BIO-Europe 2025: Vienna takes the stage for Europe's leading biotech partnering event
From November 3-5, 2025, Vienna once again affirmed its status as a top-tier destination for innovation, science, and strategic collaboration. Returning to the Austrian capital again after conferences in 2009 and 2013, BIO-Europe celebrated a record-breaking edition with around 6,000 participants from 60 countries, marking the largest event in its 30-year history.
Efficient partnering meets scientific excellence and global outlook
BIO-Europe is more than just a conference - it's a catalyst for innovation, business development and strategic growth. With nearly 33,000 pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings, the event once again proved why it is the premier partnering platform for the biotech industry.
Vienna provided the ideal setting for this global exchange, combining deep scientific roots, a thriving life sciences ecosystem and world-class infrastructure. The VIECON - Vienna Congress & Conference Center served as the main venue, complemented by a festive Welcome Reception at Vienna City Hall and a gala evening at the HOFBURG Vienna - creating a memorable experience that seamlessly blended tradition with innovation.
The official agenda was further enriched by a diverse range of side events held at selected locations across the city, including an exclusive Boehringer Ingelheim site tour, the Europe-China Biotech Business Forum, and a high-level Bloomberg Dinner & Discussion.
Austria's life sciences sector in the spotlight
As Regional Host Sponsor, LISAvienna - the cluster platform for life sciences in Vienna - played a key role in connecting international delegates with Austria's thriving research and business community.
The strong national presence at BIO-Europe underscored the vitality of the Austrian ecosystem: nearly 260 attendees from more than 130 organizations across the country participated in over 2,100 one-on-one meetings - the highest number ever for the Austrian delegation. Thanks to LISAvienna's support, several Austrian start-ups secured presentation slots, gaining valuable visibility with international stakeholders. The Austrian Pavilion under the LISA - Life Science Austria umbrella further contributed to this momentum.
The strong political commitment to the sector was also clearly reflected at the event: In their welcome addresses, the City of Vienna and the Federal Ministry for Economy, Energy and Tourism emphasized the vital importance of the life sciences sector for Austria’s economic landscape. Within this framework, the support provided by Austria Wirtschaftsservice and the Vienna Business Agency represents a crucial foundation.
Thought leadership and timely topics on stage
24 companies and research institutions from Austria presented their innovations in short talks or virtual presentations during the conference. Austrian expertise also played an important role throughout the broader conference program. Highlights included contributions from Regina Hodits (Angelini Ventures) and Michaela Fritz (MedUni Vienna) - two particularly successful women from Austria's life sciences sector.
The content focused on pressing industry themes such as funding and investment strategies, regulatory frameworks, international competitiveness, and diversity in leadership. A notable highlight was the EIB Summit for Women Leaders in Life Sciences, a satellite event that addressed women's health, female leadership and investment gaps in the sector.
Sustainability and inclusion: A shared commitment
BIO-Europe 2025 also set new standards in sustainable event management. Organizers EBD Group, part of Informa Connect implemented a wide-ranging sustainability strategy, including emissions reduction, local sourcing and initiatives supporting responsible travel. In addition, the welcome reception at Vienna City Hall was organized as a "ÖkoEvent". The LISA pavilion also earned its builder the Better Stands Gold Award for implementing an exceptionally sustainable booth concept.
Social inclusion and diversity were core values not only on stage, but throughout the event experience - reinforcing the importance of equitable collaboration in global biotech.
A cultural setting that inspires connection
Beyond business and science, Vienna's cultural charm left a lasting impression. Highlights included an elegant "Alles Walzer" session and performances by young musicians from the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna - experiences that reflected the city's unique ability to combine intellectual excellence with cultural richness.
"By seamlessly blending innovation and tradition, Vienna positioned itself as a premier European life sciences hub and created an exceptional environment for top-tier discussions - discussions that matter more than ever today," said Philipp Hainzl, Managing Director of LISAvienna.
Vienna: Where life sciences meet global potential
Vienna is not only one of Europe's most livable cities - it is also a hotspot for life sciences innovation. Over 750 companies and institutions operate in the sector locally, employing more than 49,000 people. Global players such as Boehringer Ingelheim and Takeda conduct research, production, and distribution in Vienna, while a dynamic start-up scene continues to grow.
The return of BIO-Europe to Vienna once again confirms: the Meeting Destination Vienna provides exceptional conditions for top-tier international events and actively contributes to shaping the future of science and innovation.
Discover BIO-Europe: informaconnect.com/bioeurope
More about LISAvienna: www.lisavienna.at
