Ilmac Lausanne 2026 has concluded after two exhibition days with clear growth: 3,952 participants – 18.6% more than in 2024 – attended the event, alongside 213 exhibitors, representing an increase of 7% compared with the previous edition. Exhibition space also grew. More than 70 expert presentations, pitches and discussion formats focused on key future topics including automation, artificial intelligence, Process Analytical Technology and biotech. A fully booked Startup Area, concrete partnership and project enquiries, and the Future of Life Sciences Area held in Lausanne for the first time underline Ilmac’s growing importance as a platform for innovation and business in Western Switzerland.
The renewed increase in visitor numbers confirms Ilmac Lausanne’s growing relevance as a meeting place for companies, researchers, technology providers and professionals from Western Switzerland and beyond.
"Ilmac stands for quality, relevance and targeted networking within the life sciences and chemical industries. It is a carefully curated platform that brings the right industry participants together: exhibitors, content, speakers and visitors are connected with a clear focus on quality, relevance and decision-making authority. Ilmac Lausanne has demonstrated particularly clearly how important this format is for the industry. It brings technology, science and industrial practice together, creating tangible collaborations, projects and business opportunities. The high quality of the discussions and the strong presence of decision-makers confirm this ambition. At the same time, Ilmac Lausanne creates an important bridge to Western Switzerland and complements Ilmac Basel ideally" says Céline Futterknecht, Exhibition Director of Ilmac.
SCS partnered with the SGVC and BioAlps to organize the Ilmac Conference
The first day of the conference focused on Process Analytical Technology (PAT) and explored how data-driven process monitoring, digital models and automation can improve quality, efficiency and sustainability in production processes. The second day was dedicated to biotech, biotools and the Swiss life sciences ecosystem. Together with partners including the Swiss Chemical Society, BioAlps, the Canton of Vaud, Innovaud and the Swiss Biotech Association, the programme explored how new technologies can be transferred more rapidly from research and development into practical applications.
International speakers added further perspectives. Professor Brian Freeland of Dublin City University examined the use of Process Analytical Technologies, digital twins and data-driven models to make bioprocesses more efficient and sustainable.
The contributions highlighted a clear message: the future competitiveness of the industry will increasingly depend on how successfully data, automation, biotechnology and industrial implementation are brought together.
Links
- Complete Final Report on Ilmac Lausanne 2026
- Program and Abstracts of the Ilmac Conference 2026
- Website of Ilmac Lausanne
Save the date
- The next Ilmac Basel will take place from 21 to 23 September 2027 at Messe Basel.
- The next Ilmac Lausanne will follow on 20 and 21 September 2028 at Expo Beaulieu Lausanne.
Text: Anne Klipfel, Brand & Communications Manager, Ilmac (see also linked media report)
Pictures: David Spichiger, SCS
29.09.2026