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International Biopharma Industry Week 2025: Uniting Forces for Innovation

The International Biopharma Industry Week 2025 (IBIWS 2025) commenced on October 13, at the Zhangjiang Science Hall in Shanghai. It is organized by the Shanghai Center of Biomedicine Development in collaboration with Shanghai Biological Medicine Public Technology Service Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Yicai Wanxiang Information Technology Co., Ltd., focusing on creating a global platform for biopharmaceutical innovation.

A Week of Opportunities

Running from October 13 to 17, IBIWS 2025 is themed "Global Linkage, Industrial Empowerment" and features various activities including thematic forums, exhibitions showcasing achievements, and investment matchmaking sessions. These events are designed to integrate vital elements for enhancing the development of the biopharmaceutical sector, including innovative approaches, industry drivers, regulatory enhancements, international collaboration, and financial assistance.

The initiative is central to transforming Shanghai into a prominent global hub for biopharmaceutical development, aspiring to cultivate a world-class industrial ecosystem.

At the opening ceremony, notable leaders were present including Wu Wei, Executive Vice Mayor of Shanghai, and Huang Guo, Deputy Commissioner of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). Speeches addressed the importance of collaboration and innovation in advancing the biopharmaceutical landscape.

Launching New Initiatives

Before the ceremony, dignitaries toured the Shanghai Exhibition of Biopharmaceutical Innovations 2025. They engaged in discussions with representatives from research institutions and enterprises, focusing on collaborative strategies for growth in the biopharmaceutical sector.

The event also marked the official launch of three high-end medical device industry clusters set in Pudong New Area, Minhang District, and Jiading District. These clusters directly support the Action Plan aimed at boosting high-end medical device industries in Shanghai.

Furthermore, key milestones included the unveiling of the Biopharma Technical Measures to Trade Research and Evaluation Base (Shanghai) alongside the announcement of the winners for the Shanghai International Computational Biology Challenge 2025. A significant signing ceremony for the Shanghai State-owned Capital Investment Biopharmaceutical Industry Ecosystem Cooperation Fund also took place, emphasizing the commitment to fostering investment in this vital sector.

Insightful Discussions and Featured Speakers

During the main forum, industry leaders offered insights into the future trajectory of biopharmaceutical innovation, including policy interpretations from high-ranking officials such as Lan Gongtao and Gu Jinhui. Keynote addresses were delivered by prominent figures including 2019 Nobel Laureate Gregg Semenza, as well as executives from leading health technology firms. This exchange of knowledge provided a platform for esteemed scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors from the global biopharmaceutical community to share their perspectives on innovative advancements and industry trends.

The Path Ahead

This year's Industry Week follows a distinctive "1+1+15+N" framework, alongside a series of extended thematic activities scheduled throughout the year, aiming to establish a sustainable model of industry engagement and collaboration. Since its inception in 2021, Industry Week has emerged as a crucial event for enhancing innovation within Shanghai’s biopharmaceutical sector while also promoting international dialogue.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Shanghai’s biopharmaceutical industry has experienced remarkable growth, with output reaching 500.566 billion yuan in the first half of 2025. With the goal set to exceed one trillion yuan for the full year, IBIWS 2025 marks an essential step toward realizing this ambition and further solidifying Shanghai’s position as a leader in biopharmaceutical innovation on a global scale.