On 25 June 2026, at Allianz MiCo, an inspirational, future-focused event will bring Nobel laureates, futurists, and global leaders together to share visions, insights, and strategies in a sector undergoing profound transformation.

Milan, November 2025 – WOMA Forum, Inspiring the World of pharMA, is the new international event dedicated to the pharmaceutical, medtech, healthcare, and life sciences sectors. Conceived and organized by WOMA and promoted by BioPharma Network – Associazione Manager del Farmaceutico and 24OreSalute, WOMA Forum will take place on 25 June 2026 at Allianz MiCo in Milan, Europe’s largest convention center. It is designed for leaders, managers, and professionals across this innovative ecosystem.

Over the course of a single day, the Forum will host some of the most authoritative global voices in scientific research, academia, and industry, offering reflections on the future and introducing new visions, perspectives, and global trends that are reshaping the life sciences and health landscape.

Inspiration, Education, Connection, and Action are the four key principles that define the event’s philosophy: inspiring new ideas, sharing knowledge, fostering relationships among research, industry, and institutions, and helping turn visions into concrete initiatives. WOMA emerges at a time of deep transformation across the life sciences ecosystem, driven by the rapid development of innovative therapeutic solutions, evolving economic and regulatory systems, and the growing need for more agile decision-making models.

Internationally renowned experts and leaders will take the stage. Among the first speakers announced are:

• Jennifer Doudna, Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2020 for the co-discovery of CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology;
• Bertalan Meskó, founder of The Medical Futurist Institute and one of the world’s leading experts in digital health innovation;
• Amy Cuddy, social psychologist and author of the bestselling book Presence, considered one of the most influential voices in the field of leadership;
• Zack Kass, international expert in AI adoption strategies for businesses and former Head of Go-to-Market at OpenAI.

They will be joined by José Manuel Barroso, former President of the European Commission, who in that role accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012 on behalf of the European Union, alongside Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament, and Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council. Barroso is also former Prime Minister of Portugal and currently President of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance—a public-private partnership that helps vaccinate half of the world’s children against some of the deadliest diseases. In its mission to save lives and protect health through equitable and sustainable use of vaccines, Gavi has helped vaccinate over 1.2 billion children in 78 low-income countries, preventing more than 20.6 million future deaths*. Additional high-profile speakers will be announced in the coming months to complete the WOMA 2026 panel.

Topics on the agenda will range from the evolution of the Pharma & Health ecosystem to pioneering applications of digital, robotic, and AI technologies in prevention, care, and research. There will be a focus on scientific research as a driver of progress, future leadership amid technological and generational shifts, AI adoption strategies for companies in the sector, industrial approaches to navigating increasingly complex and interconnected markets, and models of health economy and scenarios that will shape the future of global health.

“WOMA was born from dialogue with key players in the sector—a project built through listening and collaboration, giving voice to those who are helping redesign the future and bringing significant themes and deeply innovative perspectives to Italy. The presence of world-leading speakers who have accepted our invitation demonstrates the relevance and vision behind this initiative,”
says Florencia Bechara, CEO of WOMA – Inspiring the World of pharMA.

“As a non-profit cultural association, BioPharma Network has long been committed to promoting managerial culture, innovation, and professional growth through initiatives that foster dialogue among professionals, companies, universities, and institutions,”
states Michele Barletta, President of BioPharma Network – Associazione Manager del Farmaceutico.
“In this context, an inspirational and international event dedicated to our sector represents a unique opportunity, especially given its strategic importance and rapid transformation. As promoters of WOMA Forum, our goal is to continue contributing with our expertise to high-value projects that provide professionals with new tools and insights to navigate current changes and further elevate the value of our profession.”

“WOMA perfectly embodies Milan’s vision as a global platform for dialogue on science, leadership, and innovation: an event that not only fosters connections but also contributes to building a lasting legacy for the Milanese ecosystem, strengthening the bond between education, industry, and institutions. It is yet another testament to Italy’s recognized role as a hub of excellence and a point of reference in the international life sciences landscape,”
says Fiorenza Lipparini, General Director of YES Milano, institutional partner of the Forum.

WOMA Forum is designed to welcome over 1,000 participants from hundreds of companies and organizations across the sector, with 1,500 square meters of plenary hall space and more than 4,000 square meters of exhibition area dedicated to networking, partners, and professional meetings.

Italy—and Milan—further confirm their position as a European capital of innovation and life sciences. The pharmaceutical sector is today Italy’s leading industrial sector by production value: over €52 billion in 2023, projected to reach €56 billion in 2024, supported by steady growth in R&D investments—over €3.5 billion in 2023 (+9percent vs 2022), rising to approximately €4 billion in 2024 (+12.7percent).
It is also one of the engines of the national economy: 90percent export share over the last five years, a foreign trade surplus of more than €11 billion, and €21 billion in finished drugs and vaccines. The industry employs over 71,000 people, 45percent women, and has seen a 21percent increase in workers under 35 over the past five years—signs of a dynamic, inclusive, and highly skilled sector**.

With WOMA, the aim is to strengthen and showcase this wealth of knowledge and relationships, creating networks among the leaders who drive innovation in health every day and reinforcing Italy’s role on the international stage. Milan thus becomes not only the host city but also a symbol of a country where life sciences play a strategic role in economic development.

Sources:
* Gavi – Facts and Figures, October 2025
** Pharmaceutical Indicators, July 2025 – Farmindustria