Hardware in Life Science – Breaking the boundaries in bioconvergence
21 September 2026, Ghent, Belgium
Invite-only
Hardware in Life Science – Breaking the boundaries in bioconvergence
Hardware in Life Science – Breaking the boundaries in bioconvergence
Invite-only
Add to calendarHardware in Life Science is an exclusive event that brings together prominent leaders from across our ecosystem. Now in its third edition, this invite-only gathering aims to connect industry leaders and next-generation innovators to shape and discuss the future of hardware in life science, fostering innovation and collaborative growth towards breakthroughs in bioconvergence. The event is organized by VIB, a world-renowned leader in life sciences research in Flanders, imec, a global innovation hub in deep tech, and Comate, a leader in engineering and design. By joining forces, they aim to move the field forward. Last year’s edition featured Zoe McDougall (Global Head, SVP) with an inspiring keynote on the journey of Oxford Nanopore Technologies. This year, the keynote will be delivered by Element Biosciences. By combining an inspiring keynote with hands-on breakout sessions, the event creates a space where tangible lessons learned are shared, new connections are formed and meaningful discussions spark innovation, strengthening the local ecosystem.
Confirmed speakers
Program
Day 1 - Monday, 21 September, 2026
14:30
15:00
Registration
15:00
15:15
Welcome word
15:15
16:10
Keynote session
15:15
16:10
Matthew Kellinger
Element Biosciences, US
16:10
18:40
Break out sessions
Co-designing Hardware, Biology and AI | Sightera Biosciences & Spectacell
Hardware, assay, and AI development often happen in separate silos, unintendedly building in costly constraints early on. Christophe Deben (Sightera) and Jan Van de Velde (Spectacell) share their expertise on balancing these aspects correctly to unlock the full potential of AI in this field.
From Bench to Adopted Assay | VIB & Biocartis
VIB and Bart Penninger (Biocartis) walk through the full journey of turning a promising bench assay into a product the market actually adopts: building a robust, reproducible assay, translating it into validated & certified instrumentation and cultivating innovation after the initial launch, all while keeping the end user's adoption in mind.
Design Principles for High-Precision Systems | Comate & imec
Jens Jespers (Comate) and Bert Verbruggen (imec) go in-depth on design principles for precision mechanics required for building high-dynamic systems that hold nanometer accuracy. A technical session with principles you can apply directly.
Beyond the Launch: Building for Long-Term Market Fit | Bruker & Trince
A forward-looking discussion on what happens after a certified product actually reaches the market. Jan Van Hauwermeiren (Trince) and Michael Krumm (Bruker) share their view on staying ahead post-launch and managing product changes responsibly on a certified product.
18:40
18:50
Closing words
18:50
21:00
Dinner & networking
Organizing committee
Sofie Coelus
VIB Technologies, BE
Lukas Stabel
Comate, BE
Rocco Stirparo
imec, BE
