With this course, we aim to give and to discuss with startups, spinoffs and SMEs the necessary ingredients in developing a market access strategy to plan and implement a successful internationalization approach in Life Sciences & Health.
The path to foreign markets is not always clear. There are many aspects to be taken into account and taking the first step may seem difficult. In addition, after making the first contact, being present, staying and enlarging in a new market requires a strong commitment and perseverance. We will discuss different strategies on entering international markets and also listen to company cases on establishing a business in the German, Scandinavian, US and Asian Life Sciences & Health Market.
All participating SMEs are also more than welcome to share their experiences.

13:30 Welcome, introduction and get started
13:45 Business strategies towards internationalization
14:30 Entering as an SME the German, US and Asian Life Science & Medical market
14:50 Short break
15:00 Internationalization opportunities for SMEs into the Asian and Pacific market
15:25 Entering as an SME the Estonian/Scandinavian Life Science & Medical market
15:45 Exchange of experiences with participants on going international
16:00 Q&A - Wrap up

Virtual Matchmaking from 9:00 am till 17:00 pm.

Registrations are open until February 17. Register here.

09:00 - 09:10  Welcome & Introduction

09:10 - 09:30  Keynote

09:30 - 10:30  Session 1 - Value-based efficient healthcare

This track explores how to increase efficiency in the healthcare system through the introduction of new technologies. Value-based efficient healthcare compels the complete healthcare system to work value-based and to implement all big trends in healthcare (such as digitalisation, prevention, quality and cost-efficiency, ageing population…). It offers all stakeholders within the healthcare ecosystem interesting possibilities to innovate and collaborate (hospitals, health insurance, technology and pharma companies, governments, universities,..). This conference track discusses how technology can indeed bring better value and efficiency and what it takes to get there. Topics encompass innovative and adaptive clinical trials, the use of real-world evidence, faster access to new diagnostics & treatments, scalability & flexibility in healthcare systems for instance in crisis response, in bringing new solutions to the healthcare market, in realizing crossovers between wellbeing and medical, etc…

11:00 - 12:00  Session 2 - Personalized Medicine 

This track focuses on healthtech solutions for patient specific treatment. It addresses the way in which outcomes can be improved manyfold by working on individual or smaller group scale. Equipped with tools that are more precise, physicians can select a therapy or treatment protocol based on a patient’s specific (genetic, physical, ..) profile that may not only minimize harmful side effects and ensure a more successful outcome, but can also help contain costs compared with a “trial-and-error” approach to disease treatment. Examples include working toward smaller cohorts, patient optimized implants, surgical tools, exoskeletons, companion diagnostics, rare and orphan diseases, tissue engineering with 3D printing, the logistics of personalization, …

14:00 - 15:00 Session 3 - Digital Medicine 

This track deals with digital diagnostics & therapeutics. Digital medicine uses digital tools to upgrade the practice of medicine to one that is high-definition and far more individualized. It encompasses our ability to digitize human beings using biosensors that track our complex physiologic systems, but also the means to process the vast data generated via algorithms, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. Digital medicine products are driven by high-quality hardware and software that support the practice of medicine broadly, including treatment, recovery, disease prevention, and health promotion for individuals and across populations. What will future imaging and scanners look like? How will we provide caregivers decision support? Can digital vastly improve our clinical trial system? When and how will we see acceptance of bio-feedback apps and behavior analytics? What will ‘Doctor Google’ really look like? Is a ‘digital twin’ of our biological state realistic, desirable, and beneficial? What is the clinical impact of all this digital potential?

15:30 - 17:00 - Session 4 - Disruptive Health Solutions

This track discusses progress in shifting the boundaries of knowledge at the forefront of medicine and healthcare. Omics, ATMP such as cell-based medicine, stem cell therapy, microbiome, brain health, new “in-vitro” tools and models, new biocompatible materials and others; all areas where significant progress is being made which holds great promise for the future. How will it benefit us, how will it impact us?  And further: how can disruption be managed to remain acceptable to society and people? What technologies and platforms are forthcoming to create new insights? Healthcare is one of the domains that highly need disruptive innovations. With the numerous new technologies launched, the opportunity is greater than it has ever been. It is expected that in the future, with disruptive innovation, patient care will be provided at reduced costs and improved quality.

16:30-17:00  Panel & Wrap up

Virtual Matchmaking from 9:00 am till 17:00 pm.

Registrations are open until February 17. Register here.

Programme, February 23, 2021:

15:00 - 15:10 Welcome by the Vice-governor of the Province of Flemish Brabant, Mr. Tom Dehaene

15:10 - 17:00 Visionary seminar

The visionary seminar will focus on the domains neuro sciences and regenerative medicine where groundbreaking research is done by bringing experts together from the bio-technology, nano-electronics and medical world. Research and new discoveries in life sciences and biotech have been advancing rapidly, offering solutions with the potential to shape the future of healthcare. Knowledge institutions, start-ups and existing companies are exploring new methodologies that are poised to play a crucial role in the future. In this seminar you will hear several speakers from these initiatives but also renowned international experts active in the same field.

Virtual Matchmaking from 9:00 am till 17:00 pm.

Registrations are open until February 17. Register here.