SUND Innovation Day 2026

Join SUND’s annual celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship in life science on 5 October 2026. We promise an inspiring afternoon with excellent networking opportunities as we bring together researchers, staff, students, and experts from industry, the innovation ecosystem, and venture capital to celebrate and explore innovation in life science.

For any enquiries, please send an email to innovation@sund.ku.dk

The Programme for 2026 (preliminary programme; subject to minor changes)

Theme of the Day: From Discovery to Translation – From Excellence to Impact

12.30: Arrival, networking & coffee

13.00: Welcome & introduction w. Trine Winterø (SUND).

13.10: International Reality Check: Building Translational Ecosystems in a Changing World

Join ecosystem leaders from Boston, London, and Copenhagen in discussing the building blocks of successful translational innovation ecosystems, the capabilities needed to turn discoveries into impact, and the strategic opportunities for Denmark and Copenhagen moving forward.

Speakers: Maggie O'Toole, CEO and President, LabCentral, Ed McGowan, Head of Translational Science, The Francis Crick Institute, Annemarie Munk Riis, CEO, Innovation District Copenhagen (IDC)

14.00: Pitch #1 and presentation of UCPH:BII Life Science Innovation Award by Chair professor Kristian Strømgaard

14.15: Break & networking

14.35: Understanding the Translation Gap: The Missing Middle Between Discovery and Application

What does it take to move discoveries beyond the lab and into society? Join translational leaders as they share lessons learned and insights into the skills, infrastructure, partnerships, and expertise required to translate research discoveries into real-world applications.

Speakers: Lars Grønlykke, Principal BioInnovation Institute (BII), Sarah Callens, CTO, Cellerator, and Petrine Wellendorph, professor and founder of Ceremedy.

15.10: Pitch #2 – UCPH:BII Life Science Innovation Award

15.20: Break & networking

15.35: Redefining Translation in the Age of AI

A forward-looking discussion on how AI, expanding data resources, and evolving innovation ecosystems are transforming the journey from scientific excellence to scalable impact, entrepreneurship, and commercialization.

Speakers: Lars Fogh Iversen, Innovation and Ecosystem Leader & former SVP at Novo Nordisk, Karen Skjerbæk Jørgensen, CCO & Vice President Digital Health, Trifork, and Simon Rasmussen, professor in multi-modal bioinformatics at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research.

16.10: From Discovery to Impact: Choosing the Path Forward
What choices matter most if we want more discoveries to reach society? A discussion on the priorities, investments, and leadership decisions needed to accelerate translation and strengthen innovation ecosystems.

Speakers: Maggie O'Toole, CEO and President, LabCentral, Ed McGowan, Head of Translational Science, The Francis Crick Institute, Annemarie Munk Riis, CEO, Innovation District Copenhagen (IDC).

16.30: Pitch #3 – UCPH:BII Life Science Innovation Award

16.40: Prize ceremony UCPH:BII Life Science Innovation Award 2025

16.50: Closing reception & networking