2026 Preliminary Agenda
Oncology Venture, Innovation & Partnering Summit
Connecting Investors and Business Leaders to Accelerate Cancer Innovation
10/19/2026 - October 20, 2026 ALL TIMES EDT
Join us for an exclusive gathering of senior-level investors, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and business leaders at the Third Annual Oncology Venture, Innovation & Partnering Summit, October 19-20, 2026, in Cambridge, MA. Connect with future investors and partners at intimate networking sessions; gain strategic insights on funding activities, exits, business development, and innovation strategies in cancer therapeutics and diagnostics from industry-led panels; and hear candid perspectives and business recommendations from oncology thought leaders during dynamic fireside chats. The Oncology VIP Summit is positioned as the premier meeting place for key oncology stakeholders to foster meaningful connections, acquire valuable strategic insights, and drive innovation and collaboration.
Preliminary Agenda
Panel Moderator:
PANEL DISCUSSION:
The Future of Oncology Investing: Where Will the Next Breakthroughs—and Returns—Come From?
Panelists:
Jason P. Hafler, PhD, Managing Director, Sanofi Ventures , Managing Dir , Sanofi Ventures
Karin Kleinhans, PhD, Partner, MRL Ventures Fund , Partner , MRL Ventures Fund
Michael Partsch, Chief Venture Officer, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation , Chief Venture Officer , Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation WARF
Jason Rhodes, Partner, Atlas Venture , Partner , Atlas Venture
Uciane Scarlett, PhD, Former Principal, MPM BioImpact , Former Principal , Former MPM BioImpact
Panel Moderator:
PANEL DISCUSSION:
Big Pharma Perspective on Oncology R&D: Investment Strategies, Partnering Models, and Exit Pathways
Michal Preminger, PhD, MBA, CEO, BioMed X Venture Labs; Former Regional Head, J&J Innovation , CEO , BioMed X Venture Labs
Panelists:
Polly Brown, Vice President, Head of Business Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca , VP & Head of Bus Dev , Oncology R&D , AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals
Panel Moderator:
PANEL DISCUSSION:
Navigating China’s Rise: Partnering, Investment, and Strategic Challenges & Opportunities for US Biopharma
Anna French, DPhil, Managing Partner, Qiming Venture Partners , Managing Partner , Qiming Venture Partners
China has emerged as a major force in oncology innovation, reshaping the global biopharma landscape. This panel will examine cross-border partnering and investment trends, licensing opportunities, regulatory and geopolitical considerations, and strategies for successful collaboration. Hear how biopharma companies are navigating both the opportunities and complexities of engaging with China’s rapidly evolving oncology ecosystem.
CEO Chat: Oncology CEO Perspectives on Leading through Uncertainty
Luba Greenwood, JD, CEO, Mwyngil Therapeutics and Board Member, Bioptic AI , CEO , Mwyngil Therapeutics
Rachel Humphrey, MD, President and Founding CEO, Normunity , President and Founding CEO , Normunity
Steven Weinstein, CEO, Gradalis , CEO , Gradalis
In an era of scientific breakthroughs, shifting market dynamics, and evolving regulatory and financing landscapes, leading oncology CEOs will share how they navigate uncertainty, make strategic decisions, drive innovation, and position their organizations for long-term growth and patient impact.