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Special Interest Groups Are Back

Step in, speak up, solve together.

Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are small, focused communities within the event where innovators unite to solve shared challenges in automation, decentralization, and beyond.

This is your chance to step into a bias-free, non-competitive space where company hats come off and everyone contributes on equal footing. Whilst these groups are free to attend, they are closed-door, invite-only.

Apply for 2026

Why join the Phacilitate Special Interest Groups?

  • Shape the future of CGT manufacturing: Bring your perspective to the table and help identify solutions to the industry’s toughest automation and decentralization challenges.

  • Collaborate without barriers: Open dialogue that drives progress.

  • Gain cross-functional perspectives: Hear from peers in development, manufacturing, QC, regulatory, and vendor roles, all in one room.

  • Learn from real-world experience: Explore what’s working in closed systems, digital twins, MES integration, decentralized QC/analytics, and more.

  • Tackle persistent roadblocks: Address technical, cultural, and commercial barriers that slow down innovation.

  • Network with changemakers: Connect with automation and decentralization leaders committed to advancing new manufacturing models.

2026 Special Interest Groups

Each workshop brings together a dedicated group of stakeholders to address barriers, uncover opportunities, and lay the groundwork for future collaboration. Below are the four SIG topics; these groups are in high demand and participation is by application only. If you’d like to join, please apply for the SIG group(s) that interest you, and our team will follow up to confirm whether your application has been successful.

SIG: Automation

Automation is no longer optional in cell and gene therapy manufacturin ...

Automation is no longer optional in cell and gene therapy manufacturing. This SIG convenes experts from across the development and commercial spectrum to identify the most pressing barriers to automation and the opportunities for scalable solutions. Discussions will focus on topics such as closed-system technologies, robotics, digital twins, MES integration and the cultural challenges of adoption. By bringing diverse perspectives together, this SIG will outline practical next steps to accelerate implementation and set the foundations for a more robust, efficient, and standardized approach to automation in advanced therapies.

Apply to attend

SIG: Decentralized Manufacturing

Decentralized manufacturing models are reshaping how advanced therapie ...
Decentralized manufacturing models are reshaping how advanced therapies are delivered. This SIG explores the operational, regulatory, and technical barriers standing in the way of scaling regional and point-of-care manufacturing. Stakeholders from across the value chain will contribute insights on facility design, technology readiness, workforce requirements, and compliance standards. The group will also consider the commercial realities of decentralization and how to build sustainable networks that improve patient access. Participants will determine the appetite and structure for an ongoing Special Interest Group dedicated to advancing decentralized models across the industry.
Apply to attend

SIG: Blood Centers in Cell Therapy

Blood centers play a critical role in the cell therapy ecosystem, yet ...

Blood centers play a critical role in the cell therapy ecosystem, yet their involvement is often underrepresented in broader industry discussions. This workshop connects leaders from blood centres, therapy developers, and related organisations to map out the challenges and opportunities at every stage of the workflow, from donor collection through to commercial-scale manufacturing. Participants will examine operational barriers such as capacity, logistics, quality assurance, and regulatory alignment, while also identifying opportunities for stronger collaboration and integration with therapy developers. The aim is to assess interest in forming a continuing SIG that ensures blood centers are positioned as strategic partners in advancing the delivery of cell therapies.

Apply to attend

SIG: Data Standardization and Implementation

The lack of harmonised data practices is one of the most significant r ...
The lack of harmonised data practices is one of the most significant roadblocks to progress in advanced therapy manufacturing. This workshop brings together experts in R&D, manufacturing, regulatory affairs and digital innovation to identify current gaps in data collection, integration, and analysis. The group will explore practical frameworks for standardisation, opportunities for interoperability, and the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in manufacturing workflows. Participants will assess the potential for an ongoing SIG focused on driving adoption of unified data strategies that support scale-up, compliance, and innovation across the sector.
Apply to attend
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