OPINNO Ghent 2026

OPINNO – open innovation – aims to bridge the gap between life sciences education and industry, and to stimulate entrepreneurship among students. OPINNO offers the opportunity for students to connect with life sciences entrepreneurs who share their industry experience:

• What can a career in a life sciences company look like?
• Which assets are important as a scientist? Do you need a PhD?
• Examples of different job descriptions in life sciences companies: managers talk about what they do on a daily basis and explain what their responsibilities are.

To prepare yourself for the event, take a look at our practical overview to learn more about the domains in life sciences and its starter jobs.

During the event you can get in touch with several representatives from life sciences companies. This is a unique opportunity to discuss any questions you may have about career opportunities in the industry, entrepreneurship, etc.

Registration is free of charge but mandatory before 16 April 2026.

Program 

13:00 – 13:25 | Registration

13:30 – 15:00 | Presentations

13:30-13:40 - Introduction by Liesbeth Demuyser, Talent Development Manager at Biovia

13:40-13:55 - Lucie Mortiaux, Founder at LMX Advisory 

“The career I never though I would have – starting your own company”

13:55-14:10 - Franky Van Herreweghe, Associate Director Business Development at Confo Therapeutics 

“Business development in biotech”

14:10-14:25 - Eline Kok, Consultant at Inovigate 

“Strategy & innovation in life sciences”

14:25-14:40 - Kewin Ogink, Data Researcher Gene Discovery at BASF 

“Exploring a career at the intersection of biology and data science”

14:40-14:55 - Suzanne Renes, Sr. Dutch & European Patent Attorney at IFORI 

“From lab to law: building a career in intellectual property”

15:00 – 15:30 | Break

15:30 – 17:00 | Round table discussion

Practical: Students cannot use the above-ground parking spaces; taking the tram or bicycle is the best option.