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2026 Delaware's DNA Life Science Conference

 

Delaware's DNA | 2026 Life Science Conference

Thursday, April 30 | 8 AM
Chase Center on the Riverfront

Join the region’s largest and most influential collection of life science leaders on Thursday, April 30th, for the Fourth Annual Delaware’s DNA | 2026 Life Science Conference! This full day event at the Chase Center on the Riverfront brings together top executives, startups, investors, researchers and policymakers to share new technologies and examine how key trends are shaping the industry’s future. The dynamic program will include rich panel discussions and insightful speakers, a new dedicated IP & Legal Track, and focused sessions on exciting developments in biomanufacturing, biomaterials and AI. And Delaware’s DNA exhibition hall will feature the best of cutting-edge research organizations and business service providers!

 

CONFERENCE FEATURES

 

Tickets

Individual and group tickets are available for the 2026 Delaware's DNA Life Science Conference. Please make your selection below. If you are interested in exploring sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jamie Pedrick.

Early Bird Pricing is available for both members and non-members now through Monday, February 9!  Register early to save $50 on an individual ticket and hundreds on group tickets (10-person packages).

APRIL-30-2026

ATTENDEE

Members $375 Early Bird $320
Non-Members $495 Early Bird $445

STARTING AT $320

APRIL-30-2026

GROUP TICKETS (10)

Members $3,375 Early Bird $3,038
Non-Members $4,455 Early Bird $4,233

STARTING AT $3,038

APRIL-30-2026

EXHIBITORS

Members $2,000
Non-Members $2,500

STARTING AT $2,000


 

Agenda

Click below to display the agenda.

Registration | Networking Breakfast | Exhibitor Alley
Governor's Hall
8:00 - 9:00 AM
Opening Remarks
Wilmington Hall
9:00 - 9:10 AM
WELCOME ADDRESS
Wilmington Hall
9:10 - 9:25 AM

Join us for a welcome address from Governor Matt Meyer.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS 
Wilmington Hall
9:25 - 10:10 AM
Networking & Exhibitor Break
Governor's Hall
10:10 - 10:30 AM
The Biomanufacturing Boom: Imperatives and Opportunities for the First State and Beyond
Wilmington Hall
10:30 - 11:30 AM

Delaware’s longstanding leadership in industrial production has positioned the state to lead the next revolution in advanced manufacturing: making cutting-edge biopharmaceutical products at scale. In this session, global industry, investment and scientific leaders will explore the technological breakthroughs, workforce development imperatives and national security stakes at play in this unfolding new “space race” for our state and nation.

Inside the Algorithms: How Delaware Innovators are Leveraging AI to Transform Health
Wilmington Hall
11:30 AM - 12:10 PM

Artificial intelligence (AI) is dramatically reshaping the discovery and development of new medical technologies and therapies – ushering in a future of predictive, personalized, and preventative medicine. Across Delaware’s life science ecosystem, AI is accelerating drug discovery, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and improving patient care. We’ll hear how Delaware researchers are deploying this powerful technology and the technical and ethical challenges involved in navigating this immensely complex and exciting terrain.

Lunch
Wilmington Hall
12:10 - 1:10 PM
From Molecules to Market: The Delaware Difference in Sustainable Materials and Synthetic Biology
Wilmington Hall
1:10 - 2:10 PM

Biomaterials have immense potential for transforming the way we live – with applications ranging from dynamic medical solutions to more sustainable agricultural systems. The session will highlight Delaware’s leading efforts to leverage these technologies across food, energy and medicine, and how synthetic biology is rapidly accelerating development of a new generation of “smart” biomaterials.

Networking & Exhibitor Break
Governor's Hall
2:10 - 2:30 PM
The First State’s Corporate Franchise: Delaware’s Difference Maker
Wilmington Hall
2:30 - 3:10 PM

For more than a century, Delaware has been the premier global corporate venue thanks to a business-friendly environment, attractive tax advantages and our renowned Court of Chancery. The country’s top experts on Delaware’s unique legal and business assets will discuss what makes the First State the still-undisputed First Choice for incorporation and investment – including, importantly, for emerging and established life science enterprises.

cLOSING REMARKS Networking | Exhibitor ALLey
Wilmington Hall / Governor's Hall
3:10 - 3:30 PM
Delaware’s world class legal community has unrivaled expertise advising life science companies of every size and stage. In this two-session track, legal and business experts will offer practical insights on critical considerations for early- and mid-stage life science companies – from smart IP protection to decision making around fundraising and M&A. These important sessions will share strategies on mitigating risk, attracting capital and scaling with confidence.
SESSION 1
Dravo Auditorium
10:30 - 11:30 AM

Details coming soon!

session 2
Dravo Auditorium
1:10 - 2:10 PM

Details coming soon!


 

Speakers

MICHELLE ANKENBRAND

Vice Chief Judge
USPTO-PTAB

View Bio

ANDRE G. BOUCHARD

Partner
Paul, Weiss Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP

View Bio

SUNITA CHANDRASEKARAN

Director, First State AI Institute
University of Delaware

View Bio

KELVIN H. LEE

NIIMBL Institute Director
The National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL)

View Bio

DAVE MARALDO

SVP, Operations
Merck and Co., Inc.

View Bio

ROD WARD

President & CEO
CSC

Coming Soon


                 
 

sPONSORS


 

Exhibitors


 

SPONSORSHIP

Create More Visibility for Your Business and Brand

Become a sponsor of the Delaware’s DNA | 2026 Life Science Conference and showcase your business' expertise, products, and services to top life science decision makers. Contact us today to discuss your sponsorship options.

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