2026 Final Agenda
Oncology Venture, Innovation & Partnering Summit
Connecting Investors and Business Leaders to Accelerate Cancer Innovation
10/19/2026 - October 20, 2026 ALL TIMES EDT
Join us for an exclusive gathering of senior-level investors, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and business leaders at the Third Annual Oncology Venture, Innovation & Partnering Summit, October 19-20, 2026, in Cambridge, MA. Connect with future investors and partners at intimate networking sessions; gain strategic insights on funding activities, exits, business development, and innovation strategies in cancer therapeutics and diagnostics from industry-led panels; and hear candid perspectives and business recommendations from oncology thought leaders during dynamic fireside chats. The Oncology VIP Summit is positioned as the premier meeting place for key oncology stakeholders to foster meaningful connections, acquire valuable strategic insights, and drive innovation and collaboration.
Monday, October 19
Registration Open
Organizer's Welcome Remarks
Co-Chair's Opening Remarks
KEYNOTE FIRESIDE CHAT
Michal Preminger, PhD, MBA, CEO, BioMed X Venture Labs; Former Regional Head, J&J Innovation , CEO , BioMed X Venture Labs
Sponsored Presentation (Opportunity Available)
Panel Moderator:
PANEL DISCUSSION:
The Future of Oncology Investing: Where Will the Next Breakthroughs—and Returns—Come From?
Christine Brennan, PhD, Partner, JJDC, Johnson & Johnson , Partner , JJDC , Johnson & Johnson
Panelists:
Jason P. Hafler, PhD, Managing Director, Sanofi Ventures , Managing Dir , Sanofi Ventures
Karin Kleinhans, PhD, Partner, MRL Ventures Fund , Partner , MRL Ventures Fund
Michael Partsch, Chief Venture Officer, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation , Chief Venture Officer , Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation WARF
Jason Rhodes, Partner, Atlas Venture , Partner , Atlas Venture
Uciane Scarlett, PhD, Former Principal, MPM BioImpact , Former Principal , Former MPM BioImpact
Sponsored Presentation (Opportunity Available)
Networking Coffee Break with Roundtable Discussions
Networking Coffee Break with Roundtable Discussions
Roundtable Discussions are informal, moderated discussions, allowing participants to exchange ideas and experiences and develop future collaborations around a focused topic. Each discussion will be led by a facilitator who keeps the discussion on track and the group engaged. To get the most out of this format, please come prepared to share examples from your work, be a part of a collective, problem-solving session, and participate in active idea sharing.
Presentation to be Announced
Panel Moderator:
PANEL DISCUSSION:
Big Pharma Perspective on Oncology R&D: Investment Strategies, Partnering Models, and Exit Pathways
Michal Preminger, PhD, MBA, CEO, BioMed X Venture Labs; Former Regional Head, J&J Innovation , CEO , BioMed X Venture Labs
Panelists:
Polly Brown, Vice President, Head of Business Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca , VP & Head of Bus Dev , Oncology R&D , AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals
Ildiko Csiki, MD, PhD, Head of External Innovation, Oncology, Pfizer , Head of External Innovation, Oncology Early Stage Development , External Innovation, Oncology , Pfizer
Panel Moderator:
PANEL DISCUSSION:
Sponsored by: Talk Title to be Announced
Speaker to be Announced , PHP Biotech Intl Inc
CEO Chat: Oncology CEO Perspectives on Leading through Uncertainty
Luba Greenwood, JD, CEO, Mwyngil Therapeutics and Board Member, Bioptic AI , CEO , Mwyngil Therapeutics
Steven Weinstein, CEO, Gradalis , CEO , Gradalis
In an era of scientific breakthroughs, shifting market dynamics, and evolving regulatory and financing landscapes, leading oncology CEOs will share how they navigate uncertainty, make strategic decisions, drive innovation, and position their organizations for long-term growth and patient power.
Welcome Networking Reception (Sponsorship Opportunities Available)
Close of Day
Tuesday, October 20
Registration and Morning Coffee
Organizer's Welcome Remarks
Co-Chair's Opening Remarks
Sponsored by: Talk Title to be Announced
Speaker to be Announced , Silicon Valley Bank
Panel Moderator:
PANEL DISCUSSION:
Opportunities for Artificial Intelligence to Accelerate Precision Oncology
Ann DeWitt, PhD, General Partner, Engine Ventures , General Partner , Engine Ventures
Panelists:
Irena Melnikova, PhD, Partner, Pfizer Ventures , Partner , Pfizer Ventures , Pfizer Ventures
Vishal Sahni, PhD, Investment Director, Merck Global Health Innovation Fund , Investment Director , Merck Global Health Innovation Fund
Sponsored by: Talk Title to be Announced
Speaker to be Announced , RISA Labs
Networking Coffee Break with Roundtable Discussions
Networking Coffee Break with Roundtable Discussions
Roundtable Discussions are informal, moderated discussions, allowing participants to exchange ideas and experiences and develop future collaborations around a focused topic. Each discussion will be led by a facilitator who keeps the discussion on track and the group engaged. To get the most out of this format, please come prepared to share examples from your work, be a part of a collective, problem-solving session, and participate in active idea sharing.