Life Science Gateway 2026 Seattle and Japan - Day 2

Hosted by SNBL Global Gateway(SGG), Seattle Children’s Research Institute and Kobe CityCo-hosted by Plug and Play Seattle, SBI Group and Remiges Ventures

​Opening pathways for U.S. companies into Japan and connecting Japanese startups with Seattle’s innovation ecosystem.

​Join us for a transformative two‑day event exploring investment trends, regulations, and the technologies shaping the future of healthcare.

👉Register for Day1-May 14th

Day2 Agenda / Speakers & Panelists

​​12:00-12:30 p.m. - Registration

​​12:30-12:35 p.m. - Greeting Remarks by Seattle Children's Research Institute12:35-12:40 p.m. - Welcome Remarks by Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle (Iyori Makoto, Consul General)

​​12:40-1:25 p.m. - Building in Seattle: Success Stories from Biotech Startups (Panel) (Moderator: Ken Shimokawa, SNBL USA/ Steve Harr, Sana Biotechnology/ Gregory Kunst, VALITOR/Cameron McCann, Q-Immune)

​​1:25-2:10 p.m. - The Future of Research in the Age of AI (Panel) (Moderator: Momo Nakamura, Plug and Play/Jen Bouchard, Accenture/James van Alstine, HoX/Stephanie Holden, Benchling)

2:10-2:30 p.m. - Coffee break​​

2:30-3:15 p.m. - Fostering Research Collaborations Across the Seattle Area (Panel)

​​3:15-4:00 p.m. - CDMO Activities in the Seattle Area (Panel) (Moderator: Ryan Takeya, Pfizer/Kati Sills, AGC Biologics/Jon Gunther, Just Evotec Biologics)

​4:00-4:35 p.m. - Inside the BD Process: How Companies Search For and Evaluate Opportunities (Fireside Chat) (Moderator: Edo Mwenda, Seattle Children's Research Institute)

4:35- 4:40 p.m. - Ending Remarks​

4:45- 5:45 p.m. - Networking

​What Makes This Event Unmissable?

​​Direct Engagement with Japanese Startups:Meet and interact with pioneering Japanese startups visiting Seattle to explore partnerships, investment, and research opportunities within our region’s dynamic life sciences ecosystem.​​Long-Term Relationship Building:As an incubator (SGG)-hosted event, our commitment goes beyond these two days. We will provide ongoing support to participating Japanese startups, fostering enduring collaborations and integration into the Seattle innovation landscape.​​Exclusive Access to Japan’s Leading Life Sciences Networks:SNBL, Japan’s largest contract research organization, and Kobe City, home to the nation’s largest biomedical cluster, are opening doors for U.S. companies to access Japan’s thriving market and scientific community.

​​Why Attend?

​​Forge lasting partnerships with top Japanese and Seattle-based innovators.​​Discover new technologies and market opportunities in both Seattle and Japan.​​Expand your network with key stakeholders, investors, and thought leaders in life sciences.

​​Who Should Attend?

​​Biotech and pharma professionals​​Investors and venture capitalists​​Researchers and clinicians​​Entrepreneurs and startup founders​​Industry partners interested in U.S.–Japan collaboration

​​Don’t miss this rare chance to build global connections and shape the future of life sciences.

​Please note: Photos and videos may be taken during the event and may be used for organizational communications, outreach, or informational purposes. By attending, you agree to this condition.