BIO 2026 begins in San Diego, marking 50 years of biotech innovation

The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) International Convention kicks off in San Diego – and 2026 is a special year.

“This is a special year for BIO, and to be back here at Convention in San Diego and in California, the state where biotech started 50 years ago,” said BIO President & CEO John F. Crowley. “For half a century, biotechnology has improved the lives of men and women around the world, providing hope to so many.”

The BIO International Convention is the world’s largest gathering of the biotech industry. Taking place from June 22-25, 20,000 attendees are expected this year, and 70,000 meetings scheduled through the BIO Partnering platform are expected to take place onsite.

The theme of this year’s convention is “Driven by Purpose.” 

“It’s an exciting time and an inflection point. In many ways, our greatest challenges are man-made,” said Crowley. “As we look at all the great needs still out there, never before have we had so many technologies that offer hope to so many.” 

BIO 2026 features AI Summit, special mainstage guests

The 2026 convention will put a special focus on how AI can make innovation faster.

BIO 2026 begins on Monday, June 22, with the second-annual AI Summit, featuring seven marquee panels. Throughout the week, a total of 20 sessions will look at various AI use cases.

“AI systems will likely have a central role in over the next several years in almost every component of the biotech ecosystem,” Joe Franklin, BIO Chief Legal and Policy Officer, told Bio.News.

The birth of the biotech industry, with the founding of Genentech 50 years ago, will be marked during multiple sessions, including a super session on June 23 on strengthening the biopharma ecosystem for the next generation. On June 24, award-winning journalist Katie Couric will moderate a conversation entitled “Driven by Innovation” with Ashley Magargee, CEO of Genentech, and Kimberly Powell, VP of Healthcare at NVIDIA.

Other highlights include actor Gary Sinise, whose foundation supports veterans, first responders, and their families, and who produced an album with his son to raise awareness of chordoma, a rare cancer. INDY NXT racer James Roe will discuss his asthma journey and advocacy, and Notre Dame Football Coach Marcus Freeman will discuss what it means to be “Driven by Purpose,” drawing on lessons in leadership, teamwork, and resilience.

Networking and cutting-edge innovation

Networking and partnering will be an essential part of the BIO International Convention, facilitated by the BIO Partnering system. Whether they’re seeking investment, licensing deals, manufacturers, or development partners, participants can register their interests in advance in the BIO Partnering system. 

The BIO Partnering system will schedule meetings and reserve a meeting location from among the 2,000 meeting rooms and booths set up at the San Diego convention site.

Potential partners seeking new innovations can find a host of examples at the Start-up Stadium, where representatives of 50 exciting emerging biotechs from around the world will pitch their companies on stage.

How to follow our coverage

Bio.News will cover discussions and interview attendees throughout the BIO International Convention to make sure you don’t miss anything important. Themes we’ll be following include how the biotech ecosystem delivers outcomes, pressures on biotech, and the impact of policy.

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