Central European BioForum

06/05/2026

🎬 CEBioForum 2026 in a nutshell – watch the highlights!

What happens when science meets , innovation meets capital, and ideas turn into partnerships?

Take a look at the official highlights video from , held on April 22–23 in Warsaw – and experience the energy, conversations, and collaborations that define our community.

Over two dynamic days, we brought together leaders of and from across Central & Eastern Europe and beyond – creating a space for meaningful dialogue, knowledge exchange, and real opportunities for growth.

From insightful discussions on funding and innovation, to that sparks long-term partnerships – this is what CEBioForum is all about.

▶️ Watch the video and relive the moments that made this edition truly special.

Thank you to everyone who co-created this year’s event – speakers, partners, and participants.

Let’s keep building the future of together.

30/04/2026

🏆 CEBioForum Awards 2026 – Winners Announced!

One of the key highlights of every annual is the CEBioForum Awards, where we recognize individuals and companies that have recently achieved outstanding success, actively support the development of , and inspire others to take action.

This year, the Jury faced no easy task – selecting just one in each category was truly challenging. However, the final results are as follows:

▶️ R&D collaboration - Projekt iQ-007 (JU & iQure Pharma) - successfully bridging academia and industry to advance a first-in-class therapy from discovery to clinical stage, demonstrating an effective and scalable model of translational innovation

▶️ Innovative startup - Labtree - building a novel -powered infrastructure layer that captures and structures experimental knowledge, enabling reproducible, data-driven scientific discovery and addressing a fundamental bottleneck in life sciences R&D.

▶️ Most Influential Person - Jarosław Biliński - pioneering next-generation therapeutics, successfully translating cutting-edge research into scalable clinical innovation, and for his exceptional public engagement in integrating the biotech and promoting scientific research.

▶️ Impact Investor - Hard2Beat - for supporting the growth of biotech companies from the earliest stages and for strategic investments in high-potential projects such as Melanos Care and Pikralida

▶️ Jury Awards - Paweł Przewięźlikowski - for his long-standing contributions to the development of the Polish biotechnology ecosystem, including his recent engagement in the “Budzimy Innowacje” initiative and the Future Council

👏 We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to this year’s Jury for their collaboration and insightful discussions: Kinga Matuła (Qurigen), Tomasz Berchiet (Grupa4), Zbigniew Leś (The Heart), Magdalena Kołodziejska (NCBR), Łukasz Rąbalski (Vaxican).

✨ This year’s awards gala took on a new and exceptional format – thank you to everyone who joined us for the evening at the Westin Hotel! We hope you had a fantastic time – we will do our best to keep the bar just as high next year!

30/04/2026

STEP funding decoded: what biotech innovators need to know 💡

During , we spoke with Dr Anna Czarnecka (Strategic Expert) from the National Centre for Research and Development about the STEP initiative – one of the key funding instruments shaping the future of biotechnology in Europe. The financial support is provided by the European Funds for Smart Economy programme.

🏅 As our Gold Partner, NCBR plays a pivotal role in supporting innovation across , and is a prime example of how public funding is evolving to meet the needs of high-impact, high-potential projects.

In the interview, Dr Czarnecka breaks down the fundamentals of STEP, explaining what distinguishes this instrument from other funding schemes available to the sector. She highlights its strong strategic focus and clearly addresses the more demanding financial requirements that applicants must be prepared for.

💡 What makes STEP stand out among other instruments supporting biotech innovation?

💡 Which projects are most likely to receive funding under the STEP – Biotechnologies calls?

This conversation offers valuable, practical insight for , researchers, and companies looking to navigate the increasingly competitive funding landscape.

🎯 If you are developing solutions in biotech and considering public funding, this is essential reading.

👉 Explore the full and learn how to position your project for STEP.

29/04/2026

29/04/2026

It wasn’t quiet without a reason… 👀

completely absorbed us over the past days — and now we’re finally back with you!

In the meantime, many of you shared your own perspectives 💬 — we’ve seen amazing posts, photos, and reflections across LinkedIn. Thank you for that energy! And don’t worry — we’re just getting started with a full series of highlights coming soon 📸

Today, we simply want to say one thing: THANK YOU 🙌

✨ Nearly 400 participants

🏢 30 exhibitors

🎤 9 discussion panels

🧠 50+ expert speakers

🤝 And hundreds of B2B meetings in our networking zone

This is what was all about — real connections, meaningful conversations, and new opportunities across and .

For two intensive days, we met at CIC Warsaw — a space filled with ideas, innovation, and collaboration 🚀

And we celebrated that with a truly special evening at The Westin Warsaw ✨ — highlighting the people who make this community so unique.

These moments stay with us. And we hope — with you too.

Huge thanks to our partners, speakers, exhibitors, and all participants 💙

Stay tuned — more insights, takeaways, and highlights are coming soon 👇

19/04/2026

🔴 CEBioForum 2026 | Special Announcement

We are honored to welcome Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz, Minister of Funds and Regional Policy, as our Guest of Honor at the Opening Ceremony of .

CEBioForum has for over 20 years brought together innovators, business leaders, investors, and policymakers—creating a unique space where science meets capital and strategy.

🇵🇱 This is exactly where public policy becomes critical.

As the Minister responsible for European and national development funds, Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz plays a key role in shaping the landscape in Poland and across CEE - supporting R&D, infrastructure, and high-growth sectors such as , medtech, and health innovation.

💡 At a time when:

▶️ access to capital defines the pace of innovation

▶️ public-private alignment becomes a competitive advantage

▶️ and Europe is strengthening its strategic autonomy in life sciences

— this perspective is more important than ever.

Her presence at the Opening Ceremony highlights the growing importance of policy, funding, and strategic direction in building a strong ecosystem.

📍 Join us in Warsaw, April 22–23

Be part of the conversations shaping the future of biotech in Central & Eastern Europe.

🔗 https://cebioforum.com/cebioforum2026_tickets/

17/04/2026

❓ Can we make drug development smarter — and finally reduce the 93% failure rate?

The gap between lab discoveries and clinical success remains one of the biggest challenges in . With increasing pressure on efficiency, cost, and predictability, the need for more advanced and translationally relevant testing approaches has never been greater.

At , this panel will explore how science is evolving to make preclinical research more predictive, reliable, and aligned with clinical outcomes.

▶️ “Smarter Science: Quo Vadis Testing” will focus on:

🧬 improving the predictive value of preclinical models

🧬 new approach methodologies (NAMs) and translational platforms

🧬 balancing innovation with regulatory expectations

🧬 increasing efficiency without compromising scientific rigor

🎤 Moderator – Przemko Tylzanowski (KU Lueven, Medical University of Lublin)

👥 Speakers:

▪️ Marta Gajewska (SGGW / PolLASA)

▪️ Piotr Podlasz (University of Warmia and Mazury)

▪️ Ewa Sokolowska (Transpharmation Poland)

▪️ Tomasz Trombik (Medical University of Lublin)

💡 This panel brings together leading experts in preclinical research and translational science. With deep experience in animal models, neuroscience, oncology, and experimental medicine — spanning both academia and industry — the speakers develop and apply advanced platforms to better predict clinical outcomes. Their work directly addresses one of the most critical bottlenecks in drug development: turning promising science into effective therapies.

This session is essential for researchers, biotech companies, and R&D leaders working to build more efficient and reliable innovation pipelines.

🚨 Last call — secure your spot now:

👉 https://cebioforum.com/cebioforum2026_tickets/

📍 Warsaw | April 22–23, 2026

16/04/2026

❓ Can Central & Northern Europe become a true biotech powerhouse — or will fragmentation hold it back?

The region is gaining momentum as a competitive player in the global landscape — combining strong science, growing innovation capacity, and increasingly active ecosystems. Yet challenges in scaling, commercialization, and cross-border collaboration continue to slow down its full potential.

At , this panel will examine how Central and Northern Europe can move from promise to global impact.

▶️ “Central and Northern Europe Biotech Landscape: Opportunities for Growth” will explore:

🧬 how the region positions itself in the global biotech race

🧬 key advantages vs structural gaps in funding and scaling

🧬 bridging the gap between research and market application

🧬 strengthening cross-border collaboration and ecosystem integration

🎤 Moderator – Aleksandra Kubica-Misztal

👥 Speakers:

▪️ Magdalena Kołodziejska (National Centre for Research and Development – NCBR)

▪️ Petra Kinzlová (Prague.bio)

▪️ Iva Machová (i&i Prague)

▪️ Adam Pustelnik (City of Łódź)

▪️ Agne Vaitkeviciene (Avaitis / LithuaniaBIO)

💡 This panel brings together leaders shaping biotech ecosystems across the region. With experience spanning public sector strategy, international collaboration, technology transfer, investment support, and company building, the speakers actively develop frameworks that enable innovation to scale. Their perspectives reflect both policy-level and operational realities of building competitive biotech hubs in Central and Northern Europe.

This session is essential for , policymakers, and ecosystem builders working to unlock the next phase of and regional growth.

🚨 Last call — secure your spot now:

👉 https://cebioforum.com/cebioforum2026_tickets/

📍 Warsaw | April 22–23, 2026

15/04/2026

🚀 Endolink joins as a Silver Partner – Advancing Endovascular Innovation! 🔬💡

We’re excited to welcome Endolink as a Silver Partner of ! 🎉

Endolink is a specialized company focused on delivering innovative solutions for endovascular treatment, particularly in the management of aneurysms and dissections of the abdominal and thoracic aorta. With a strong foundation built on , experience, and carefully selected technologies, the company supports clinicians with advanced tools for minimally invasive, life-saving procedures.

Mission & Vision

Endolink’s mission is to provide modern solutions that expand possibilities in endovascular therapy. The company aims to become a trusted provider of unique and highly innovative medical devices, strengthening the between patients, physicians, and technology through quality and reliability.

About the Company

Operating in the medical device market since 2009, Endolink has continuously developed its portfolio — from vascular grafts to advanced stentgrafts and specialized endovascular systems. Today, the company focuses on distributing highly specialized, niche products that often have no direct competition, supporting cutting-edge treatment of complex conditions.

At the intersection of medtech, , and clinical innovation, Endolink reflects the direction of modern healthcare — toward precision, minimally invasive therapies, and improved patient outcomes.

📅 Join us on April 22–23, 2026

📍 CIC Warsaw, Poland

Meet innovators, clinicians, and industry shaping the future of biotech and medtech in Central and Eastern Europe.

🔗 Secure your spot and be part of the conversation!

https://cebioforum.com/cebioforum2026_tickets/

15/04/2026

❓ Can great science speak for itself — or does need better to succeed?

In life sciences, breakthrough innovation alone is not enough. To attract partners, , and talent, companies must translate complex into narratives that are both credible and compelling.

At , this panel will explore how biotech and pharma organizations can communicate innovation effectively — across audiences, markets, and stages of growth.

▶️ “Biotech in Translation: How to Tell the Story of ” will focus on:

🧬 translating complex science into clear, impactful messages

🧬 building trust and credibility across

🧬 aligning with business development and growth

🧬 how storytelling shapes perception, partnerships, and market success

🎤 Moderator – Jakub Knurek (Mabion)

👥 Speakers:

▪️ Maryam Daneshpour (Biotech & Pharma Market Research)

▪️ Ewa Kasprzak (Twist Bioscience)

▪️ Mariusz Popin (HAYS Poland)

▪️ Bilyana Petrova (JPP – Life Sciences Marketing & BD)

💡 This panel brings together experts operating at the intersection of science, business, and communication. With backgrounds spanning biotech R&D, market research, executive recruitment, and strategic marketing, the speakers work daily on translating scientific value into real-world outcomes — from positioning and employer branding to development. Their combined experience shows how effective communication directly impacts growth, trust, and ecosystem visibility.

This session is essential for founders, BD leaders, and communication professionals looking to elevate how innovation is understood and valued.

🚨 Last call — secure your spot now:

👉 https://cebioforum.com/cebioforum2026_tickets/

📍 Warsaw | April 22–23, 2026