Day 1: Seeking convergence on bio data among academics

The first day focused on setting a trajectory for upcoming academic discussions and projects between the fields of management, information systems, computer science, and life science. Due to the multitude of disciplines and professions at each table, professor Brian Pentland has set the frame for this community from the very start: convergence.

Following the lead of professors Panos Constantinides (Warwick Business School), Martin Gersch (Freie Universität Berlin) as well as Katharina Lauer (ELIXIR), the participants gave insights into their current projects.

Day 2: Seeking convergence on bio data with start-ups and industry

On the second day, Jason Mellad (Start Codon) shared his view as a founder of a bio tech accelerator in Cambridge (UK) as well as former CEO of a succesful biodata startup on current trends and presented his design of a bio data-focused ecosystem design.

His view was complemented by two founders of bio data start-ups who presented some of the most urging issues for their companies. Marco Schmidt presented his solution for developing digital biomarkers with biotx. In contrast, Joachim Wunderlich showcased tycheheart, a company that offers a digital solution for managing heart failures.

Finally, Adrian Freeman (Associate Director of Emerging Innovations Unit AstraZeneca) invited the participants to discuss opportunities and tackle challenges associated to open data and open innovation in a pharma company.

Following the intensive workshop format on market challenges, three key notes initiated a discussion on environmental factors including policy, regulation, and standard setting on entrepreneurship and innovation with biodata.

Jessica Vamathevan (Head of Strategic Partnership Office at EMBL-EBI) shared the current state of genome data collection and standard setting. Following an insightful view on value chains in biotech, Viola Bronsema (CEO of BIO Deutschland) has shed light on the relationship between policy and biotech.

Finally, professor Klaus Høyer (University of Copenhagen) reflected on the political, economic, and academic discourse that involve technological developments.