- LIFT Series
- 16–17 March 2027
- Location
- Basel, Switzerland
- Featuring
- DIA Europe × WhaleTank
- Part of
- DIA Europe 2027
01Linking Innovation, Funding and Translation
What is DIA LIFT?
Great ideas need more than funding. They need the right expertise, meaningful feedback and connections to move forward.
DIA LIFT is DIA’s initiative to help emerging life sciences innovation move towards real-world impact.
Through the DIA LIFT Series, DIA brings early-stage innovators together with the expertise, perspectives and relationships they need to advance promising ideas. The programme is delivered at DIA’s Annual Meetings, connecting start-ups with the wider life sciences ecosystem.
02Introducing DIA Europe × WhaleTank
Beyond the pitch. Towards real impact.
WhaleTank: Less bite. More insight.
At DIA Europe 2027 in Basel, the DIA LIFT Series features DIA Europe × WhaleTank, bringing emerging life sciences innovation into the heart of the exhibition.
WhaleTank is a pitch competition with a difference. Rather than focusing solely on investment potential, it brings together the perspectives that matter for successful market adoption.
Founders can showcase their solutions, receive constructive feedback and connect with:
- Investors
- Experienced entrepreneurs
- Industry leaders
- Patients
- Payers
- Regulatory experts
Explore what it takes to succeed—from investment readiness and regulatory strategy to market needs and real-world implementation.
03Learn. Connect. Progress.
Why participate?
Three ways WhaleTank helps founders move from a promising idea to real-world adoption.
Find your community
Innovation thrives through collaboration.
Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, industry experts, investors and potential partners in a supportive environment built around constructive feedback and shared progress.
Build meaningful relationships that can extend beyond the event.
Get fit for market
Beyond investor readiness. Towards real-world adoption.
Gain perspectives on what patients need, what payers value, what regulatory pathways require and what industry partners look for.
Challenge assumptions early and identify potential barriers to healthcare adoption.
Build global connections
Think beyond borders.
Connect with experts, potential collaborators and innovation ecosystems across Europe, the US and China through DIA’s international community.
Explore international opportunities and engage with the European market.
04Bring your perspective
Who should participate?
WhaleTank works because every seat at the table brings something different.
Pitch
Start-ups & emerging innovators
Are you developing an innovative solution in biotech, medtech, clinical technology, diagnostics, digital health or another life sciences field? Showcase your innovation, gain feedback and build relationships that could support your next stage of growth.
What you can gain
- Constructive feedback from industry and healthcare experts
- Insights into regulatory, clinical and commercial challenges
- Connections with potential investors, customers and partners
- Visibility within the DIA Europe exhibition
- Access to international perspectives and networks
Discover
Investors & industry partners
Discover emerging technologies and innovative companies, connect with ambitious founders and explore potential collaborations. Engage with start-ups at an early stage and identify solutions that could address unmet healthcare needs.
What you can gain
- Early visibility into emerging life sciences innovations
- Opportunities to connect with founders and fellow investors
- Perspectives on market needs and adoption challenges
- Meaningful relationships with potential partners and collaborators
Advise
Experts & experienced entrepreneurs
Share your knowledge and experience to help promising innovations move forward. Experienced founders, healthcare professionals, patients, payers, regulatory experts and industry leaders can help start-ups navigate the path to market.
What you can contribute
- Practical expertise and industry perspectives
- Constructive feedback on emerging solutions
- Insights into patient needs, regulatory requirements and market adoption
- Connections that can help promising innovators progress
05Take the stage in Basel
How does it work?
From application to lasting connections, in five steps.
- 01
Apply
Submit your innovation for consideration in the WhaleTank pitch competition.
- 02
Prepare
Sharpen your pitch and communicate your innovation, its potential value and your vision for the future.
- 03
Pitch
Present your solution in Basel and receive feedback from experts across the healthcare ecosystem.
- 04
Connect
Engage with potential customers, investors, industry partners and collaborators.
- 05
Keep moving forward
Build on the insights and relationships gained through WhaleTank and stay connected with DIA as your company grows.
06Registration & participation
Join us at DIA Europe 2027
Be part of the innovation conversation.
Discover emerging innovations, connect with the life sciences community or take the stage with your own solution.
Register for DIA Europe 2027
Explore the DIA LIFT Series, including DIA Europe × WhaleTank, as part of the conference experience.
Registration details coming soonOpening date, participation options and registration link will be announced once confirmed.
Apply to pitch at WhaleTank
Present your solution and receive constructive feedback from across the healthcare ecosystem.
Application details coming soonApplication criteria, submission requirements, deadlines and participation details will be announced soon.
Register your interest
Interested in participating but not ready to apply? Receive updates about application announcements, key dates and participation information.
Interest form coming soonThe registration-of-interest form will be available here once confirmed.
Reimagining Healthcare Innovation
Progress needs every perspective. Bring yours.
Join innovators, investors, industry partners and healthcare experts to exchange ideas, discover promising solutions and build connections.
DIA Europe 2027 · 16–18 March 2027 · Basel, Switzerland