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Virtual

Feb 11, 2026 9:00 AM - May 29, 2026 1:00 PM

DIA LIFT Series Biotech Masterclass: Empowering Biotech Breakthroughs

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Overview

In today’s ever evolving world of life sciences, we are seeing an increase in emerging biotech companies, founded by entrepreneurs new to the drug development ecosystem. These companies seek support from investment groups to start new companies that are more specialized and develop drugs for one or a few indications. For more than 25 years, there has been a gradual shift in which important scientific discoveries come from academic institutions and these ideas are supported by investment groups and the biotechnology industry is born.

DIA’s ASCENT Biotech Initiative is designed to empower emerging biotech start-ups by detailing the critical steps needed for success in today’s competitive life sciences landscape. This program helps entrepreneurs understand what investors prioritize—such as robust scientific validation, clear commercialization strategies, and scalable business models—while providing actionable guidance on how to effectively engage with venture capitalists. Through its flagship LIFT Series (Linking Innovation, Funding & Translation), ASCENT connects early-stage companies with capital, mentorship, and strategic partnerships, creating a pathway for innovation to move from concept to clinic. By bridging the gap between scientific discovery and investor expectations, this initiative accelerates growth and positions biotech start-ups for long-term impact in advancing patient care.

Through a series of fireside chats and moderated panel discussions, the LIFT Series Biotech Masterclass provides a comprehensive overview of the strategic and operational essentials for success in the biotech sector. Participants will explore investor readiness strategies for start-ups, innovative business models in biomedicine, and best practices for financial modeling in biotech and healthcare. The program also examines how artificial intelligence is transforming drug development and the critical role clinical CROs play in accelerating trials. By integrating these insights, learners will gain practical tools to navigate the complexities of biotech innovation and position their organizations for sustainable growth.

Each session will be 60-minutes; the topics and confirmed dates included in the Masterclass are

Recorded Interview with Dr. Robert Tepper with Live Question and Answers

February 11, 2026; 11:00am – 12:00pm ET

Raju Kucherlapati, PhD, Harvard Medical School

Robert Tepper, MD, Third Rock Ventures

Investor Readiness: What Emerging Biotechs Must Know

February 25, 2026; 12:00 – 1:00pm ET

Jay Roberts, Ventac Partners

Mikael Ørum, Ventac Partners

Neil Thomas, Ventac Partners

Innovation and New Business Models in Biomedicines

March 2026

Sahir Ali, PhD, Modi Ventures

Financial Modeling in Biotech and Healthcare

April  2026

Sahir Ali, PhD, Modi Ventures

Leveraging AI in Drug Development

April 2026

Junaid Bajwa, MD, MBA, Pioneering Intelligence

Role of Clinical CROs in Drug Development

May 2026

Cynthia Verst, PharmD, IQVIA

Featured topics

  • What You Will Learn:

    • What emerging biotechs must know
    • New business models in biomedicines
    • Financial modeling
    • AI in drug development
    • The role of CROs in drug development

    Who should attend?

    • The Masterclass is designed for Biotech teams including:

      • Entrepreneurs (includes early-stage, academia, and/or research)
      • Biotech executives: CEO, CFO, Chief Scientific Officer, and Chief Technology Officer
      • Scientific innovators (researchers, investigators)
      • The series will also be of benefit to regulators.

        Learning objectives

        • At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

          • Describe the current landscape for biotech venture funding
          • Apply learnings from real-world examples of successful biotech fundraising and exits.
          • Identify what venture capitalists look for in early-stage biotech companies
          • Define “investor readiness” for biotech startups
          • Map the operational and financial milestones from lab discovery to commercialization.
          • Identify key elements to include in a compelling pitch for investors
          • Recognize different business models for biotech startups
          • Discuss the role of partnerships, licensing, and IP strategy
          • Explain how to position your company for growth and investment
          • Describe financial models in biotech and healthcare
          • Recognize exit options: IPO, M&A, licensing
          • Apply lessons learned from founders who have successfully exited
          • Recognize how AI can help accelerate drug development
          • Identify practical implementation pathways and how start-ups can adopt AI tools effectively
          • Describe the key functions performed by CROs
          • Recognize the value that CROs can provide to start-up companies

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