Hello!
The 2025 European Biomanufacturing Summit, held from 22 to 23 October 2025, brought together senior leaders, technical experts, and innovators from across the biopharma landscape, all focused on the future of biomanufacturing. Conversations centred on cell and gene manufacturing, aseptic fill and finish, automation, and quality control and assurance, with a clear emphasis on translating science into robust, scalable operations.
Across two energising days, executives and site leaders shared strategic perspectives, real-world case studies, and practical approaches to strengthening reliability, throughput, and compliance. The atmosphere in the room was energetic and collaborative, with engaged discussions, interactive sessions, and keynote talks that connected high-level strategy with day-to-day execution.
For those who were not able to attend, we have captured the key highlights for you. In this recap, you will find the most impactful presentations, memorable insights from industry leaders, and the technologies and solutions that sparked the most interest.
Discover how leading organisations are addressing capacity constraints, navigating regulatory expectations, adopting digital and data-driven tools, and rethinking their end-to-end biomanufacturing model. This summary provides a concise overview of the ideas, lessons, and inspiration that will shape the next chapter of European biomanufacturing.
Table of Contents:
Day 1: Highlights and Key Takeaways
Day 2: Highlights and Key Takeaways
On the first day of the European Biomanufacturing Summit, we started with an energetic welcome from our room emcees, Jon Willis, Partner at Chartwell, and Frederik Jaenen, VP, Sales, Binocs Technology at Bluecrux
The event started with an informative opening keynote from Sarah Dayre, SVP, EMEA Supply at AstraZeneca, who opened the summit with an exciting discussion about implementing AI and Automation for Enhanced Quality and Efficiency in Biomanufacturing. Sarah discussed how integrating smart technologies such as IoT, AI, and automation can enable real-time monitoring and improve decision-making across biomanufacturing operations.
During his plenary, Stefan Bier, VP, Supply Chain Quality, Biotherapeutics, from Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, took to the stage to discuss how cultivating a culture of quality can serve as a strategic differentiator!
Later on, Ken Forman from IDBS delivered an insightful workshop on maximizing your CMC & manufacturing AI initiatives. He emphasized the critical role of how biopharma organizations can harness the power of Large Language Models (LLMs) to drive smarter, faster decision-making across CMC and manufacturing.
Intandum in Room 2, Frank Velte, Ph.D., from CG Pharma & Biotech, led his workshop, "Elevating Quality Standards in Biomanufacturing with High-Purity Chemicals and Precision Processing." By integrating GMP and ISO certified quality systems with advanced purification methods and precision-controlled chemical processing, biomanufacturers can significantly reduce contamination risks and maintain consistent product quality. This strengthened process control, supported by real-time digital monitoring and rigorous analytical validation, enhances batch-to-batch reproducibility and ensures reliable performance at scale.
Networking and Refreshments
After the morning sessions, attendees enjoyed a session of refreshments and networking, participating in pre-arranged one-to-one meetings. The atmosphere buzzed with lively conversations and the forging of new partnerships.
Focused Sessions
The morning featured focused sessions that provided attendees with deep insights into various aspects of operational excellence and new technologies. As we moved later in the day, we split into specific sessions focused on Manufacturing and Quality.
Abi Abitorabi, Ph.D., Scientific Lead Cell Therapy Technologies from Bayer, led our first Manufacturing Session, with a focus on overcoming challenges in manufacturing allogeneic cell therapies. He delved into the advantages of manufacturing cells in 3D as well as best practices for automating manufacturing cells in 2D.
Meanwhile, Alex Koehler, VP and Head, Global Technology at Amgen, offered a thought-provoking session focused on digital and AI transformation. By harnessing AI-driven predictive modelling, real-time data integration, and robotics-enabled automation, biomanufacturers can optimise complex processes, reduce variability, and accelerate time-to-market while strengthening overall operational resilience.
Following these insightful sessions, we continued into hard-hitting workshops by Ben Van Lancker from Bluecrux and Rossen Ivanov from Armstrong International. Ben Van Lancker outlined how shifting QC from manual scheduling to automated, Binocs-driven planning delivers real-time visibility, shorter lead times, and more predictable product release. He showed how integrating QC with global supply chain planning and using AI-driven capacity forecasting harmonises sites worldwide, reduces bottlenecks, and positions QC for fully integrated operations by 2030.
Roosen led his session, "Circular Thermal® – Efficiently Integrating High-Temperature Heat Pumps in Industrial Processes," showing how recovering waste heat with high-temperature heat pumps and replacing steam humidifiers with adiabatic units can sharply reduce steam demand while still supplying superheated water or steam for key processes. He highlighted how these changes reshape air-handling-unit energy management, optimising heating with floating temperatures, cooling, humidification, and dehumidification to deliver greater efficiency and sustainability.
Lunch & Learn Roundtables
The first round of Lunch and Learn roundtables was a hive of activity, offering attendees an in-depth exploration of critical topics. Beyond the content, the format created a relaxed setting for senior leaders to connect with peers, compare experiences, and discuss shared challenges. Many used the opportunity to build new relationships with both fellow executives and solution partners that they could carry forward beyond the summit.
Afternoon Sessions
After an eventful lunch, we kicked off our afternoon sessions with Klaus Selber, Ph.D., VP and Head, Site Engineering and Technology, and Petra Jakobs, Ph.D., Chief of Staff, Global Engineering from Bayer, leading their plenary. They shared Bayer’s journey from a traditional hierarchical setup to a dynamic, shared-ownership operating model, outlining the key pillars of an efficient engineering and maintenance function within a global framework. They also highlighted how strategic partnerships, close cross-functional collaboration, and a deliberate focus on mindset and change management are enabling new technologies, novel therapeutics, and a stronger culture of innovation.
The afternoon workshops were equally engaging, which took place shortly afterward. Sumeet Dalvi, PKM Sales Manager at Emerson Automation Solutions, delivered an insightful talk on digitalizing recipe management to accelerate tech transfers. While Mikhail Golovnya, Senior Advisory Data Scientist at Minitab, demystified modern AI by outlining core machine learning principles, contrasting analyst-driven and data-driven approaches, and sharing case studies that showcased how predictive AI is already delivering meaningful insights in medical research.
We then transitioned into some much-needed networking and drink receptions sponsored by Minitab!
Plenary and Panel Discussions
The day continued with a powerful plenary delivered by Maite Durrenbach, Chief Quality Officer at Sanofi, "Quality Transformation in Biomanufacturing: Leveraging AI to Enhance Decision-Making and Operational Excellence," where she explored how AI driven quality management systems, predictive analytics, and data driven insights can anticipate and prevent quality issues, optimise batch processing and production workflows, and strengthen compliance and traceability through automated documentation and streamlined reporting.
We then moved into an engaging and informative Panel Discussion, including Ailbhe Earley, VP, Life Sciences, France and Southern Europe, IDA Ireland, Sebastien Gigantelli, Head, Manufacturing Excellence and Asian Sites, UCB, Anita Rehberger, Head, Global Vaccines Quality, Takeda, and Michael Flannery, Ph.D., Global Head, Smart Manufacturing and Digital Transformation, Life Science, Merck KGaA. They discussed driving digital transformation to unlock manufacturing excellence in biomanufacturing.
The day ended with a lively networking drinks reception, sponsored by Emerson Automation Solutions, which provided further opportunities for attendees to connect and share their insights. The atmosphere was electric with excitement and newfound connections.
Day 2 began with a networking breakfast full of conversation and debate about Day 1! Attendees then moved into room 1 for the opening keynote, led by Michelangelo Canzoneri, Ph.D., Global Head, Group Smart Manufacturing, and Michael Flannery, Ph.D., Global Head, Smart Manufacturing and Digital Transformation, Life Science at Merck KGaA.
They led an insightful session, "Our Journey from Manufacturing to SMARTfacturing: Miss the Shift – Miss the Future," focusing on building robust analytical infrastructures, leveraging advanced technologies for impurity detection, aligning validation with regulatory requirements, and driving talent development through cutting-edge tools and automation.
Fabrice Etienne, VP Cell Processing External Manufacturing, Cell Therapy at Bristol Myers Squibb, continued the discussion with his plenary, "Seamless Tech Transfer: Optimizing Collaboration and Efficiency in External Manufacturing for Cell Therapy." Fabrice explored strategies for enhancing collaboration with external manufacturing partners, optimizing digital platforms for data sharing, and standardizing tech transfer processes to drive scalability and improve efficiency in cell therapy manufacturing. He also highlighted successful case studies to adopt proven approaches for seamless technology transfer.
After engaging in discussions from the exceptional plenaries, attendees took the opportunity to continue networking and engage in one-to-one meetings, further strengthening their professional connections and sharing industry insights.
We later moved into our morning sessions led by Frank Seible, VP and Quality Site Head at Roche, and Ashley Goldberg, VP, Global Technical Operations Quality at Merz.
Frank led the Manufacturing Session covering topics such as advancing AAV manufacturing techniques to improve yield, optimizing production processes for viral vector yield and purity, scaling manufacturing to meet growing demand, and implementing innovative purification methods to enhance vector quality and consistency, while addressing challenges in large-scale production and collaborating with suppliers to ensure high-quality raw materials.
In the Quality Session, Ashley led the audience in a lively discussion focused on elevating quality standards in biomanufacturing, optimizing tech transfer processes for consistency, mitigating risks to maintain high-quality standards, addressing validation and compliance measures, and evolving Quality Management Systems by incorporating AI models to enhance decision-making.
Attendees wrapped up the morning with a plenary session led by Patrick Delorme, CEO, and Lionel Maritan, Director, Transformation and Product Development from ARaymond. Their session explored how a ready-to-use plastic press-fit cap solution can mitigate contamination risks in vial aseptic filling while supporting Annex 1 compliance through a simplified, automated capping process. Patrick and Lionel also highlighted how nest-to-nest solutions reduce equipment footprint, lower labor needs, and streamline both aseptic filling and lyophilization workflows.
During lunch, we enjoyed roundtable discussions led by speakers from our end-user companies.
Shortly afterward, we enjoyed an engaging and insightful plenary from Anton Terwisscha Van Scheltinga, Director, Manufacturing, Science and Technology at Bristol Myers Squibb. Anton's session on advancing cell therapy manufacturing outlines how robust process controls, alignment with evolving global regulations, and reliable sourcing of critical materials are essential for scaling from small batches to commercial production.
He also highlighted the role of data analytics, digital twins, AI-driven process monitoring, and standardized protocols in optimising production, ensuring reproducibility across sites, and enabling truly scalable cell therapy operations.
The day concluded with a fireside chat featuring Tony Vernacchio, VP Manufacturing and Supply Chain at Adverum Biotechnologies, Victor Nelson, Senior Director External Supply at Pfizer, and Franziska Knauf, Head Cluster Microbiology at Bayer, on the theme “Attracting, Retaining, and Developing Top Talent for the Future of Biomanufacturing.”
They explored the impact of the current talent shortage, shared proven strategies for attracting elite professionals in a highly competitive market, and highlighted the critical role of structured training, upskilling, and transformational leadership in building a resilient, future-ready biomanufacturing workforce.
Closing Remarks
Finally, we had the Chair’s Closing Remarks led by our Room 1 Emcee, Jon Willis, Partner at Chartwell, who wrapped up the 2025 European Biomanufacturing Summit by recognising our prize winners and reflecting on a successful event filled with valuable insights, meaningful connections, and forward-looking discussions.
The 2025 European Biomanufacturing Summit brought together the leaders shaping the future of bioprocessing, offering rich insights, practical strategies, and meaningful peer connections. These highlights reflect a truly impactful gathering that will influence how biomanufacturers innovate, scale, and lead in the years ahead.
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