How can we ensure that innovative therapies are not only developed, but are also affordable and actually reach patients? At the FAST Event 2026, we bring together researchers, healthcare professionals, patient organisations, companies, funders, policymakers and other key stakeholders around one central question: Innovation and affordability: how can we make it work in practice, and how can successful approaches be scaled up? Through inspiring real-world examples, concrete case studies and interactive sessions, we will explore what is already possible today and what is needed to make these innovations more widely accessible. From financing and regulation to patient involvement, manufacturing and implementation, the FAST Event 2026 focuses on solutions that work in practice.

Why attend?

• Learn from concrete real-world examples.
• Discover which choices are critical for affordability and successful scale-up.
• Engage with experts from research, healthcare, policy, industry and patient organisations.
• Explore new opportunities for collaboration within the FAST network.
• Contribute to solutions for current challenges in therapy development.

Practical information

Date: Thursday, 29 October 2026
Time: 09:30–17:30
Location: Munthuys, Utrecht
Participation: Free of charge (a €50 fee applies in case of a no-show)

Registration

Complete the registration form.

Programme

View the full programme here.

Morning plenary: from urgency to breakthrough

The day begins with a shared perspective on the future of innovative and affordable therapies, including contributions on affordable innovation within a complex European landscape. Which choices are needed to ensure that innovation and accessibility go hand in hand, and what can we learn from the European perspective?

We will then explore three inspiring real-world cases that demonstrate what works, where challenges arise and which lessons can inform future innovations.

Afternoon programme: choose and explore

In the afternoon, participants can create their own programme. Across three rounds, you can choose from interactive sessions on themes including:

From idea to practice

• Financing translation: from lab to patient
• Co-design and multistakeholder collaboration
• International opportunities through EATRIS
• Meet the Regulators

What works in practice?

• New preclinical models and NAMs
• Pricing models for innovative therapies
• N-of-few development
• Personalised medicine and diagnostics

Implementation and scale-up

• Centralised manufacturing of innovative therapies
• Alternative access and reimbursement models
• From registration to clinical practice
• Innovative clinical models to accelerate development

Each session focuses on concrete experiences, practical insights and collaborative solutions.

Closing session and networking reception

We will close the day with pitches from participants in the Drug Repurposing Venture Challenge 2026, including the announcement of the winner, followed by a joint reflection on the key insights and next steps from the day.

The networking reception will provide plenty of opportunity to make new connections and further develop ideas and collaborations.

Who is it for?

The FAST Event 2026 is intended for professionals working on the development, implementation and accessibility of innovative therapies, including:

• Researchers and academic institutions
• Patient organisations
• Healthcare professionals
• Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies
• Investors and funders
• Health insurers
• Policymakers
• Regulatory authorities and other healthcare-system stakeholders