Join us for SUND’s Annual Celebration of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Life Science

You are invited to an inspiring afternoon with great networking opportunities and exciting ideas. We’re bringing together researchers, staff, students, and experts from industry, the innovation ecosystem, and venture capital to celebrate and explore innovation in life science.

The Programme for 2026 (preliminary programme; subject to minor changes)

From Discovery to Translation – From Excellence to Impact

12.30: Arrival, networking & coffee

13.00: Welcome & introduction w. Trine Winterø (SUND).

13.10: International Reality Check: Building Translational Ecosystems in a Changing World

Join ecosystem leaders from Boston, London, and Copenhagen in discussing the building blocks of successful translational innovation ecosystems, the capabilities needed to turn discoveries into impact, and the strategic opportunities for Denmark and Copenhagen moving forward.

Speakers: Maggie O'Toole, Chief Operating Officer, LabCentral, Ed McGowan, Head of Translational Science, The Francis Crick Institute, Annemarie Munk Riis, Chief Executive Officer, Innovation District Copenhagen (IDC)

14.00: Pitch #1 and presentation of UCPH:BII Life Science Innovation Award

14.15: Break & networking

14.35: Understanding the Translation Gap: The Missing Middle Between Discovery and Application

What does it take to move discoveries beyond the lab and into society? Join translational leaders as they share lessons learned and insights into the skills, infrastructure, partnerships, and expertise required to translate research discoveries into real-world applications.

Speakers: Lars Grønlykke, Principal BioInnovation Institute (BII), Sarah Callens, Chief Technology Officer, Cellerator. More speakers TBA.

15.10: Pitch #2 – UCPH:BII Life Science Innovation Award

15.20: Break & networking

15.35: Redefining Translation in the Age of AI

A forward-looking discussion on how AI, expanding data resources, and evolving innovation ecosystems are transforming the journey from scientific excellence to scalable impact, entrepreneurship, and commercialization.

Speakers: Lars Fogh Iversen, Innovation and Ecosystem Leader & former SVP at Novo Nordisk, Karen Skjerbæk Jørgensen, CCO & Vice President Digital Health, Trifork. More speakers TBA.

16.10: From Discovery to Impact: Choosing the Path Forward
What choices matter most if we want more discoveries to reach society? A discussion on the priorities, investments, and leadership decisions needed to accelerate translation and strengthen innovation ecosystems.

Speakers: Maggie O'Toole, Chief Operating Officer, LabCentral, Ed McGowan, Head of Translational Science, The Francis Crick Institute, Annemarie Munk Riis, Chief Executive Officer, Innovation District Copenhagen (IDC).

16.30: Pitch #3 – UCPH:BII Life Science Innovation Award

16.40: Prize ceremony UCPH:BII Life Science Innovation Award 2025

16.50: Closing reception & networking

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at innovation@sund.ku.dk.