The Riyadh Global Medical Biotechnology Summit (RGMBS) today announced the scientific program for its 2026 edition, bringing together internationally recognized leaders from science, industry, investment, government, and regulation to advance the future of medical biotechnology.
Taking place September 14-16, 2026, at the Sofitel Riyadh Hotel and Convention Center, the summit is organized by the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs and hosted by King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS) and the King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), with the Ministry of Investment serving as Strategic Partner.
Now in its fourth edition, RGMBS 2026 aligns with Saudi Arabia's National Biotechnology Strategy, which aims to contribute $34.6 billion to non-oil GDP by 2040. The scientific program follows the full biomedical innovation pathway, from population-scale genomics and AI-enabled drug discovery to domestic biomanufacturing, regulatory science, commercialization, and investment, reflecting Saudi Arabia's ambition to build a globally competitive biotechnology ecosystem.
Scientific Program Highlights
The scientific program features internationally recognized academic leaders, including Dr. Keith T. Flaherty, Director of Clinical Research at Mass General Cancer Center, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and President of the American Association for Cancer Research, who will deliver a keynote in the immuno-oncology track. Featured speakers also include Dr. Matthew H. Porteus, Professor of Pediatrics at Stanford University and a pioneer of CRISPR-based correction of inherited blood disorders, and Dr. Alex Shalek, Director of the Institute for Medical Engineering and Science at MIT.
Industry & Investment Leaders
Senior research and development executives from leading global biopharmaceutical companies are confirmed across the scientific program. Dr. Marcello Maresca, Senior Director of Genome Engineering at AstraZeneca, will participate in the "Saudi Gene Therapy Localization Journey" panel. Dr. Seng H. Cheng, Senior Vice President and Head of Research and Product Development at Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, is also confirmed.
The investment program will feature Dr. Kasim Kutay, Chief Executive Officer of Novo Holdings, and Dr. Stephen Squinto, Chief Investment Officer at J.P. Morgan Life Sciences Private Capital, alongside discussions on de-risking biomanufacturing investment, sovereign wealth, and the capital required to scale biotechnology innovation. The bioengineering track will culminate in a session exploring the Lifera contract development and manufacturing model and the capital architecture required to scale domestic biomanufacturing.
Dedicated sessions led by Public Investment Fund (PIF) portfolio companies will showcase national initiatives advancing biotechnology investment, localization, biomanufacturing, and commercialization.
Saudi Arabia's Biotechnology Ecosystem
Additional confirmed speakers include Dr. Vijay Kuchroo of Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital; Dr. Nikolay Dokholyan of the University of Virginia; Professor Xiaoguang Lei of Peking University; Professor Chris Schofield of the University of Oxford; Dr. Mehmood Khan, Chief Executive Officer of the Hevolution Foundation; Dr. Hayat Sindi, Honorary Fellow at the University of Cambridge and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador; and H.E. Dr. Hisham Aljadhey, Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, who will participate in a session examining regulation as a scientific enabler.
The scientific program reflects Saudi Arabia's transition from building research capability to developing a fully integrated biotechnology ecosystem. Alongside significant national investments in genomics, gene editing, and translational research at KAIMRC, the Kingdom is expanding domestic biomanufacturing capabilities while strengthening its regulatory environment through the Saudi Food and Drug Authority's World Health Organization Maturity Level 4 designation for biopharmaceuticals and vaccines.
"Science must drive Bio investment decisions. High-quality research, measurable outcomes, and translational impact must guide capital allocation and attract long-term strategic partnerships. Saudi Arabia stands at a pivotal moment in its biotechnology journey. With strategic commitment, growing capabilities, workforce talent, and international partnerships, the Kingdom is positioned to become the leading biotechnology hub in the Middle East and North Africa by 2030 and a globally competitive contributor by 2040," said H.E. Prof. Bandar Alknawy, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs and King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences.
Global Impact
Across its first three editions, RGMBS has facilitated 59 agreements with international partners, including Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Novo Nordisk, while the 2024 summit generated more than $100 million in announced deal value.
The 2026 edition aims to facilitate more than 65 agreements, bringing together delegates from more than 70 countries, alongside 200 biotechnology and healthcare organizations and more than 80 exhibitors, reinforcing RGMBS as one of the region's leading platforms for scientific collaboration, investment, and strategic partnerships.
Registration
Registration is now open for delegates, exhibitors, and industry partners.
The full scientific program, speaker lineup, and event information are available at rgmbs.org.
About RGMBS
The Riyadh Global Medical Biotechnology Summit (RGMBS) is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's flagship international platform for medical biotechnology. Organized by the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs in alignment with the National Biotechnology Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030, the summit convenes governments, research institutions, investors, healthcare leaders, and industry to accelerate biotechnology innovation, strengthen international collaboration, and advance the localization of priority biotechnologies.
