October 23, 2026
Registration will remain open throughout the conference.
This practical discussion will explore how biotech leaders are putting AI to work today to improve efficiency, accelerate decision-making, and extend the capabilities of small teams. Panelists will share real-world approaches to company-wide adoption, AI and LLM policies, governance and risk, and identifying the applications that deliver meaningful value without requiring significant infrastructure or resources. CEOs will leave with practical ideas they can apply within their own organizations.
A practical conversation featuring experienced biotech CEOs sharing candid reflections and hard-earned lessons on building companies, leading teams, navigating setbacks, and making critical decisions throughout the CEO journey.
Stephen Brady
Chair, Tempest Therapeutics
Natalie Holles
CEO, Aura Biosciences
Cory Nicholas, Ph.D.
Co-Founder & CEO, Neurona Therapeutics
Jackie Ross
Managing Director, Executive Recruiter & Coach, Russell Reynolds Associates
Maria Soloveychik, Ph.D.
CEO & Co-Founder, SyntheX Bio
Richard Yu
CEO & Co-Founder, Abalone Bio
The wine tasting lunch serves as a complement to the enriching sessions and discussions taking place during the summit. It provides a moment of respite, allowing attendees to recharge, network, and engage with industry peers on a more personal level. The combination of gourmet cuisine, expertly paired wines, and a relaxed atmosphere sets the stage for productive conversations and the formation of lasting connections.
In this informative session, leaders from Alleo Labs, Hexagon Bio, Structure Therapeutics, TPG Life Sciences Innovations and Wilson Sonsini will share real-world insights into effectively navigating the opportunities and risks of engaging with the China life science ecosystem. Designed as a practical guide for biotech CEOs, this session will cover deal structure, identifying the right partners, the operational advantages China can offer and more.
Designed as a real-world tutorial for biotech CEOs and executive teams, this session will walk through how business development deals actually move through large pharmaceutical organizations. From initial interest and term sheets to diligence, internal alignment, deal committees, and final execution, speakers will break down the practical mechanics, workflows, and decision points that shape whether a deal gets done or stalls along the way.
As strategic partnerships become increasingly important to advancing biotech innovation, this discussion will bring together pharma BD&L leaders to share what they are looking for in potential partners and assets. Panelists will explore how opportunities are evaluated, what makes a company stand out, how deals are evolving, and what biotech CEOs can do to position their companies for successful partnerships.
An annual highlight of the CEO Summit, Jon Norris will present a look at the life science financing landscape year-to-date deal activity, where capital is flowing, and the technologies and therapeutic areas attracting investor interest. He will then lead a panel of venture investors exploring how they are deploying capital, what they are looking for in companies and leadership teams, and what biotech CEOs should be thinking about as they position their companies for investment and growth.
Join our esteemed speakers from 5AM Ventures, 8VC, Curie.Bio, Eli Lilly, HSBC Innovation, Pier 70 Ventures and Westlake Village BioPartners as they share their perspectives on the life science landscape, providing attendees with invaluable insights and strategies. Don’t miss this opportunity to join the conversation, interact with key players and explore the future of life science through the lens of venture capital.
Lazar Bojic
VP, Investor Network, Curie.Bio
Mira Chaurushiya, Ph.D.
Managing Director, Westlake Village BioPartners
Max Farina, M.D.
Principal, 5AM Ventures
Susan Liu
Investment Team, 8VC
Tim Luker, Ph.D.
Vice President, Lilly Ventures, West Coast USA Head, Corp BD, Eli Lilly
Jonathan Norris
Managing Director, HSBC Innovation
Preetha Ram, Ph.D.
Managing Partner, Pier 70 Ventures
Unwind from a day of dynamic panel discussions and presentations and join industry peers in continued conversations on the beautiful outdoor patio of Ram’s Gate Winery. Enjoy gourmet food stations and refreshing beverages while taking in the picturesque views of Sonoma. This reception provides an excellent opportunity to network with summit attendees and speakers one final time before the conference closes.