As Europe faces growing competition from the US, China and emerging life sciences hubs worldwide, Advanced Therapies Europe 2026 will convene industry leaders, investors, regulators and therapy developers to address one defining question: how can Europe remain competitive in cell and gene therapy (CGT)?
Bringing the CGT community to Barcelona from 7-9 September 2026, the sixth edition of the event will focus on the practical actions needed to strengthen Europe's position in advanced therapies, amid concerns that regulatory complexity, fragmented healthcare systems and investment challenges have limited its ability to translate scientific innovation into commercial success at the same pace as its international competitors.
Underscoring the importance of that conversation, the event will open with a keynote from Professor Jacob George – who last autumn was appointed as the first Chief Medical and Scientific Officer for the MHRA – who will share perspectives on the evolving regulatory landscape and the role it can play in strengthening competitiveness in advanced therapies. He will be joined by industry leaders debating how Europe can accelerate approvals, attract investment, retain innovation and create the conditions needed for more therapies to be developed, manufactured and launched in the region.
Kimberley Barnes, President at Phacilitate, said: “Europe does not need to prove that it can produce world-class science. The challenge now is ensuring that breakthrough therapies are developed, financed, manufactured and delivered here, rather than elsewhere. As competition intensifies from the US, China and other emerging biotech hubs, the focus is increasingly on creating the conditions that allow CGT innovation to stay, scale and succeed in Europe.
“Advanced Therapies Europe brings together the senior decision-makers who can help make that happen. With 90 speakers, dedicated debates and curated opportunities for one-to-one discussion, the conversations taking place in Barcelona will focus not just on what's possible scientifically, but on the practical changes needed to strengthen Europe's position as a global leader in advanced therapies.”
Prof Jacob George, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer for the MHRA, said: “Europe, including the UK, has the world-class science, clinical expertise and strong research base to be a global leader in advanced therapies. The opportunity now is to ensure that regulation, innovation and collaboration work hand in hand to help more promising therapies reach patients efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality. Advanced Therapies Europe provides an important forum for the sector to come together and discuss how we can support continued progress and ensure patients benefit from the innovations being developed today.”
New additions for 2026 include dedicated debate sessions tackling some of the sector's most controversial questions, alongside the return of the Investment Summit and ATE Connect, a series of closed-door discussions designed to facilitate strategic partnerships and candid conversations among senior leaders.
Held at the InterContinental Barcelona, Advanced Therapies Europe will welcome therapeutic developers, investors, regulators, healthcare leaders and technology providers from across the global ecosystem. Attendance is capped at 600 delegates to encourage deeper engagement and more meaningful connection.
Registration and exhibitor opportunities for Advanced Therapies Europe 2026 are open. To be part of the connections shaping the future of cell and gene therapy, visit Advanced Therapies Europe 2026.
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