecosystems they’re building, and the impact they’re making. Join us for an honest, inspiring conversation about leadership, equity, and the next generation of women shaping life sciences.

From long-overlooked conditions like endometriosis to rising innovation in the femtech space, women’s health is finally getting the scientific and investor attention it deserves. But even amid growing enthusiasm, the path forward is complex. With recent policy shifts and funding headwinds in the U.S., the future of women’s health innovation sits at a critical inflection point. This panel brings together founders, scientists, investors, and policy experts to unpack the dual reality: the immense opportunity and the persistent obstacles facing the field.

In a tougher capital environment and a shift toward later-stage development, strategic partnerships are more essential than ever. This panel explores how founders and pharma executives are adapting their partnering strategies in 2025—what pharma is looking for, how dealmaking has changed, and how biotech companies can successfully navigate this landscape. Attendees will gain practical insights to build strong collaborations and stay ahead of evolving industry trends.

Policy decisions increasingly influence how scientific breakthroughs translate into real-world patient outcomes. From drug pricing and FDA reforms to federal R&D funding and access frameworks, today’s policy landscape is shaping the future of biotech. This session explores how these changes affect scientific innovation and patient access—and how leaders in the field can navigate and influence policy to maximize impact.

Explore the frontier of sustainable biotech innovation, where advanced biomanufacturing and synthetic biology converge to address climate change. In this session, we examine how cutting-edge eco-friendly processes are transforming production methods by reducing waste, lowering emissions, and beyond. Join us to discover how the biotech industry is redefining environmental stewardship and turning climate challenges into opportunities for a more resilient, sustainable future.

Build with the endgame in mind. Whether you're aiming for an IPO, a pharma acquisition, or something in between, your exit strategy shapes how you fund, scale, and operate your biotech company. This session unpacks the financial paths biotech companies can take, and what it really takes to get there. We’ll explore the tradeoffs between going public and getting acquired, what each path means for science and team, and how to align your vision with the right long-term outcome. 

An inspirational and pertinent exploration of our responsibilities to our society and our companies, and the ways in which they are connected. What does it mean to truly lead with impact—both within the walls of a company and beyond? In this panel, we’ll explore how biotech leaders can bridge the worlds of enterprise and societal responsibility. As the life sciences industry plays an increasingly prominent role in shaping the future of health, the environment, and equity, the burden—and opportunity—of leadership extends far beyond scientific innovation and shareholder value.

Bob Coughlin’s journey from Massachusetts state legislator to a pivotal figure in the biotech sector is deeply personal and profoundly impactful. As a father to a son with cystic fibrosis, Bob's commitment to advancing medical research and patient advocacy has been a driving force throughout his career. His tenure at MassBio was marked by a relentless focus on fostering public-private partnerships and advocating for policies that catalyzed the growth of Massachusetts into a global biotech hub. Under his leadership, the state's life sciences initiatives flourished, leading to the establishment of Kendall Square as a premier destination for biotech innovation. Bob's belief in the power of policy to drive scientific progress underscores the theme of this keynote: the indispensable role of public policy in shaping the future of biotechnology.

At a time when the value of basic research is being questioned—and funding and freedom of inquiry face increasing pressure—this conversation explores why defending discovery is not just the job of policymakers, but of scientists themselves.