East West Life Science Summit 2026

As Washington’s life sciences ecosystem continues to expand, bridging higher education and industry is essential to cultivating the state’s next generation of scientific and technical talent. This panel explores how regional university leaders and biotech employers can move beyond traditional hiring models to create durable, strategic partnerships. Join us as our panelists dive into practical solutions for aligning educational pathways with shifting workforce needs, accelerating hands-on career entry points, and ensuring local graduates are fully equipped to lead the state’s future in life science innovation.

Rural healthcare is at a crossroads. As financial pressures mount and care delivery models evolve, technology and cross-sector collaboration will be critical to sustaining access and improving outcomes. This panel will explore how providers, industry, and academic institutions can work together to identify rural-specific challenges and develop innovative, scalable solutions. Join us for a discussion on how partnerships can accelerate rural health transformation and ensure rural communities are not left behind.

Washington is one of the top 10 life science hubs in the country with an incredible network of seasoned executives, mentors, investors, and successful companies.   Entrepreneurs in Washington shouldn’t be limited to the resources, capital, and networks in their community.  LSW has leveraged it network of top executives to provide start-up consulting, mentoring, pitch coaching, grant writing support, investor forums, CEO dinners, and executive events to help leaders at early-stage companies build the network they need to succeed.   This panel will discuss how LSW is working with partners to make those resources available to companies across the state. 

Hear practical insights from executives and investors on building the right relationships to open doors, accelerate growth, access opportunities, and create a lasting advantage for early-stage ventures.