Event Highlight: Life Sciences Entrepreneurship Conference: Perspectives from Hong Kong and Switzerland

In partnership with the Swiss Biotech Association and sponsored by InvestHK, Hong Kong Life Sciences Society (HKLSS) hosted “Life Sciences Entrepreneurship Conference: Perspectives from Hong Kong and Switzerland” on 21 March 2025. The conference gathered leading experts, entrepreneurs, and innovators from Hong Kong and Switzerland to discuss the current landscape and future opportunities in life sciences entrepreneurship. 

The conference officially opened with welcoming remarks by Mr Antony Leung, Vice Chairperson of HKLSS, Chairman of Nan Fung Group, and Chairman and Co-founder of New Frontier Group. Mr Daniel Freihofer, Consul General of Switzerland in Hong Kong, then delivered the opening remarks. 

Esteemed speakers from Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Switzerland shared their expertise and perspectives with the audience. Dr Qiusong Tang, Head of Roche Accelerator, delivered the plenary session on “Catalyzing Biotech Innovation in Hong Kong: Bridging Swiss Excellence to China’s Ecosystem”. 

Dr Eric Adam, Chief Operations Officer of HAYA Therapeutics SA, presented the company’s work on RNA therapeutics for cellular reprogramming to treat rare and chronic diseases.

One of the highlights of the conference was the participation of outstanding start-ups that showcased their technologies and products. Speakers from Swiss start-ups included Mr Erik van den Berg, Chief Executive Officer of Memo-Therapeutics AG; Dr Christian Leisner, Chief Executive Officer and Director of CDR-Life AG; and Dr Andrea Chicca, Chief Executive Officer of Synendos Therapeutics AG. They introduced their corporate philosophies and unique edges via live streaming. This session was moderated by Ms Tinnie Chau, Principal, Private Equity of Ally Bridge Group.

From Hong Kong, Dr Lydia Leung, Chief Executive Officer of Belun Technology; Prof Zongli Zheng, Co-founder and Chairman of GenEditBio; and Dr Eddy Wu, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Arctic Vision, shared their companies’ research priorities and development focuses. This session was moderated by Dr Chuen Yan Leung, Partner (Healthcare Investment) of Value Partners Group and Co-founder of Silver Dart Capital.

The conference also explored opportunities for investment and strengthening biotech ecosystems. Dr Igor Fisch, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of NewBiologix; and President of FONGIT, discussed start-up incubation from a Swiss perspective via live streaming, while Mr Emmanuel Hui, Member of the Advisory Board of HKLSS and Chief Executive Officer of Tiger Jade Pebble Accelerator, shared his expertise in start-up acceleration in Hong Kong. 

A fireside discussion, moderated by Dr Bettina Ernst Chief Executive Officer of BERNINA BioInvest and Vice-President of Swiss Biotech Association, featured panelists Dr Eric Adam, Chief Operations Officer, HAYA Therapeutics SA; Mr Emmanuel Hui, Chief Executive Officer, Tiger Jade Pebble Accelerator;  Dr Grace SN Lau, Head of Life and Health Technology of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation; Prof Anderson Shum, President of The Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences; Vice-President (Research), and Chair Professor of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering of City University of Hong Kong; and Mr Andy Wong, Head of Innovation and Technology of Invest Hong Kong. Together, they shared valuable insights on fostering the robust development of Hong Kong's life sciences ecosystem. 

To conclude the half-day conference, Ms Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of HKSARG, delivered a video message expressing her thoughts on this important collaboration between Hong Kong and Switzerland in advancing the life sciences sector. The conference concluded with closing remarks by Dr Bettina Ernst, Chief Executive Officer of BERNINA BioInvest and Vice-President of the Swiss Biotech Association.