23 – 24 Sept. 2026 | Beaulieu Lausanne

Conference 2026

Be inspired, motivated, and educated by national and international speakers. The science-driven conference program will prepare you for the future. Find out today what will matter tomorrow! Be inspired, motivated, and educated. The program is being developed in collaboration with partners Swiss Chemical Society (SCS), BioAlps, Swiss Process and Chemical Engineers (SGVC) and Swiss Biotech Association (SBA).

Day 1 – organised by SCS and SGVC

Process Analytical Technology (PAT) provides a strategic framework for quality assurance in the pharmaceutical industry developed by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2004. The symposium, organized jointly with Swiss Process and Chemical Engineers (SGVC) will showcase the latest developments in the field, its link to AI and the concrete implementation in production processes.

Process Analytical Technology (PAT) is a framework for designing, analyzing, and controlling manufacturing processes by performing real-time measurements of critical quality and performance attributes to ensure final product quality. Initiated by the FDA in 2004, PAT uses tools like spectroscopy, chromatography, and other sensors to monitor processes continuously, enabling immediate adjustments and leading to greater process control and efficiency. The ultimate goal is to ensure a consistent product quality and provide a mechanism for early fault detection.

Key aspects of Process Analytical Technology (PAT)

  • Real-time monitoring: PAT allows for continuous, or near-continuous, monitoring of processes instead of traditional end-product testing.
  • Critical quality attributes (CQAs): It focuses on measuring the specific attributes that are critical to the quality of the product.
  • Critical process parameters (CPPs): By monitoring and controlling CPPs, manufacturers can ensure they remain within defined limits to maintain the product’s CQAs.
  • Process control: The data gathered allows for immediate adjustments to the manufacturing process, minimizing variability and improving consistency.
  • Regulatory framework: It provides a systematic approach to quality assurance, encouraging manufacturers to improve process understanding and control.

Common Process Analytical Technology (PAT) tools

  • Spectroscopy: Techniques such as Raman, Near-Infrared (NIR), and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy are frequently used to identify compounds, measure their concentration, and assess blend uniformity.
  • Other technologies: This includes sensors and methods like microwave resonance technology, particle size analysis, and mass spectrometry for gas analysis.

Benefits of Process Analytical Technology (PAT)

  • Enhanced product quality: Consistent monitoring and control lead to a higher quality and more consistent final product.
  • Improved process efficiency: Real-time data and adjustments can reduce waste and improve overall process efficiency.
  • Faster development and release: The ability to monitor and control processes in real-time can lead to a faster time to market for new products.
  • Regulatory compliance: PAT helps manufacturers meet stringent regulatory requirements by ensuring a well-understood and controlled process.

Chairs of the Conference:

  • Prof. Michal Dabros, HEIA Fribourg and SGVC
  • Dr. Claudio Battilocchio, Syngenta
  • Dr. Johannes Schörgenhummer, University of Zürich

Partners and Scientific Advisory Board

Program Day 1

09.30 Welcome coffee
10.00 Welcome and introduction into the topic
10.10 Keynote lecture 1 (30’+5): Big picture
11.15 Speaker 3 (25’+5’ Q&A)
12.15 Speaker 4 (25’+5’ Q&A)
12.45 Lunch Break
14.00 Keynote lecture 5 (30’)
14.30 Speaker 6 (25’+5’ Q&A): case study 1
15.00 Speaker 7 (25’+5’ Q&A): case study 2
15.30 Speaker 8 (25’+5’ Q&A): case study 3
16.00 Panel Discussion
16.30 End of symposium | Networking Apéro

Day 2 – organised by BioAlps

The BIOALPS Forum @Ilmac Lausanne 2026 brings together key players from research, industry, and innovation to explore the role of biotools in shaping the future of life sciences. From bioconvergence and enabling technologies to advanced therapies, the conference highlights how scientific excellence, collaborative ecosystems, and industrial leadership accelerate the journey from discovery to patient impact. Through keynotes, expert sessions, and startup pitches, the forum offers a full-day perspective on how biotools are transforming research, development, and manufacturing across the life sciences value chain.

Key themes of the Conference

  • Biotools and bioconvergence: Exploring how cutting-edge tools bridge disciplines and drive the next generation of therapies.
  • Innovation ecosystems: Understanding the scientific, business, and funding dynamics needed to bring biotools to market.
  • Advanced therapies: Examining the critical technologies enabling cell and gene therapies to move from concept to clinic.
  • From innovation to scale: Addressing the industrial and organizational challenges of delivering therapies at global scale.
  • Collaboration and networking: Connecting startups, researchers, and industry leaders to foster partnerships and growth.

Program Day 2

9.30 Introduction | Presentations from the organising associations.
9.45 KEYNOTE – Biotools at the Heart of Bioconvergence: From Applied Research to Industrial Adoption | Samantha Paoletti, Head of Research & BD, Life Sciences Technologies, CSEM | Gilles Weder, Head of Research & BD, Life Sciences Technologies, CSEM
10.15 SESSION 1 – Building the Biotools Ecosystem: Innovation, Challenges and the Road to Market
11.15 Networking at the BioAlps & Innovaud booth
12.00 Lunch Break
13.30 SESSION 2 – Engineering the Future: Biotools in Advanced Therapies | Bracco Suisse | Limula
14.00 KEYNOTE – From Innovation to Impact: Delivering Cell & Gene Therapies at Scale
14.45 PITCH SESSION – A series of pitches from startups of the region.
15.15 CLOSING REMARKS & Networking at the BioAlps & Innovaud booth

Conference Supporter

Impressions

Do you have further questions?

Please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to help!

Ilmac

Ilmac Team

MCH Exhibitions & Events GmbH

David Spichiger

Executive Director
Swiss Chemical Society (SCS)

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