Found in Translation

Join bigX, the innovation exchange conference.

October 1st, 2026 | Klosterneuburg, Austria

2026 Edition

Frontiers of Life Sciences

Vienna has all the ingredients to be a globally leading life science hub. At bigX 2026 we explore the high-stakes journey of translating a discovery at the bench to a company that moves the needle in society. Exchange solutions international all-stars, world-class scientists, and startup pioneers to bridge the final gap between lab-scale theory and global impact.

Expert Panel

Global Benchmarks

Join the players of the world’s leading translational engines.

Life Science Translation Benchmarks

Francis Crick Institute: world-leading biomedical Institute dedicated to understanding the biology underlying health and disease.

BioInnovation Institute (BII): A flagship initiative focussing on early-stage life science innovation.

VIB: An independent research institute that translates insights in biology into impactful innovations for society.

What does it take to turn a high-risk discovery into a global force for good?

Our experts from The Francis Crick Institute (UK), BioInnovation Institute (Denmark), and VIB (Belgium) offer a sharp, data-driven look at the infrastructure, funding, and cross-border collaboration required to transform deep-tech research into world-class companies.

Speakers &
Featured researchers

Lineup

Join the leadership of science, industry, and investment to help turn world-class research into a legacy of global impact.

Martin Hetzer

President at Institute of Science and Technology Austria

ISTA

Molecular biologist Martin Hetzer serves as President of the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) since 2023.

The Vienna native returned to Austria for this position after spending around two decades in the US, most recent as Vice President of the Salk Institute of Biological Studies in California.

Markus Wanko

Managing Partner and Managing Director at xista

xista

Markus Wanko is Managing Partner at xista science ventures and Managing Director of xista’s tech transfer and science park arms.

With degrees from MIT, HEC Paris, TU and WU Vienna, he brings over 20 years of experience in venture capital, strategy, and principal investing, having held roles at BCG, the European Investment Fund, and QIA. He serves on the boards of AUTM, and startups Cutanos and Ribbon Biolabs.

Michaela Fritz

Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation at the Medical University of Vienna

Medical University of Vienna

Dr. Michaela Fritz is Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation at the Medical University of Vienna, where she shapes strategy across translational and clinical research, innovation, and international partnerships.

A scientist by training, she has held leading roles at AIT, LISA, AWS, and Infineon, and serves on boards including the European Forum Alpbach and the European University Alliance Expert Group on Innovation.

All speakers

Main Focus Points

Program

Discover how science-based ecosystems grow brilliant ideas into breakthrough ventures. This year’s bigX expores what it takes to thrive in the global life science arena.

Leading Translational Engines

Explore best practices of translating high-risk life science discoveries into world-class companies.

New Movements in Austria

Get an exclusive insights into the rapid expansion of the Viennese life science sector.

Cutting-Edge Research

Meeting the scientists behind the research identified as having the highest potential for societal impact.

Agenda

Date and Location

1st of October, 17:00 – 21:00

Agenda

ISTA Campus, Klosterneuburg, Vienna outskirts, Austria

Travel directions

Organisers:

bigX Conference

Transcending boundaries

bigX is committed to transcending boundaries across science and industry. Held annually by xista and ISTA, our conference brings together thought leaders, researchers, and innovators to exchange insights on advancements on the forefront of innovation.