The BIO International Convention, the world’s largest and most comprehensive event for the biotechnology industry, opens today in Boston. It will convene more than 20,000 biotech and life sciences leaders from around the globe.

Spanning four days, the convention features more than 180 sessions and 1100 speakers across 20 focus areas — from AI and digital health to next-generation biotherapeutics, business development, and more. Participants include leading biotech companies, investors, service providers, government officials, regulators, and patient advocates, representing the full ecosystem of biotechnology, from startups and academic institutions to established pharmaceutical leaders and global policymakers.

BIO International is the premier hub for deal-making, with more than 10,000+ partnering delegates and 60,000+ partnering meetings expected to take place during the event.

Key sessions will explore:

• AI and Machine Learning in Drug Discovery
• Next-Generation Cell and Gene Therapies
• Public Policy and Global Regulation
• Investment Trends in Biotech
• Patient-Centered Innovation

The broad lineup of notable speakers includes President George W. Bush; FDA Commissioner Martin A. Makary, M.D., M.P.H.; Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey; Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro; Olivér Várhelyi, European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare; Lord Vallance, UK Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation; H.E. Prof. Dr. Hisham Saad Aljadhey, CEO, Saudi Food and Drug Authority; Dr. Angela Belcher, National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology;  Dr. Michelle Rozo, National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology; and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Broadcaster, and Entrepreneur, Michael Strahan.

This year, the convention will feature the BIO Storytelling Stage, a new space on the exhibition floor dedicated to the human side of biotech. Through film screenings, live conversations, and curated storytelling, this stage will spotlight the personal journeys that define the industry’s heart and impact.

“Biotechnology is driven by collaboration, and there is no greater place in the world for industry, stakeholder, and advocate partnership than the BIO International Convention,” said John F. Crowley, President & CEO of BIO. “Here, innovators, scientists, patients, and investors come together to turn small ideas into life-saving solutions, and at a time when the world needs big breakthroughs, BIO’s convention is poised to meet the moment and help deliver better, longer lives for people in the U.S. and around the world.”

Quick Stats:

Registrants: 20,000+ (46% international)

Countries represented: 72

Exhibitors: 1,600

Sessions: 180+

Speakers: 1,100+

Partnering meetings: 60,000+

Partnering delegates: 10,000+

The next BIO International Convention will be held June 22 – 25, 2026 in San Diego, Calif.