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Global Innovation Summit 2026

6 May 2026 | Basel, Switzerland

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Michael Altorfer

CEO

Swiss Biotech Association

Zürich, Switzerland

24 profile visitsSpeaker

Since 2018 I am the CEO of the Swiss Biotech Association. Our mission is to support the > 1'700 Swiss biotech startups and SMEs by providing online matching platforms and networking event. See, e.g. www.swissbiotch.org/companies, www.swissbiotechday.ch

My organisation

Swiss Biotech Association

Swiss Biotech Association

Association/Agency

Zürich, Switzerland

About me

Dr. Michael Altorfer is the CEO of the Swiss Biotech Association since 2018. He has more than 25 years of experience in the life science industry comprising both big pharma and smaller biotech organizations. As a member of the Executive Committee, he supported the build-up of Polyphor Ltd in Allschwil in many different roles (Head BD&L, CFO, COO and CEO). Michael started his career as a scientist in pharmaceutical research at Sandoz, Ciba-Geigy (Summit, NJ, USA), and Roche. From 1996 to 2001 he held program management and line management roles at the investment bank UBS Warburg.

Michael studied Natural Sciences at the ETH and he obtained his Ph.D. in Chemistry under the supervision of Prof. Dr. H.-J. Hansen (University of Zurich) and Prof. Dr. K. Müller (Roche) and holds an MBA degree from the University of Rochester, NY, USA.

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Speaker sessions (1)

Wednesday, 6 May 2026

09:20 - 09:30

Welcome note

Hear from the EUREKA Chairman Marc Pauchard as he officially opens the event, sharing key perspectives and setting the stage for the day’s programme.

Marketplace (3)

  • Expertise

    Swiss Biotech Report

    Every year, the Swiss Biotech Association, together with 7 report partners, publishes an update on the trends, achievements, key transactions, highlights and the funding of the Swiss biotech industry. www.swissbiotech.org/report

    Author

    Michael Altorfer

    CEO at Swiss Biotech Association

    Zürich, Switzerland

  • Partnership

    Swiss Biotech Day - become a co-promotion partner

    The Swiss Biotech Day is a global biotech conference that typically takes place at the end of April/early May. It is organized by the Swiss Biotech Association and its logistics partner Bamconn.

    Author

    Michael Altorfer

    CEO at Swiss Biotech Association

    Zürich, Switzerland