Innovation is no longer a choice - it is survival.
DDIF defines where AI, automation and collaboration transform how science scales.
May 12th and 13th 2026, London
DDIF 2026 - Where Discovery Becomes Design.
An invite-only forum for up to 200 senior leaders in drug discovery and development.
A cohesive programme of keynotes, fireside dialogues and curated meetings built for clarity and action.A space where discovery becomes design - where AI, automation and analytics shape how ideas move from concept to clinic.
Built For The Few Who Move Ideas Into Action.
The future of drug discovery and development powered by AI and quantum innovation.
The Imperative
Because discovery without direction cannot deliver impact.
Data needs discipline. Intelligence needs integration. Insight needs intent.
The future of drug discovery depends on more than innovation.
It requires connected intelligence - where AI, predictive biology and real-world evidence work as one.
DDIF exists to unite data, design and translational science so discovery moves from experimentation to execution with clarity and speed.
It is not a research meeting, it is a blueprint for intelligent discovery.
The goal is to transform data into design
and design into therapies that reach patients faster.
Why It Matters
Innovation is no longer optional - it is survival.
The new wave of drug R&D demands systems that think, learn and evolve.
DDIF matters because discovery must now operate as an intelligent enterprise.
It connects researchers, data scientists and innovators to design evidence-based solutions that are reproducible, ethical and scalable.
By integrating AI, automation and advanced analytics DDIF enables decisions that are predictive, precise and transparent.
It transforms discovery into a living ecosystem where collaboration replaces isolation and intelligence drives every step of progress.
The goal is to accelerate the path from idea to impact through connected discovery that delivers measurable value for patients and partners.
The Approach
DDIF creates the bridge between intelligence and implementation.
It brings together leaders across AI, biology and computation to define the new operating model of digital R&D. Through real-world data, in silico design and automation DDIF shows how intelligence can guide every phase of the discovery continuum.
It replaces silos with shared architecture
and transforms research from linear to adaptive, from reactive to predictive.
This is how science scales - through systems that learn, connect and evolve.
The goal is simple to make discovery as dynamic as the data that drives it.
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
DDIF 2026 // The Four Pillars of Discovery Intelligence Agenda
1. Intelligence
From data to discovery. From discovery to design.
Where AI, predictive biology and real-world evidence create the foundation for faster, smarter decision-making across the R&D continuum.
Why it matters: Captures the shift from isolated data to connected intelligence - defining how discovery evolves through human insight and computational precision.
2. Integration
From silos to systems.
Unifying biology, chemistry and computation through shared data architectures and interoperable design.
Why it matters: Reflects the movement toward translational connectivity - where discovery, development and digital infrastructure align to enable collaboration without compromise.
3. Infrastructure
Where platforms meet purpose.
A digital backbone built on automation, data standards and ethical AI that supports reproducibility, transparency and speed.
Why it matters: Anchors the vision of modern discovery - not as experimentation in isolation, but as an intelligent, validated ecosystem.
4. Impact
From insight to implementation.
Where discovery translates into therapies that reach patients faster through design-led science and accountable innovation.
Why it matters: Grounds the forum in outcomes - showing how intelligent discovery accelerates clinical readiness and delivers measurable progress for patients and partners.
A curated platform where intelligence meets discovery.
AI and quantum design transforming how new therapies are found and delivered.
KEYNOTES & ADVISORY
True impact doesn’t come from being seen. It comes from being heard by the right people at the right moment.
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
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
From Target to IND
AI-Powered Small Molecule Discovery, Drug Repurposing & Translational Strategy
Harsukh Parmar
Independent Consultant, prior to Former SVP, Global Head, Research & Early Development, Immunology & Neurology, Merck Group Kga
Werngard Czechtizky
Executive Director Head Medicinal Chemistry, Respiratory and Immunology at AstraZeneca
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
Patients can't wait. NEITHER can we
Where AI and digitisation accelerate drug discovery to development.
A private platform for leaders shaping intelligent innovation.
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
“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.
