AusBiotech has unveiled the integrated program for the 2026 AusBiotech International Conference and AusMedtech Conference, bringing more than 250 speakers together across approximately 60 sessions on the Gold Coast in October.
The conferences will form part of Australia’s Biggest Week in Biotech, a national life sciences gathering expected to attract about 2,000 delegates from Australia and around the world. Participants will come from the biotechnology, medical technology, health technology, investment, research and government sectors.
For the first time, the AusBiotech International Conference, AusMedtech Conference and AusBiotech Invest will be held during the same week. A growing number of official satellite events will also join the program, creating a major destination for professionals involved in biotech, medtech and health tech.
The integrated program has been developed around the theme Global Impact Together and will take delegates on a connected three-day journey through the opportunities and challenges facing the life sciences sector.
The program will open with discussions on global trends, scientific breakthroughs and emerging technologies shaping the future of biotechnology and medical technology. It will then examine the partnerships, investment, clinical development, manufacturing and commercialisation pathways needed to turn discoveries into real-world outcomes.
The final day will focus on the leadership, collaboration and global connections required to scale innovation, strengthen Australia’s international competitiveness and create lasting benefits for patients, industry and the economy.
More opportunities for companies to present their work have also been included, giving early-stage innovators and scale-ups a chance to reach potential partners and investors. The Early Stage Innovation Forum, BioInnovation Stage and Capital Sprint are expected to be key areas of activity throughout the week.
The 2026 program will also feature a stronger international presence, with global research and development leaders from major companies and investment groups confirmed to participate in partnering activities and the Reverse Pitch program.
AusBiotech CEO Rebekah Cassidy said the new format reflected the increasingly connected nature of Australia’s life sciences ecosystem.
“As Australia’s life sciences peak body, we believe it is important that our events and conferences evolve to support that future. Australia’s Biggest Week in Biotech is an important step in helping to create the scale and momentum our sector needs to succeed on a world stage.”
The first keynote speakers include Dr Atul Gupta, Global Chief Medical Officer for Diagnosis and Treatment at Philips; Bradley Sorenson, Founder and CEO of Providence Therapeutics; Dr Irene Wang, President and Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder of Lin BioScience; and Professor Andrew Wilks, Founder and Managing Director of SYNthesis Bioventures, who will deliver the 2026 Millis Oration.
Further speakers announced for the program include Clay Alspach, Co-founder and Executive Director of the Alliance for mRNA Medicines; Dr Matthew Hewitt, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of the Manufacturing Business Division at Charles River Laboratories; and Dr Donmienne Leung, Europe Head of AbbVie Ventures.
Kate Munnings, a Non-Executive Director at Wesfarmers and former Managing Director and CEO of Virtus Health, will also join the program, along with Craig Rayner, CEO and Co-founder of Oktopi, and Heather Schwoebel, Chief Business Officer at Alloy Therapeutics.
The conference program connects each stage of the innovation journey, from scientific research and company formation to investment, development, manufacturing and commercialisation. It is designed to encourage new thinking, promote collaboration and position Australia as a trusted global partner in the life sciences.
