Bringing AI into drug discovery: Promise vs. reality

An evening of candid discussion and meaningful connections for leaders shaping the future of drug discovery.
Reserve your seat

Date 5 October 2026

Welcome drink
5:30 PM

Panel discussion
6:00-7:00 PM

Networking, food and drinks
7:00-9:00 PM

Reserve your place

Join us in Basel

Seats are limited to keep the conversation focused and the networking meaningful.

Registration is subject to confirmation. We will confirm your place by email.

 

Program
An evening built around conversation

Join senior professionals from pharma, biotech and the life sciences community for an informal evening combining an expert panel with time to connect over food and drinks.
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM

  welcome drinks  Welcome drink

Arrive and mingle with pharma, biotech, and data science leaders from across the industry. Light refreshments provided.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

   Panel discussion

Three perspectives from pharma, biotech and investment on where AI is delivering real value in drug discovery, where expectations still exceed reality, and what comes next.
7:00 - 9:00 PM

  Networking, food and drinks

Continue the conversation over food and drinks, connect with peers from across pharma, biotech and data science, and exchange perspectives with our panelists and guests.

Panel Discussion

Bringing AI into drug discovery: Promise vs. reality

Host: Jan Majta (Ardigen)
Panelists: Florian Nigsch (Novartis Biomedical Research), John Castle (Monte Rosa Therapeutics), Marc Cikes (Debiopharm Innovation Fund)

Jan Majta, PhD

Director of AI Solutions, Ardigen
Jan Majta helps biotech and pharma companies apply AI and computational biology to drug discovery and development. He has contributed to over 50 projects ranging from early-stage biotech startups to top pharma, working alongside teams of bioinformaticians, software engineers, and AI developers.
With degrees in biotechnology and bioinformatics, and over ten years of industry experience, Jan focuses on translating complex scientific challenges into practical solutions building bridges between drug discovery professionals and dry lab technical teams.
Linkedin

Florian Nigsch, PhD

Director Data Science, Novartis Biomedical Research

Florian Nigsch is Director of Data Science at Novartis Biomedical Research in Basel, Switzerland, and part of the global Data Science group within Discovery Sciences. With a background spanning biology, chemistry, and quantitative sciences, he works at the intersection of AI, data science, and drug discovery. His recent focus has been on AI-enabled target discovery, biomedical knowledge integration, and driving the adoption of data- and AI-driven approaches across research to accelerate scientific decision-making and innovation.

Linkedin

John Castle, PhD

Chief Data and Information Officer at Monte Rosa Therapeutics

 

John Castle is based in Basel, Switzerland. He has built his career across computational immunology, bioinformatics, genomics and translational science, with a strong focus on applying data-driven and AI/ML approaches to drug discovery. He established the bioinformatics and genomics department at BioNTech, where he pioneered approaches to tumor neoantigen identification, and later served as Associate Vice President for Translational Sciences at Agenus. At Monte Rosa, his work spans AI/ML-driven computational chemistry, computational biology and ‘omics in support of drug discovery, biomarker development and molecular glue degrader programs. His experience across discovery and translational research brings a valuable perspective on how far AI can influence both the identification of new medicines and their progression toward the clinic.

Linkedin

Marc Cikes,

Managing Director, Debiopharm Innovation Fund
Marc Cikes is a pharma and healthtech investment professional who combines a medical background with extensive expertise in corporate governance and finance. An experienced board director, he provides strategic oversight and drives long-term value creation for companies ranging from early-stage startups to major enterprises.
With a proven track record in entrepreneurship and complex M&A transactions, Marc currently serves as Managing Director of the Debiopharm Innovation Fund. He actively leverages his board roles to champion innovation, ensure robust governance, and guide businesses toward scalable success in the pharma and healthtech industries
Linkedin

Orangerie Basel

A private setting in the heart of Basel

We will meet at ORANGERIE Basel, an intimate venue designed for conversation, just outside Basel’s city centre.

 

Grellingerstrasse 75 A, 4052 Basel, Switzerland 

Join us in Basel!

Industry professionals. One panel. An evening of fresh perspectives, shared knowledge, meaningful connections, and a great food and drinks experience.