The Founders Forum

New to 2026, the Founders Forum is a closed-door working session for early-stage biotech founders actively building and scaling companies in advanced therapies.

This is a practical, workshop-led program focused on the real challenges founders face, from investor readiness and company strategy to operational decision-making and leadership under pressure. Sessions are small, interactive, and led by people who have been there before. 

Closed-door, invite-only. To request an invite, please contact team@phacilitate.com.

Founder's Forum 2026 Agenda

This agenda is still in development. All sessions and timings are subject to regular change at this time. 

  1. Lunch
    Indigo Ballroom, Hilton Bayfront Hotel
    Lunch: Investment Summit, Founders Forum and WIAT
  2. Room A
    Scaling Workshop: Build under pressure, not despite it. Secure capital, fortify your team, and make crisp decisions that keep growth compounding when resources are thin.
  3. Room A
    Workshop:  Many scientific companies have the expertise and loyal customers but still struggle to be seen. They outperform competitors yet remain overlooked by potential clients and partners—resulting in slower growth and missed opportunities. 
    And in the age of AI and new tech, filling the marketing function isn’t as simple as it used to be. 

Empowering the next generation of biotech founders

The Founders Forum gives sponsors and partners a platform to engage directly with the innovators driving the next wave of CGT breakthroughs. Align your brand with founder success, contribute your expertise and position your organisation as a catalyst for biotech growth and entrepreneurship.

Why get involved?

  • Be recognised as a supporter of biotech innovation and leadership development
  • Engage directly with founders, CEOs, and early-stage biotech executives
  • Host or contribute to workshops that deliver actionable learning outcomes
  • Align your brand with the future of biotech entrepreneurship
  • Gain visibility among founders, investors, accelerators, and ecosystem partners
  • Benefit from association with the largest, industry-focused advanced therapies meeting in North America

Want a preview of the Advanced Therapies Week attendees?

See who was in the room in 2025 and the organizations leading the way in advanced therapies.

Download the 2025 attendee list

Register for the leading cell & gene therapy conference

Secure your spot at Advanced Therapies Week 2026 in San Diego.

Current exhibitor list Register today

150+
Investors in the room
2000+
Cell & gene therapy professionals
250+
World-class speakers
200+
Advanced therapies exhibitors
  • “Advanced Therapies Week is one of the best partnering conferences around… they really focus on connections.”
    Global Commercial Director, ScaleReady
  • “Why ATW is fantastic is all the tech developers and manufacturers are here in one place with one idea in mind, and that is to advance the field.”
    VP, Cellular Origins
  • “It’s a great opportunity for us to connect with all different people — whether they come from small biotech, big pharma, or academia. It gives us insight into CGT trends and how to adjust our workflows to meet the market.”
    Clinical Product Manager, Miltenyi Biotech
  • “This is one of the landmark meetings. Every year it becomes obvious that we meet more of our potential partners, we can build together the future of cell therapy and see how we can implement this concretely.”
    CEO & Founder, NKILT Therapeutics