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For the patients, we must do better.
18th Annual Drug Discovery to Development Innovation Leaders Summit 2025
The 18th Annual Drug Discovery to Development Innovation Forum 2025 (#DDIF) is an exclusive, invite-only gathering of up to 200 C-suite executives, visionary scientists, and strategic decision-makers shaping the next era of pharmaceutical innovation.
This is more than a conference- it’s a mission-critical forum for those leading the most high-risk, high-reward phase of therapeutic development.
With billions in projected investment flowing into generative AI, explainable AI (XAI), biomarker-based discovery, and precision medicine, this summit focuses on the areas most poised for disruption and action.
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
This is more than a conference
It’s a mission-critical forum for those leading the most high-risk, high-reward phase of therapeutic development.
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
2025 PROGRAMME SNAPSHOT
In an era of rising pressure, regulatory complexity and technological acceleration
this is where Science Meets Purpose - Because For The Patients, We Must Do Better
KEY TOPICS
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Generative AI & explainable AI (XAI) in drug discovery and trial design
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Quantum-accelerated screening & biomarker-driven pipelines
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AI/ML integration with genomics, protein prediction, and lab operations
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Re-engineering Phase 3 success through adaptive, AI-informed trial models
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Preparing for trade policy volatility with smarter R&D investment choices
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Connecting CROs, digital partners, and sponsors in a shared purpose ecosystem
INDUSTRY SECTORS
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Biopharmaceutical and drug discovery companies
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Clinical research organisations (CROs & IROs)
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Genomics and personalised medicine firms
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AI, ML, and data science platforms
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Healthcare venture capital & investors
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Government and regulatory agencies
WHY ATTEND?
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Navigate Phase 3 complexity with new tools and models
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Explore the impact of XAI and generative AI in R&D
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Learn how to integrate AI into drug development pipelines
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Build strategic partnerships with CROs and tech leaders
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Benchmark innovation strategies with global peers
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Align purpose-driven leadership with patient-centric impact
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
What’s at Stake
As global leaders face mounting trade tariffs, supply chain fragility, and regulatory divergence, the lab of the future is under pressure to deliver faster, smarter, and more securely. Meanwhile, the demand for AI-integrated discovery, real-time data transparency, and scalable clinical design continues to outpace infrastructure and internal readiness
In this new environment, Phase 3 trials have become risk epicenters, and innovation itself must be
de-risked through better alignment, explainability, and investment 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
We empower decision-makers to think boldly, act ethically, and lead with clarity - because the stakes have never been higher.
For the patients, we must do better.
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
