This roundtable brings together academic researchers and industry leaders to explore the future of funding in U.S. genomics and life sciences.
With both sectors navigating colossal changes and uncertainty, the need for smarter, more collaborative funding strategies is pivotal.
We will examine how academia and industry can align to close translational gaps, co-develop early-stage innovation, and sustain long-term investment in genomics across discovery, development, and delivery.
This session is designed for:
Academic Leaders
Principal investigators in genomics, biotech, and translational medicine
Deans or department chairs at leading research institutions
Directors of translational research centers or clinical genomics programs
Industry Leaders
R&D and translational medicine leaders (Director, VP, or above)
Heads of open innovation, academic collaborations, or external R&D
We'll be covering questions such as:
What are the biggest friction points in current funding pathways?
How can risk and value be shared more equitably between academia and industry?
What institutional changes are needed to support more agile funding and partnership models?
Please note: To be considered for a roundtable spot you MUST already have a place at The Festival of Genomics and Biodata Boston.
In this roundtable we will be discussing:
Understand Today’s Funding Realities
Public vs. private funding trends in genomics and biotech
Academic constraints: grant timelines, IP policies and tenure pressures
Pharma’s evolving approach to external innovation and early-stage partnerships
Breaking down silos between Academia and Industry
Identifying opportunities for co-funding and earlier collaboration
Building trust and transparency in academic–industry partnerships
Rethinking Translational Infrastructure
The role of accelerators, translational institutes, and hybrid R&D hubs
Support systems for spinouts, dual academic-industry roles, and early trials
Making institutional structures more adaptable to modern funding models
Funding high-risk, high-reward science in a conservative funding landscape
Ensuring funding strategies also support equity, access, and responsible innovation
Creating partnership models that go beyond traditional licensing or research agreements
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