The successful translation of early-stage oncology research into therapies that reach patients requires more than scientific excellence. It demands effective collaboration among researchers, technology transfer professionals, biotech companies, patient organizations, investors, and funding institutions. As Europe increasingly embraces collaborative and impact-driven innovation models, new approaches are emerging to bridge the gap between discovery and clinical application.
This roundtable will explore how structured collaboration can accelerate oncology innovation and improve the likelihood that promising discoveries reach patients. Using real-world examples from the oncology innovation ecosystem, the session will highlight how coordinated support mechanisms can de-risk early-stage projects, strengthen translational pathways, and ensure patient needs are integrated from the outset.
The discussion will address key drivers transforming oncology drug development, including:
- Advances in molecular biology, genomics, and biomarker-driven clinical development that are enabling more precise and targeted therapeutic strategies.
- The growing use of real-world data (RWD) and real-world evidence (RWE) to inform clinical development and decision-making.
- The integration of patient perspectives from the earliest stages of research, ensuring that scientific priorities, development pathways, and innovation outcomes reflect real clinical needs and patient experiences.
- The application of artificial intelligence and machine learning across the R&D continuum, from target identification and drug discovery to biomarker development, clinical trial optimization, patient recruitment, and prediction of treatment response and toxicity.
Bringing together perspectives from academia, venture capital, biotech SMEs, patient advocacy organizations, and innovation support entities, the session will provide actionable insights into how collaborative ecosystems can accelerate oncology innovation and create greater translational impact.
A particular focus will be placed on the role of innovation support and incubation programs in identifying high-potential research projects and transforming them into investable opportunities. Speakers will discuss how early definition of an investment thesis—grounded in patient benefit, societal impact, and commercial potential—can strengthen project development and attract follow-on investment. The session will also explore how venture capital investors increasingly contribute beyond financing, actively supporting project evaluation, strategic positioning, and market alignment from the earliest stages. AECC, the Spanish Association Against Cancer, will present their pioneering Patient Advocacy programme its complemnetarity to their newTechnology Transfer Program.
Representatives from Oncomatryx, Naru Intelligence, and Hawk Biosystems will share their experiences in developing cutting-edge technologies, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), AI-driven clinical research solutions, and next-generation spatial proteomics platforms.
By showcasing successful examples of cross-sector collaboration, this session will demonstrate how coordinated innovation ecosystems can accelerate the journey from laboratory discovery to patient benefit.
Participants will gain practical insights into building investable, patient-centered oncology projects and fostering partnerships that accelerate translation and market adoption.
Proposed Panelists- Representative, AECC Patient Advocacy Program / AECC INNOVA or AECC IMPACTO initiatives?
