On 23 and 24 September, Ilmac Lausanne 2026 will bring together around 200 exhibitors and an expected 3,500 trade visitors from the chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and related industries at Expo Beaulieu Lausanne. The event will focus on the key areas currently transforming the sector, from laboratory and process technology to automation, digitalisation and artificial intelligence. With more than 70 talks and pitches, the Future of Life Sciences Area and new formats, Ilmac combines concrete applications with a forward-looking perspective on the future of the industry.

Across more than 5,500 square metres, around 200 exhibitors will present new products, innovations, solutions and services along the entire value chain, from laboratory and process technology to automation, digitalisation and artificial intelligence. Exhibitors include both well-established companies and innovative newcomers, among them Siemens, Endress+Hauser, Hamilton, Mettler-Toledo, Anton Paar, BioConcept, Huberlab, Agilent and Bruker.
Over the course of two days, 3,500 trade visitors from the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical, diagnostics, food and related industries are expected to attend. A large proportion of visitors are directly involved in decision-making processes, making Ilmac Lausanne one of the most important business platforms in French-speaking Switzerland. “The trade fair offers us an ideal platform to present innovations, meet customers and maintain our network,” says Daniel Annaheim, Head of Business Area Laboratory, Mettler-Toledo (Schweiz) GmbH.
Visitors can look forward to a dynamic platform that places the industry’s current challenges and opportunities centre stage. Key topics include digitalisation, automation, sustainable production and the integration of artificial intelligence, all of which are drivers of Switzerland’s competitiveness. “Ilmac Lausanne connects the strong life sciences community in French-speaking Switzerland with companies, research and international impulses. What matters to us is that specialist exchange leads to concrete contacts, partnerships and new approaches to solutions,” emphasises Céline Futterknecht, Exhibition Director of Ilmac.

Future of Life Sciences: experiencing tomorrow’s technologies in practice

One of the key content highlights is the Future of Life Sciences Area. This curated platform shows how automation, artificial intelligence and new technologies are transforming laboratories, research and production. Together with partners such as Siemens, HDI, Laborplaner Tonelli and other industry players, it will make concrete applications and future scenarios tangible.
The first day of the trade fair will focus on the laboratory of the future: how are laboratories evolving from standalone facilities into connected, data-driven platforms, and what role do automation and digital processes play in this development? The second day will be dedicated to artificial intelligence and quantum technologies in life sciences. International perspectives will be provided, among others, by Brett Staahl, Co-Founder and VP External Innovation at Scribe Therapeutics in San Francisco.

More than 70 contributions connecting research and industrial application

The Ilmac Conference forms the scientific and technical centre of the event. More than 70 talks, pitches and panel discussions will provide insights into current research, industrial applications and technological developments.
On the first day, the focus will be on Process Analytical Technology (PAT), quality assurance and industrial applications. The second day will centre on biotech, biotools and startups, showing how new technologies and partnerships bring innovation from research into application.
Programme partners include the Swiss Chemical Society (SCS), BioAlps, the Canton of Vaud, Innovaud and the Swiss Biotech Association.
“Ilmac Lausanne is a central platform for showcasing the innovative strength and expertise of French-speaking Switzerland and for connecting stakeholders from the chemical and life sciences industries. With biotools at the heart of this year’s BioAlps Forum, we look forward to specialist exchange and new collaborations,” says Magali Bischof, Secretary General of BioAlps.

Startups meet industry and investors

In the Startup Area, young companies from Switzerland and beyond will present new technologies, business models and solution approaches. On 24 September, startups will have the opportunity to present their ideas in live pitches to trade visitors, potential partners and investors. Ilmac thus creates targeted interfaces between established companies, research and the next generation of life sciences businesses.

Women in Life Sciences comes to Lausanne for the first time

Following its premiere at Ilmac Basel 2025, Women in Life Sciences will also take place in Lausanne for the first time. On 23 September, from 15:40 to 16:50, the format will focus on diversity, leadership and the gender health gap. It will bring together professionals from different fields and create space for exchange on career paths, equal opportunities and the role of women in the life sciences industry.
The programme will be complemented by the Speakers Corner, where exhibitors will present current developments, product innovations and concrete applications in compact short talks and discuss them with the audience.

Networking as a central component

In addition to the exhibition and specialist programme, Ilmac offers dedicated opportunities for personal encounters. At the daily Networking Lunch and the Networking Apéro on 23 September from 17:00 to 19:00, trade visitors and exhibitors can deepen existing contacts and establish new connections.
The Networking Apéro is being organised together with Endress+Hauser as Networking Partner and Apin. State Councillor Isabelle Moret, Head of the Department of Economic Affairs, Innovation, Employment and Heritage of the Canton of Vaud, will welcome guests at the apéro.

Plan your visit individually with Ilmac 365

With Ilmac 365, visitors can plan their trade fair visit individually in advance. The platform provides access to the full agenda, the exhibitor directory and the interactive hall plan, and also supports orientation and networking during the event. All information is available at www.ilmac.ch/en/365 and in the free Ilmac 365 app.