Tag Archives: politics

RESI Europe and European VC Coalition Seek to Boost EU Biotech Investment 

24 Feb

By Sougato Das, President and COO, LSN

Sougato-Das

RESI Europe is one of the major pieces in the puzzle of how to stimulate biotech and life science investing in Europe. In addition to the largest investor partnering conference coming to Lisbon on March 23, the European Life Sciences Coalition (ELSC), a new alliance of major venture capital firms advocating for increased funding and policy support for Europe’s biotech sector, has launched. The coalition includes leading investors such as Novo Holdings, Sofinnova Partners, Forbion, and Omega Funds, representing a combined €24 billion in life sciences assets and involvement in more than 1,400 companies. It launched in association with Invest Europe, whose 650+ members manage 60% of European private equity and venture capital, totaling €1.25 trillion in assets. Alongside major initiatives like the European Innovation Council, whose funded companies enjoy 50% reimbursement for attending RESI Europe, the ELSC hopes to bring new energy to the entrepreneurial sector of life sciences. 

Despite Europe’s strong pharmaceutical presence—five of the world’s top 10 pharma companies by revenue are European—and the industry supporting 29 million EU jobs, the region struggles to scale and retain biotech and life science innovation. The coalition highlights several challenges: 

  • Fragmented capital markets 
  • Declining numbers of specialized VC firms 
  • Regulatory hurdles 
  • Limited access to growth capital 

Europe accounts for only 7% of global venture capital, compared to 63% for the U.S. and 14% for China. Fortunately, events like RESI Europe create a forum where nearly all of the firms representing the 7% are available for partnering, acting as a facilitator to stimulate European life science investment. The dire need for this is underscored by the fact that nearly all EU-based biotechs that went public last year chose to list outside the EU, highlighting concerns about capital flight. 

ELSC members joined the coalition to help reverse these trends, emphasizing the need for sustained funding from both public and private sources across all stages of life sciences development. Industry leaders argue that Europe must increase investment in innovative medicines and treatments, and create supportive policy frameworks and forums, like RESI Europe, or risk losing access to cutting-edge therapies. The ELSC aims to work with policymakers and leverage Invest Europe’s network to strengthen Europe’s ability to fund and scale biotech innovation domestically.

Register for RESI Europe

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Proseek Bio claims global bronze in San Francisco, strengthening Brisbane’s MedTech credentials 

27 Jan

Brisbane’s world renowned MedTech sector has again been recognised on the global stage, with local company Proseek Bio securing bronze at the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge during J.P. Morgan Healthcare Week in San Francisco. 

Proseek Bio, a participant in Brisbane Economic Development Agency’s MedTech Global Accelerator, competed against more than 90 international health technology companies and was recognised for its groundbreaking work in non-invasive blood tests aimed at earlier and more accurate detection of ovarian cancer, an area of significant unmet global health need. 

This year’s achievement continues Brisbane’s strong run of podium success at one of the world’s most influential healthcare investor forums, highlighting the city’s growing capability to develop, commercialise and scale life-changing medical technologies. 

Brisbane’s Innovator’s Pitch Challenge podium finishes include: 

  • 2023 Gold: Field Orthopaedics; Bronze: Max Kelsen 
  • 2024 Silver: Convergence Medical; Bronze: Gelomics 
  • 2025 Gold: Kimaritec 
  • 2026 Bronze: Proseek Bio 

BEDA’s MedTech Global Accelerator cohort attended the RESI JPM 2026 Investor Forum, in partnership with Life Science Nation, a leading US investor and life sciences networking platform. 

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the result was another strong sign of Brisbane’s rising reputation in health and medical innovation. 

“Brisbane’s MedTech talent continues to make waves on the world stage,” Cr Schinner said. 

“Proseek Bio’s bronze finish shows just how much innovation is coming out of our city and that Brisbane can go toe-to-toe with the best in the world – especially in lifesaving areas like women’s health and cancer detection. 

“We’re proud to support our innovators in building the global connections and partnerships they need to turn great ideas into reality.” 

Proseek Bio Founder and CEO, Professor Michelle Hill said the recognition marked a significant milestone for the company. 

“Winning bronze in this highly competitive challenge is a tremendous achievement for us,” Professor Hill said. 

“It validates the potential of our technology to make a real difference in women’s health and accelerates our ability to attract global partners and investment. 

“Support through BEDA’s MedTech Global Accelerator and its international network has been critical to our journey.” 

Now in its fourth year, the accelerator has helped more than 30 visionary companies secure $246 million in capital and create more than 250 jobs in Brisbane.  

BEDA’s FY26 MedTech Global Accelerator cohort included Aptium AI, BiVACOR, Cool Beans Underwear, Fibrosoft, Ketim Technologies, LORAI Health, Proseek Bio, QBiotics Group Limited, STARCO and Talius. 

For more information about the MedTech Initiative, visit https://choose.brisbane.qld.au/business/key-industries/health/medtech 

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NAUGEN Global Innovation Showcase at RESI JPM 2026 

6 Jan

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

At RESI JPM 2026, NAUGEN will host the NAUGEN Global Innovation Showcase, a curated session spotlighting four innovative South Korea–based life science companies seeking global expansion through investment and strategic partnerships.

NAUGEN is a global innovation accelerator focused on advancing Novel, Advanced, and Unprecedented technologies across life sciences and deep tech. Through its incubation and acceleration platform, NAUGEN supports founders in scaling high-potential innovations by combining strategic and business development expertise with deep scientific and technological insight. NAUGEN is dedicated to identifying and cultivating breakthrough technologies that remain undiscovered by global markets and accelerating their path toward global competitiveness.

In partnership with George Mason University, NAUGEN recently launched the Northern Virginia International Soft Landing Accelerator (NISA). NISA is designed to help international startups establish and grow their presence in the United States by providing access to investor and partner networks, market-entry support, and lab and office space within Northern Virginia’s rapidly growing innovation ecosystem. Through NISA, global founders receive strategic mentoring, warm introductions to U.S. capital and corporate partners, and a clear pathway to scaling their businesses in the U.S. market.

As part of RESI JPM 2026, the NAUGEN Global Innovation Showcase will feature four companies representing a diverse range of therapeutic, regenerative, and medical-device innovations.

Session Details 

NAUGEN Global Innovation Showcase 
Date & Time: Monday, January 12, 2026 | 1:00–1:50 pm PST 
Location: Golden Gate B, Marriott Marquis San Francisco 

All investors and strategic partners interested in learning more about emerging life science innovations with global market potential are welcome to attend.

RSVP to NAUGEN Global Innovation Showcase

Participating Companies:

NexThera (https://nexthera.org) 
NexThera is a privately held, clinical-stage biotech company developing next-generation treatments for eye diseases and cancer. Its lead program, NT-101, is a first-in-class topical eye-drop therapy for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and has shown encouraging safety and early clinical signals in a U.S. Phase 1/2 study. NT-101 uses a proprietary formulation that allows the medication to remain on the eye surface longer and reach the back of the eye effectively, offering a potential non-injection alternative for patients who currently rely on intravitreal treatments.

Karis Bio (https://karisbio.com) 
Karis Bio is a clinical-stage biotech company developing a first-in-class hiPSC-derived endothelial cell therapy to promote new blood vessel formation for ischemic cardiovascular diseases. The company has established a non-viral, non-integrating reprogramming and xeno-free differentiation platform that produces highly pure (>99%) endothelial cells with long-term safety. Its lead assets target severe peripheral artery disease (PAD) and coronary artery disease (CAD), where preclinical studies have demonstrated robust vascular regeneration and improved tissue perfusion.

MedicosBiotech (https://www.medicosbiotech.com) 
MedicosBiotech is a regenerative biomaterials company developing spider silk protein–based wound care solutions. The company has achieved the world’s first scalable production of full-length spider silk protein using E. coli, enabling high-purity and cost-efficient manufacturing. Its lead product, CureSilk, has demonstrated superior healing in chronic wound models, including diabetic foot ulcers and pressure ulcers, outperforming FDA-approved comparators in preclinical studies. MedicosBiotech is expanding its platform toward broader applications in regenerative medicine.

ShoeallS (https://shoealls.com/en) 
ShoeallS is a technology-driven company developing functional and smart medical footwear powered by its proprietary magnetic vibration module, which has been shown to enhance blood circulation and help alleviate pain. Building on its certified medical-device platform, ShoeallS is advancing next-generation smart shoes that integrate self-powering modules, embedded sensors, and AI-based monitoring to enable real-time patient-health insights. The company is expanding from functional footwear into a broader smart healthcare solution. 

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What are Best Practices for Cap Table Management? Investors & Banks Weigh In

6 Jan

By Sougato Das, President and COO, LSN

Sougato-Das

After moderating innumerable virtual and in-person investor panels like those that will light up the stage at RESI Europe, one question comes from the audience repeatedly: What do investors like to see in a cap table? How can you ensure that the ownership of your company is structured so

  1. There is enough to own for follow-on investors
  2. It attractive to investors
  3. You don’t get diluted too much
  4. Shares, rights and vesting schedules that your shareholders have make sense for who they are
  5. Underwriting and doing an IPO is easy when it’s time?

The answers to these questions are the bread and butter of investment bankers and investors.

LSN assembled panelists from J.P. Morgan and Mid Atlantic Bio Angels for a practical, founder-focused virtual session on Best Practices for Cap Table Management. This webinar will walk through the fundamentals every early-stage company needs to understand to make informed equity decisions and avoid costly mistakes down the road. Attendees will learn how to approach founder equity splits, navigate dilution, and confidently interpret SAFE notes. We’ll also explore how cap table structure directly impacts fundraising outcomes and why a well-designed stock option pool is critical for attracting and retaining top talent. This session is especially relevant for founders, CEOs, and CFOs who want to strengthen their financial strategy, prepare future rounds, and build a company that scales responsibly.

We’ve all heard the horror stories of founders who were diluted so much that they hardly made money after exiting. We’ve heard about non-investable companies that have great technology but are simply not financially attractive. We’ve heard about the difficult board member who had too many voting rights and slowed the company strategy. This webinar on cap table management will cover various use cases and explain why they do or do not work. There will be written Q&A during the webinar, so you can get all your questions answered.

Sign Up the Webinar

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Sunday Space + Two Full Days of RESI JPM

16 Dec

By Sougato Das, President and COO, LSN

Sougato-Das

RESI JPM 2026 expands the opportunity to connect by adding Sunday partnering and event space, giving attendees an early start to JPM Week. With RESI JPM running Monday–Tuesday, Sunday provides a strategic window to schedule investor meetings, host receptions, or bring teams together while momentum is already building across San Francisco.

RESI JPM is the only JPM conference where 700+ investors actively providing seed to Series B funding attend, alongside in-licensors seeking preclinical through Phase 2 assets. For preclinical and clinical-stage biotech, medtech, diagnostic, digital health, and AI companies, RESI JPM remains the most efficient way to connect with aligned investors and strategic partners during JPM Week. Many companies schedule 10–20 meetings in a single day, making partnering the core of the RESI experience.

New Sunday Partnering Opportunities Added

Life Science Nation is announcing additional partnering slots on Sunday, January 11, hosted at the Marriott Marquis. These meetings take place ahead of the main conference and allow attendees to secure valuable investor conversations before calendars fill up.

The Sunday Partnering Slot sign-up form is available to RESI attendees, allowing registered participants to request meetings and plan their schedules in advance.

Start JPM Week with Purpose

This added day gives companies a head start to:

  • Schedule investor or in-licensor meetings
  • Connect with fellow RESI attendees
  • Host private meetings or team gatherings

Located in the center of the JPM ecosystem, the Marriott Marquis offers a convenient and efficient setting to begin JPM Week with focused, high-value interactions.

With Sunday now in play, RESI JPM 2026 delivers more time, more access, and more opportunities to make meaningful connections before the week reaches full pace.

Register for RESI JPM 2026

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Why the world is looking to Brisbane, Australia for the future of health innovation

9 Dec

As Brisbane’s next wave of MedTech companies prepares to take the global stage at J.P. Morgan Healthcare Week in January 2026, the international investment community is paying closer attention to a city rapidly emerging as an Asia Pacific life sciences powerhouse. 

Brisbane’s A$201 billion economy is anchored by a A$22 billion health sector, fuelled by strong population growth and a purposeful pipeline of public and private investment.  

As Australia’s fastest-growing major city, Brisbane is being reshaped by an A$18 billion health infrastructure pipeline, creating the largest interconnected health precinct in the Southern Hemisphere, spanning hospitals, universities and innovation hubs. 

This momentum is translating directly into commercial strength. Brisbane’s health industry and export capability are expanding faster than anywhere else in Australia, supported by world-class research institutions such as The University of Queensland. 

Turning innovation into investment 

At the centre of this growth sits the MedTech Global Accelerator, delivered by Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) in partnership with Life Science Nation (LSN). The program prepares founders to launch a global funding campaign through commercial readiness and direct international investor engagement. 

Since launch, the accelerator has supported more than 30 high-potential companies to raise over A$336 million in capital. 

An additional 10 high-growth companies have now been selected for the 2026 cohort. Their technologies range from a blood test for early-stage ovarian cancer and a world-first artificial heart, to cancer-fighting compounds derived from Queensland rainforests, each with potential to transform global healthcare. 

Be part of Brisbane’s next global MedTech wave 

Collectively, these companies represent Brisbane’s next generation of globally scalable health technologies as they prepare to showcase to international investors in San Francisco in January 2026. 

MedTech Global Accelerator Cohort

BEDA offers investors and partners early access to these vetted innovators through its official MedTech Innovation Showcase Compendium. 

Join the Brisbane, Queensland Investor Innovation Showcase on Monday, 12 January 2026, 9am–12pm, at Marriott Marquis, in collaboration with Trade and Investment Queensland and LSN. 

Register for the Investor Innovation Showcase today. 

BEDA serves as one of the front doors to Australia’s rapidly expanding clinical trial ecosystem, connecting partners to Queensland’s world-class trial sites, hospitals, universities and research institutions. Through this statewide, highly networked framework, BEDA helps fast track access to clinical research capabilities from Phase I to Phase IV. 

Why global investors are watching Brisbane, Australia: 

  • 43.5% R&D tax incentive 
  • Clinical trials run up to 3x faster than USA, 2x faster than UK 
  • Variable payroll tax rates in Australia 
  • Closest export hub to Asia 
  • Fastest planning approval on Australia’s east coast 
  • Host of the 2032 Olympic & Paralympic Games 
  • Top 40 Innovation City worldwide 
  • Highest innovation hub density in Australia (140 per capita) 
  • Direct access to Asia Pacific markets 
  • Health sector projected to grow 36% by 2032 
  • Leading clinical trials: 160+ sites, 40 CROs statewide 

With world-class research, deep clinical capability and fast-growing commercial opportunities, Brisbane is positioning itself as one of the most compelling gateways to Asia Pacific health innovation, and a city where early investment could deliver significant global reach. 

BEDA CEO Anthony Ryan said Brisbane’s MedTech ecosystem has accelerated at remarkable pace. 

“Brisbane has grown up fast as a MedTech city,” Mr Ryan said.  

“Today, everything connects in one place, from research and hospitals through to manufacturing and global investors. That full pathway is what makes this such a powerful time to be building and investing here.” 

He said global attention is now firmly on Brisbane. “We are seeing serious interest from around the world,” he added. “The infrastructure is ready, the talent is here and the companies coming through our accelerator are built to compete globally.” 

Infrastructure driving faster translation 

Brisbane’s Inner-City Knowledge Corridor serves as the heart of the city’s research and development, linking together institutions involved in research, hospitals, clinical care, manufacturing, and commercial activities. 

Combined with Brisbane Airport, this corridor forms a “golden triangle,” connecting research and development to export opportunities and giving businesses access to the vast $90 trillion Asia Pacific market. 

Together, these assets enable companies to move from discovery to clinical validation and commercial manufacturing within a single urban corridor – accelerating collaboration, speed to market and global scalability. 

Learn more about the city’s key health infrastructure driving Brisbane’s biomedical ecosystem:  Health Innovation Infrastructure Showcase 

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RESI 2026 Series: Connecting Life Science Innovators with Capital and Partners 

25 Nov

By Sougato Das, President and COO, LSN

Sougato-Das

The RESI 2026 Series continues Life Science Nation’s commitment to providing consistent, high-quality partnering opportunities for life science and healthcare innovators. Designed to connect startups with investors and strategic partners that align by sector, indication, and stage of development, each RESI conference offers a structured environment for founders navigating an increasingly competitive fundraising landscape.

Throughout the 2026 Series, attendees will find a familiar mix of investor panels, expert-led workshops, the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge, and a partnering system built to support targeted outreach and productive meetings. These elements work together to help companies strengthen their messaging, expand their networks, and identify capital sources that are the best fit for their technologies.

As scientific progress accelerates and capital deployment becomes more selective, the RESI 2026 Series serves as a reliable forum for global stakeholders to exchange insights, source opportunities, and build lasting relationships across the life science ecosystem.

Find registration information at RESIConference.com. If you are interested in RESI sponsorship, please contact us.

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