Where Emerging Innovations and Global Decision-Makers Meet
The LIFT Series at DIA 2026 gives innovators a focused space to test ideas, stress-test strategy, and connect with the global ecosystem.
June 14-18, 2026 | Philadelphia, PA
The Whale Tank at DIA
The Whale Tank at DIA is a customer-first pitch program where founders hear real customers validate or challenge value in real time. Built by founders, for founders, Whale Tank showcases compelling therapeutic, drug discovery, and clinical development innovations to a highly targeted audience of potential customers, strategic partners, regulators, and investors.
Unlike most pitch competitions, Whale Tank prioritizes market validation and cross-sector feedback. Founders get real input from real industry stakeholders, often leading to high-quality follow-up meetings with potential clients, strategic partners, and investors.
The program combines rigorous pitch preparation with live exposure at DIA's Global Annual Meeting, where 4,100+ global attendees convene, creating a platform for companies poised to scale.
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What Past Participants Have Earned
- ✓ Confirmed customer meetings to sharpen use case and paths to pilots or partnerships
- ✓ Targeted investor introductions and follow-up meetings
- ✓ Strengthened pitch narratives informed by real-world market feedback
- 🐋 Stuffed whales, the fluffy kind
Who you’ll meet at DIA Lift Series | Whale Tank
Meet the people who can help move bold ideas forward. From founders and investors to regulators, strategic partners, and clinical development leaders, Whale Tank brings the right voices into one room for meaningful conversations and real momentum.
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Who you’ll meet at DIA Lift Series | Whale Tank
Step into a room designed for the next conversation that matters.
Whale Tank connects founders with investors, biopharma leaders, regulators, strategic partners, and experts across the development ecosystem, creating space for feedback, partnership, and momentum.
Why Participate?
Gain strategic advantages that accelerate your path to market success.
Market-Product Fit Approach
Refine your value proposition through structured feedback from industry experts who understand regulatory requirements, clinical development pathways, and commercialization strategies.
Expert-Guided Pitch Development
Work directly with experienced mentors to craft compelling presentations that resonate with investors, biopharma partners, and regulatory decision-makers.
Partnership Opportunities
Connect with potential partners, investors, and collaborators who can help accelerate your path to market.
Start-Up, Applicant and Finalist Experience
Applicants receive an additional discount to the DIA Global Annual Meeting.
Apply ASAP to maximize your chances.
Apply early to maximize your chances of being selected as a finalist, receive a more tailored review process, thorough pitch preparation, and customized roundtable placement.
Startup Benefits
Discounted registration and access to the entire DIA Global Annual Meeting, biotech-focused education sessions, and networking events.
Who Will Be There?
Pharmaceutical and biotech organizations, drug development partners, experienced founders, regulatory experts, and venture investors.
Apply Now
*Applicants must register for the DIA Global meeting for consideration. Applicants receive a discounted registration rate.
Ready to Join the LIFT Series?
Explore the program, apply to pitch, and connect with the people shaping what comes next in drug development and innovation.