BioTrinity 25, Day Two (2 April): Shaping a vision for life sciences.

There is a palpable sense of opportunity and momentum in the UK life sciences sector. This was the feeling during the second day of OBN’s BioTrinity 2025. Despite global uncertainty, investment is happening and, crucially, the science is still moving forward.

With more than 800 delegates, BioTrinity 2025 has matched the record-breaking attendance from 2024’s event. Building on the positivity and energy of the conference’s first day, the second day saw the delegates immersed in a packed programme of presentations, partnering and networking. Indeed, nearly 10,000 partnering meetings were requested, with 2,000 of these taking place on-site, all designed to fuel deal-making in the sector.

In the Business Track, Tim Davis, from the London Stock Exchange Group, set a positive tone in his keynote speech. He said: “The UK has been through a very difficult overhaul of the listing rules for public companies along with a load of associated reforms. Capital has been constrained and we have lost promising companies to overseas buyers. However, we are now beginning to see capital and new sources of capital emerge. And the government has announced that work is underway to rationalise the 86 local government authority pension schemes, which will see £650 million, hopefully more, find its way to UK companies. I come at all this from the point of view of being a pragmatist who takes this whole subject extremely seriously. But even I am now feeling more optimistic about the future of the UK.”

There was also an insider’s guide to mergers and acquisitions; and the role of the British Business Bank in UK Life Sciences, including its mission to close the gap between investment in UK companies in the UK, and that in the US.

Chaired by Stuart Rose, CEO of OBN, another panel discussed how regulatory updates are impacting R&D SMEs. Here, Kirsty Wydenback, from Weatherden, said that she has seen early-stage biotechs start to re-engage with the MHRA following post-Brexit regulatory challenges. “I think companies are already starting to acknowledge the benefits of coming to the UK for their research.” Lucy Lehane, of Lehane Consulting, concurred: “I am really hopeful, because we have a fantastic world of experts in the UK. We are looked to from other countries for our scientific knowledge.”

BioTrinity 2025 has seen lots of discussion about what it means to be a leader. Ewa Truchanowicz, CEO of Bidshaper, hosted a dynamic debate about how to build an inclusive and collaborative culture to thrive in times of change.

The two science tracks shared a wealth of innovation with delegates; in Science Track One, there was a spotlight on rare diseases, followed by a fascinating series of presentations from companies utilising AI for drug discovery and development. A hot and often controversial topic, the presenters demonstrated how AI can be a force for positive change. This segment was kicked off by Umang Patel, CCIO with Microsoft, who demonstrated how tech and AI can help the NHS at a time when the service is at its most stretched. As well as supporting patients – for example coming up with bespoke narratives to help patients with English as an additional language engage with their treatment and medicine – AI can support overstretched staff. Umang showed how AI could identify particular trials that a patient could be suitable for and instantly generate the letter that could go to the patient.

In Science Track Two, meanwhile, there were insights into: ageing, microbiome and injury; oncology; and synthetic biology.

BioTrinity is organised by OBN, who are committed to catalysing the future of the life sciences sector. This was excitingly illustrated with the second successive day of academic poster showcases. Representatives from universities across the UK each presented a poster displaying their research and breakthroughs.

This is part of OBN’s commitment to help universities access the market. With young talent given a platform, an encouraging economic outlook, delegates connecting with and inspiring each other, and extraordinarily dedicated companies pioneering research and science, BioTrinity 2025 showed that the future is full of opportunity for the UK life sciences sector.