Bayer Co.Lab Joins RESI Boston 2026 as Title Sponsor 

By Claire Jeong, Chief Conference Officer, Vice President of Investor Research, Asia BD, LSN

Life Science Nation (LSN) is excited to welcome Bayer Co.Lab as a Title Sponsor of RESI Boston 2026, taking place September 22-23 at the Westin Copley Place in Boston, with virtual partnering continuing September 25 and 28-29.

Bayer Co.Lab is Bayer’s global network of life science incubators supporting early-stage entrepreneurs developing breakthrough technologies. By connecting emerging companies with scientific expertise, mentorship, infrastructure, and Bayer’s broader global network, Co.Lab provides an environment designed to help innovators advance promising science and build the relationships needed for future growth.

Bayer Co.Lab’s mission is closely aligned with RESI’s focus on connecting early-stage life science and healthcare companies with investors, strategic partners, and industry leaders who can accelerate breakthrough therapies.

Bayer Co.Lab’s will be sponsoring a 2-hour session at RESI Boston 2026:

Connecting Asian Biotech Innovation with Global Partners: A Bayer Co.Lab Showcase

Tuesday, September 22, 2:00 – 4:00pm EST

The showcase will bring seven emerging biotechnology companies from Korea and Japan to the RESI stage, highlighting innovative approaches across various therapeutic modalities.

RSVP for Bayer Co.Lab Showcase

artiCure | Korea
artiCure
Tumor-selective replicating gene therapy targeting solid tumors

Crafton Biotechnology | Japan
Crafton-Biotechnology
mRNA therapeutics supported by advanced computational approaches

Curigin | Korea
Curigin
RNA-based therapeutic technologies across multiple disease areas

Elisigen | Korea
Elisigen
Next-generation gene therapy with programs in ophthalmology

Genome & Company | Korea
Genome-Company
Microbiome-driven therapeutic discovery and development

ILIAS Biologics | Korea
ILIAS-Biologics
Exosome-based therapeutics for inflammatory and fibrotic diseases

Kanjin Therapeutics | Japan
Kanjin-Therapeutics
RNA therapeutics, including siRNA and antisense approaches, for areas of unmet medical need

The program reflects a growing opportunity to connect promising innovation emerging from Asian biotech ecosystems with global pharmaceutical partners, investors, and other strategic collaborators. By bringing Korean and Japanese companies directly into the RESI community, the showcase will create a forum for companies to present their science, build international relationships, and explore pathways for global development and partnership.

Meet Bayer at RESI Boston

Bayer will have a strong presence at RESI Boston, with senior representatives spanning Co.Lab and BD & Licensing departments.

Alberto Nobili
Alberto Nobili

Sr. Director, Strategy and Portfolio at Co.Lab
Nobuhiro Kazama
Nobuhiro Kazama

Head of Collaborate to Cure Japan Hub
Ilona-Gutcher
Ilona Gutcher

Senior Director, BD&L Oncology
Carla Klattenhoff
Carla Klattenhoff

Senior Director / Scientific US Lead for Research and Early Development in CV, Renal and Immunology
Shivaranjani-Sridharan
Shivaranjani Sridharan

Executive Director, Business Development & Licensing

Their participation gives RESI attendees an opportunity to engage with Bayer leaders representing multiple areas of scientific and strategic interest and to gain greater insight into how a global pharmaceutical company approaches external innovation and collaboration.

Bringing Global Innovators Together in Boston

RESI has always been built around a simple idea: great science can come from anywhere, but moving it forward requires the right connections.

Bayer Co.Lab’s participation as Title Sponsor of RESI Boston 2026 reinforces that mission. From supporting emerging entrepreneurs to creating new connections between Asian biotech innovators and the global life science ecosystem, the collaboration will bring another important dimension to this year’s RESI Boston.

Join Bayer Co.Lab and the global early-stage life science community at RESI Boston 2026!

Building the Innovation Bridge Between Japan and the World

By Claire Jeong, Chief Conference Officer, Vice President of Investor Research, Asia BD, LSN

Japan has world-class science, deep pharmaceutical expertise, and a rich pipeline of emerging life science technology. It is now delivering an innovation bridge that connects that innovation to the global life science community.

At RESI Boston 2026, our 8th annual Global Family Office BioForum Luncheon will bring together international family offices for a private, invitation-only conversation about the emerging bridge between Japan and the rest of the world. I will be joined by Keiko Kobayashi of the Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster (KBIC) and Rick Berenson, Managing Director of Venzyme Catalyst.

KBIC is one of Japan’s largest life science clusters, and our work together is centered on three objectives: helping Japanese technology assets enter the global arena, bringing international investors and strategic partners closer to Japan’s innovation ecosystem, and fostering cross-border investment syndicates that connect Japanese and international investors around opportunities in both markets.

The pieces are coming together. KBIC brings the Japanese ecosystem, company pipeline, and government relationships. Venzyme Catalyst brings early-stage assessment, shaping, and de-risking. LSN brings commercialization preparation, RESI, BD Assist, and its global network of investors and licensing partners. Keiko will share what KBIC is building in Japan, while Rick and I will explain how the commercialization engine connects regional innovation to the global marketplace.

Then we will do what has made the BioForum work for eight years: get out of the way and let the room work. The real value is the conversation among family offices as they compare perspectives, share experiences, and build relationships with peers. Attendance is limited and by invitation only. Family offices interested in attending can reply to this newsletter or contact Life Science Nation to request an invitation.

Global Family Office BioForum Luncheon
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 12:00 to 1:00 pm
Westin Copley Place, Boston
Private and invitation only

RSVP for GFOB Here

Featuring:

Dennis Ford

Dennis Ford
Founder of Life Science Nation, Creator of RESI, and Architect of LSN Labs
Rick Berenson

Rick Berenson
Managing Director, Venzyme Catalyst
Keiko Kobayashi

Keiko Kobayashi
Business Strategies, Head of International Ecosystem Development, KBIC
Register for RESI Boston


More Investors. More Opportunities. More Momentum. 

By Claire Jeong, Chief Conference Officer, Vice President of Investor Research, Asia BD, LSN

Investor interest in RESI Boston is building quickly as the launch of the RESI partnering platform approaches on Monday, August 17. With partnering just days away, investor registrations are expected to accelerate further as firms prepare to identify companies and begin scheduling one-on-one meetings.

In five days of investor registration, more than 30 investor firms signed up to participate, reinforcing RESI’s position as one of the premier partnering events for early-stage life science companies seeking capital and strategic partnerships.

Recently Confirmed Investors (Last 5 Days)

Explore the full RESI Boston investor list here.

These new registrations join a growing community of investors from across venture capital, corporate venture, family offices, angel groups, foundations, and strategic investment organizations, creating even more opportunities for meaningful one-on-one meetings.

🏷️ Save $300 on RESI Boston Registration
Secure your pass before Early Bird rates end this Friday, August 14th to get full access to investor partnering!
Register & Save

Already, more than 200 investors representing over 150 global investor firms have registered for RESI Boston, with additional investors continuing to join each week.

As the investor roster continues to grow, so do the opportunities to connect with the partners who can help move your company forward.

Register now to join one of the industry’s most active life science partnering events. Early Bird pricing ends Friday, August 14, giving attendees one last opportunity to save $300 before standard rates take effect.

RESI Boston 2026 Agenda Announced: Two Days of Investor Insights, Partnership Strategy, and Networking

By Claire Jeong, Chief Conference Officer, Vice President of Investor Research, Asia BD, LSN

The agenda for RESI Boston 2026 is here, offering attendees an in-depth look at the conversations shaping the future of early-stage life science investment. Taking place September 22–23 at The Westin Copley Place in Boston, followed by virtual partnering days on September 25, 28, and 29, the expanded two-day in-person conference delivers more opportunities than ever to connect with investors, strategic partners, and industry leaders.

This year’s program reflects the evolving priorities of the healthcare investment ecosystem, with sessions designed to help innovators better understand today’s fundraising environment while building the relationships needed to move their companies forward.

Day one begins by exploring why Boston remains one of the world’s premier biotechnology hubs before examining key topics including partnering with health systems, how venture investors evaluate early-stage therapeutics, securing pharmaceutical partnerships, corporate venture capital strategies, digital health innovation, and the growing influence of family offices in healthcare investing. The day also features the Global Family Office Bioforum (GFOB), an invite-only private networking lunch that brings together select family office investors for high-value discussions and relationship building.

On day two, programming shifts toward emerging investment trends with sessions highlighting angel investing, women’s health, impact investing, and the increasingly important role of mission-driven capital. The conference concludes with two Reverse VC Pitch sessions, where investors take the stage to present directly to entrepreneurs, providing attendees with valuable insight into investment priorities, fund strategies, and what investors are actively seeking in new opportunities. The day also features the exclusive Global VC Connect Lunch, creating another dedicated opportunity for venture capital investors to build meaningful connections.

As always, RESI programming is designed to provide practical insights rather than theory. Whether attendees are preparing for their next fundraising round, pursuing strategic partnerships, or looking to better understand today’s investment landscape, every panel is curated to deliver actionable perspectives from experienced investors and industry leaders.

Combined with RESI’s partnering platform and three additional days of virtual meetings, the conference offers a comprehensive environment for companies seeking to advance fundraising and business development efforts.

Join the RESI Speaker Lineup

Are you an investor or strategic partner with valuable insights to share with early-stage life science companies? We are looking for dynamic speakers to join our RESI panels. Click here to submit your Speaker Interest Form today!

Registration is now open, with super early bird pricing currently available. Companies planning to attend are encouraged to register early to secure the best available rates and begin preparing for one of the most anticipated life science investment events of the year.

Register today and join the global life science investment community at RESI Boston 2026.

Register for RESI Boston

RESI San Diego Innovator’s Pitch Challenge Winners Showcase the Future of Life Science Innovation

By Claire Jeong, Chief Conference Officer, Vice President of Investor Research, Asia BD, LSN

The Innovator’s Pitch Challenge (IPC) returned to RESI San Diego 2026, bringing together some of the most promising early-stage life science companies for one of the conference’s signature events. Designed to connect early-stage innovators with active investors and strategic partners, the IPC provides a platform for companies to showcase breakthrough technologies while gaining valuable exposure and feedback.

Each finalist delivered a six-minute presentation followed by a live Q&A with an investor judging panel. Throughout the conference, participants also met with investors during one-on-one partnering meetings and networking sessions, extending conversations well beyond the pitch stage.

The IPC winners are determined through a combination of investor judge evaluations and RESI Cash voting. Judges evaluate each company based on the strength of its technology, investment opportunity, presentation, and responses during Q&A, while attendees allocate RESI Cash to the companies they believe demonstrate the greatest investment potential. Together, these scores recognize companies that impressed both the judging panel and the broader RESI community.

Congratulations to the overall winners of the RESI San Diego 2026 Innovator’s Pitch Challenge: 

1st Place: Nanotrace

Nanotrace combined the best attributes of chemotherapy, nanoparticle delivery mechanisms, and the latest advancements in gene therapeutics to build a revolutionary oncology platform. Based on our team’s decades of research in these fields, and the maturation of nanomedicine, our product is a novel targeting platform which recognizes cancer cells by its very blueprint – gene expression. In part by using AI, that highly specific recognition is programmed to release a chemotherapeutic payload inside a cancer cell while leaving healthy cells unaffected. Our platform will transform how we treat not only cancer but a whole spectrum of genetic disorders. Nanotrace is founded by Dr. Will Briley, PhD Molecular Biology from Northwestern; Dr. Paul Weiss, renowned nanoscientist, distinguished UCLA professor, and a UC Presidential Chair; David Spector, an experienced founder and formerly of Sequoia Capital, Google, and MIT; and, Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Krishna Komanduri, Department Chief & Head of Hematology & Oncology, UCSF.


2nd Place: Pinion Immunotherapeutics

Pinion Immunotherapeutics is a Maryland-based biotechnology company focused on developing novel immunotherapies for chronic viral infections and virus-driven cancers. Its proprietary AI-driven mRNA platform generates immunotherapies targeting HPV-related precancer, AML, EBV, and HSV, designed to activate CD8⁺ T cells while inducing virus-neutralizing antibodies to achieve durable immune control. Pinion operates as a lean, high-impact virtual company, deploying capital directly to science and clinical trials, not overhead. Our leadership team brings deep expertise across mRNA platform development, FDA regulatory strategy, clinical trial design, and immunology. Our programs target indications with large addressable populations, no curative standard of care, and high economic burden, where mRNA immunotherapy offers a genuine path to functional cure.


3rd Place: FELIQS

Feliqs is a clinical-stage ophthalmology company developing innovative therapies for retinal and corneal diseases with significant unmet medical needs. The company is advancing a diversified pipeline targeting conditions including retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), pterygium, and dry age-related macular degeneration (Dry AMD), addressing diseases that currently have limited or no effective treatment options. Leveraging novel mechanisms targeting oxidative stress, fibrosis, and angiogenesis, FELIQS is developing patient-friendly therapies designed to reduce dependence on invasive procedures while improving long-term visual outcomes. Through its innovative ophthalmology pipeline, FELIQS aims to preserve vision, prevent blindness, and improve quality of life for patients worldwide.

In addition to the overall winners, several companies earned the highest combined judge and RESI Cash scores within their individual pitch sessions. Congratulations to these outstanding innovators for delivering exceptional presentations and capturing investor interest throughout the competition.

3Helix Ad-Astra Allander-Biotechnologies
BOOST-Pharma Endeavor FELIQS
HEPHAISTOS Nanotrace Numiera
Pinion Rejuvenation Repair
Sebastian Wavegate

Every company that participated in the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge demonstrated the innovation, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit that continue to define the RESI community. Congratulations to all of this year’s participants.

Will Your Company Be Next?

Applications are now open for the RESI Boston Innovator’s Pitch Challenge, taking place during the expanded two-day, in-person RESI Boston conference this September during Biotech Week Boston.

The IPC is more than a pitch competition. It is an opportunity to present your company to active investors, receive expert feedback, gain additional visibility through poster presentations and partnering meetings, and compete for recognition among the global life science investment community.

Whether you’re preparing for your next financing round or looking to build strategic partnerships, the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge can help elevate your fundraising efforts.

Applications are now open. Apply today and take the stage at RESI Boston.

Apply to Pitch at RESI Boston