bio:cap: International Life Science and AI Investival set to debut in June 2026

Whether it's innovative pharmaceuticals, personalized medicine or digital drug development – the life sciences are undergoing a profound transformation. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into research, diagnostics, and development is ushering in a new era of innovation. From June 2–3, 2026, bio:cap, an international event format hosted by Messe Berlin, will premiere and actively shape this transition. As a life science and AI Investival – combining investor forum, innovation platform, and networking festival – bio:cap will bring together leading international investors with start-ups, research institutions, and companies from biotech, techbio, diagnostics, and AI, as well as decision-makers from the political sphere, all on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds.

The name bio:cap is a nod to both “biotechnology” and “capital” – as in capital city and financial capital. The event aims to build targeted connections across all areas of the life sciences, including molecular research, translational technologies, and AI-driven business models. Messe Berlin organizes the event in conceptual partnership with Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the Berlin Institute of Health at Charité (BIH). The Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI) provides support. Key partners include the investment banks of Berlin (IBB, including IBB Ventures) and Brandenburg (ILB), among others.

The Investival is aimed at the entire international life science ecosystem. The target audience includes innovative start-ups and companies from the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors, healthcare providers, research institutions, IT, AI and cloud service providers, investors, VC networks, and political leaders.

“We are convinced that life sciences are central to the future of healthcare – from personalized therapies to more precise diagnostics,” says Prof. Heyo K. Kroemer, CEO of Charité. “Investment in biotechnology and health research is key to medical innovation and resilience in our healthcare system driving value – both economically and socially.”

Prof. Christopher Baum, Chair of the BIH Board of Directors and Chief Translational Research Officer of Charité, adds: “Our goal is to translate Germany and Europe’s immense scientific potential into economic strength. bio:cap will play a pivotal role in this, by strategically connecting research, founders, and investors – with a global outlook and future-driven mindset.”

“There has never been a more important or valuable time for interdisciplinary experts to join forces,” underscores Prof. Dr. Ariel Stern, the Alexander von Humboldt Professor of Digital Health, Economics, and Policy at the Hasso Plattner Institute. “With bio:cap, we have a unique opportunity to bring together insiders from industry with experts in life sciences and AI to create real synergy.”

The event’s core will feature strategic matchmaking, curated partnering formats, and high-profile content. The program will include investor pitches, research-driven keynotes, political panel discussions, and reverse pitches from major funds. A key focus will be the role of artificial intelligence in life sciences as a potential game-changer for research, diagnostics, and the development of new therapies.

With its strong research landscape and well-established networks, Berlin provides optimal conditions for life science investment. The unique interaction between science, innovation, and capital establishes the German capital as one of Europe’s most dynamic life science locations — and the perfect setting for bio:cap.

Hinrich Holm, CEO of IBB and Chair of the Supervisory Board at IBB Ventures, notes: "Healthcare is a key sector for Berlin. Over the past three years, IBB and IBB Ventures have invested more than 40 million euros annually in this field. We see even greater potential. There is significant demand for investment in the start-up space to transform the many biotech research and innovation projects emerging in Berlin into economic success, and bio:cap is poised to become the premier venue where ideas and investments converge in an engaging, informal setting. IBB Ventures, one of Germany’s most active VC firms, will play an active role in this endeavor."

With the launch of the fintech festival FIBE in 2024, Messe Berlin has already demonstrated how new event formats can succeed beyond the traditional trade fair model. The company is now applying this concept to the global life sciences sector with bio:cap. Instead of standardized exhibition booths, the event will offer an open, interactive space with stages, dialogue zones, private areas for investor meetings, pitch arenas, and dedicated networking spaces.

“bio:cap is an important addition to our portfolio,” says Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin. “I’m thrilled to have such highly esteemed international partners on board for this new format. Together, we aim to establish bio:cap as Europe’s leading life sciences and AI event. bio:cap will not be a traditional trade fair – it will be a fusion of festival and modern partnering platform, designed to connect start-ups and research institutions with investors, established companies, and political stakeholders. Above all, it’s about networking and matchmaking – in the energetic setting of Berlin, Europe’s start-up capital and one of its most attractive cities.”

The organizers also see bio:cap as a political signal: At a time when global competition for talent, capital, and technology is intensifying, they aim to proactively position European innovation on the world stage.

More information at: www.messe-berlin.de/en/biocap

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About Messe Berlin

Berlin has been a trade fair venue for over 200 years, and for many decades one of the most important worldwide. As the trade fair company owned by the capital, every year Messe Berlin conceives, markets and organises hundreds of live events. It aims to be an outstanding host for visitors to every event, to give individuals an optimum boost for their business and ensure fair conditions for everyone. This approach is reflected in the company’s slogan ‘Messe Berlin – Hosting the World’.

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