Bayer Co.Lab Connect Basel 2026
Bayer Co.Lab Connect Basel: Swiss Biotech, Global Expansion, and the Next Wave of Breakthrough Science
Join Bayer Co.Lab and Superlab Suisse for a focused evening bringing together Swiss life science startups, international investors, KOLs, ecosystem partners, and Bayer BD&L and R&D leadership to explore global growth, strategic partnering, and the next wave of breakthrough science.
We are honored to welcome Dr. Greg Verdine, renowned Harvard chemical biologist and serial entrepreneur, for an exclusive fireside chat on innovation, entrepreneurship, and global biopharma. Drawing on his experience founding and building companies including Parabilis Medicines, which completed a $770M record-setting biotech IPO in June; Warp Drive Bio, whose scientific foundation helped enable Daraxonrasib’s the development and was approved in September; LifeMine Therapeutics, which recently raised $236M in August for safer immunosuppressants; and Wave Life Sciences, Dr. Verdine will share perspectives on translating breakthrough science into transformative businesses.
The event will offer practical perspectives on company building, cross-border growth, and strategic partnering, with support and experts from Qiming, Goodwin, and WuXi AppTec. We will also celebrate the Bayer Co.Lab Connect Basel competition with the Superpass Award and the Superpass – Rising Stars Award.
Why Attend?
Engage directly with Bayer BD&L and R&D leadership
Hear from Dr. Greg Verdine on company creation, new modalities, and the journey from breakthrough science to global impact
Learn how Swiss startups can access international markets, partners, and capital
Celebrate selected emerging biotech companies
Build relationships with investors, entrepreneurs, legal experts, and ecosystem partners
Program
16:30
Doors Open & Welcome Reception
Arrival, registration, and informal networking.
17:15
Welcoming Remarks
By Juergen Eckhardt, MD, EVP, Head of Bayer Pharma BD&L, and Xi Zhang, CEO of Superlab Suisse.
17:25
Panel Discussion: Taking Biotech Innovation Global
A 30-minute discussion moderated by Dr. Friedemann Janus, with Mark McDade, Partner at Qiming US; Robert Puopolo, Partner at Goodwin; Ruben Herrendorff, CEO of NXI Therapeutics; and Alice Zhang, Senior Director Strategy at WuXi AppTec. The panel will explore what it takes to scale biotech innovation across borders, from investment and legal strategy to company building and industry partnerships.
18:00
Fireside Chat with Guest of Honor Greg Verdine
Dr. Greg Verdine will join Sybil Williams, Head of Oncology Research at Bayer, and Nicole Schmidt, Head of Immunology Research at Bayer, for a conversation on translating academic breakthroughs, drugging the undruggable, the anatomy of a biopharma mega-deal while navigating global ecosystems.
18:35
Bayer Co.Lab Connect Basel Awards
Announcement and recognition of the Bayer Co.Lab Connect Basel competition winners, including the Superpass Award and the Superpass – Rising Stars Award, each worth CHF 50,000.
18:45
Networking Session
Continue the conversation with founders, investors, Bayer BD&L and R&D leaders, and ecosystem partners over food and refreshments.
20:00
Event Close
Please note that seats are limited and registration is subject to confirmation.
We look forward to welcoming you to Basel for an evening of sharp science, global perspective, and meaningful connections.
Best regards,
Friedemann Janus, PhD
Bayer AG
Senior Vice President, Business Development & Licensing
Alberto Nobili, PhD
Bayer U.S. LLC
Vice President and Head of Bayer Co.Lab Cambridge
Xi Zhang
Superlab Suisse AG
Founder & CEO
Important Notice!
Photos will be taken at this event. If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please inform the photographer directly.
About Bayer Co.Lab Connect
Bayer Co.Lab Connect is part of Bayer's global innovation ecosystem, linking outstanding startups with expertise, mentorship, investors, and innovation hubs around the world. The program helps entrepreneurs transform scientific excellence into global impact while maintaining independence and entrepreneurial freedom.