For the patients, we must do better.
Where discovery meets development with results
Invite only.
London, May 12th and 13th 2026
The 17th Annual DDIF 2026
An invite only forum for up to 200 senior leaders in drug discovery and development.
A cohesive programme with keynotes and fireside chats.
A networking dinner for real connections.
Curated one to one meetings and concierge introductions.
Selective partner showcases on AI led design target discovery translational strategy and IND readiness. Runs alongside CGTI 2026 so discovery clinical and CMC align end to end.
What makes it different
Chatham House Rule
Cohesive agenda and fireside talks
Curated meetings
No noise
Who should attend
C-suite and SVP/VP/Director leaders in discovery translational medicine clinical development data science and digital plus senior platform and product owners at pharma biotech CROs and enabling tech.
Outcome
Decisions not footfall. Clear actions you can execute on Monday.
Agenda Insight
A private programme for senior leaders
ends with clear actions, outcomes And Impact
ACTION
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AI led design to first in human
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Structure prediction to mechanism
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Translational biomarkers by design
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Patient engagement and real world data
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Quantum compute for discovery
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FAIR data and lab automation
OUTCOMES
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Shorten cycles and raise hit quality
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Improve triage for hard targets
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Reduce pivotal risk and support filing
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Turn insight into measurable outcomes
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Expand design space and speed modelling
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Traceable decisions from target to IND
IMPACT
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Model to mechanism checklist
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Target triage matrix and next experiments
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Assay readiness checklist and evidence plan
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Patient evidence plan with KPIs
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Quantum pilot plan and use cases
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FAIR data contract and automation playbook
PAST SPEAKERS
Laura Matz
Chief Science & Technology Officer
Merck
Richard Bickerton
Chief System
Scientist Exscientia
Chris Gibson
CEO
Recursion
Fred Manby
CEO
Iambic Therapeutics
Craig Johnstone
Chief Operating Officer
Evotec
Ashwini Ghogare
Head of AI and Automation for Drug Discovery
Merck
These conversations matter - because the world can’t wait and neither can patients.
KEYNOTES & ADVISORY
“True impact doesn’t come from being seen. It comes from being heard—by the right people, at the right moment.”
Werngard Czechtizky
Executive Director Head Medicinal Chemistry, Respiratory and Immunology at AstraZeneca
Type of Job Titles Attending:
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CEO
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CSO
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CTO
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CIO
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EVP/SVP/VP
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Director
Type of Companies Attending:
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Pharmaceutical Organizations
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Pharma and Research Institutions
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Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations
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Government and Regulatory Agencies
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Biotech Companies
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Drug Discovery Solution Providers
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Digital health and software providers
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Logistics and supply chain companies
From Target to IND
AI-Powered Small Molecule Discovery, Drug Repurposing & Translational Strategy
WHY ATTEND
Engage in thought-provoking discussions on challenges and opportunities facing the drug discovery industry
Revolutionize R&D through AI & Machine Learning
In-Person only attendance of up to 200 decision-makers
Maximise your time by taking part in our exclusive pre-qualified one-to-one networking service
Hear exclusively from renowned leaders presenting on challenges when leveraging digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and machine learning in your innovation cycle
Leveraging AI to unblock drug discovery, drug repurposing and target validation
Explore the latest advancements, breakthroughs, and innovative approaches in the quest for new drugs and therapies
Uncover novel therapeutics targets, drug candidates, and innovative approaches that can drive the development of life-changing treatments
Journey of a CXO - witness in person The Why? The journey and destination of some of the most inspirational CXO’s in the industry
Why It Matters
Whether you're advancing a focused small molecule portfolio or leading R&D across modalities, this gathering is built for executive teams ready to rethink how innovation moves - from discovery to IND with speed, rigor and digital fluency.
WHY SPONSOR
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Meet qualified C-level buyers and innovation leads
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Position your solutions at the heart of decision-making
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Align your brand with next-generation drug innovation
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Engage in 1:1 meetings with high-value prospects
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Drive commercial outcomes in a curated, focused environment
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Showcase how your technology accelerates ethical innovation
SPONSOR BENEFITS
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Speaking slots in high-impact spotlight sessions
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Hosted private roundtables with senior delegates
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Pre-qualified 1:1 partnering meetings
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Premium visibility across digital and onsite branding
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Deep engagement with R&D and commercial leaders
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Access to real-world insights on strategic buying cycles
WHO ATTENDS?
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Chief Scientific Officer (CSO)
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Head of R&D
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Head of Drug Discovery
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Translational Medicine
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VP/Director of Computational Biology - Bioinformatics - Data Science
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Head of Innovation - AI Strategy - Outsourcing - Integration - Digital Transformation
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Business Development - Corporate Strategy Teams
THE NUMBERS
200+
Up to 200 decision-makers in person. Previous attendee demographics include 50% EMEA, 30% America and 20% ROW
20%
20% best-of-breed vendors supporting the drug discovery industry
06
Journey of CXO presentations. Six insightful, powerful and inspirational talks from CXOs in the industry
02
Exclusive in-person networking, over 2 days in Barcelona 2025
7+
Pre-scheduled and pre-qualified one-to-one meetings with delegates who can either influence or make a decision
90%
Over 90% of our attendance provided positive feedback. Please click here to see what our delegation has to say
Innovation imperative: Co-locating CGTI & DDIF 2025
As the life sciences landscape evolves, so must how we lead. Co-locating CGTI & DDIF 2025 brings together discovery, development, and delivery. We can no longer afford to make decisions in isolation. We must break silos, challenge our own perspectives, and collaborate across the full continuum.
If you influence strategy, this is a space to see the bigger picture, and engage with peers shaping the future. It’s not just timely, it’s necessary.
“More Than a Ticket. It’s Your Seat at the Table.”
Join a private forum where purpose meets progress. At GBX, expect powerful conversations, trusted connections and the space to shape what’s next. No distractions - just the people, ideas and momentum that move industries forward.
“More Than a Ticket. It’s Your Seat at the Table.”
Join a private forum where purpose meets progress. At GBX, expect powerful conversations, trusted connections and the space to shape what’s next. No distractions - just the people, ideas and momentum that move industries forward.
