MARCH 9-11, 2026
minds and machines in synergy
Get ready for the next ZETA Symposium. Prepare to explore the ever-evolving landscape of technology and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Stay tuned for more!
the symposium
minds and machines in synergy. transforming pharma together
The ZETA Symposium brings together leading minds from pharma and biotech with top technical experts and scientific partners at Seggau Castle in Styria to explore the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing.
In 2026, we shine a spotlight on the dynamic interplay between humans and machines. Key topics include: personalized medicine, AI-driven bioprocessing, simulation, sustainability, workforce evolution, and regulatory demands.
With around 200 participants, the event offers a platform to tackle complex industry issues and shape smart, forward-looking solutions.
Meet pharma & biotech leaders and engage with international experts on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
International speakers give insights on industry trends and groundbreaking advancements. Discover the possibilities and solutions of the future.
Our attractive networking program provides a framework for getting to know each other, exchanging ideas and enjoying culinary highlights from the region.
WELCOME EVENING | 1.5-DAY CONFERENCE | LECTURES | PANEL DISCUSSION
SPONSOR FORUM DISCUSSION | GALA DINNER | WORKSHOPS
WELCOME EVENING
1.5-DAY CONFERENCE
LECTURES
PANEL DISCUSSION
SPONSOR FORUM DISCUSSION
GALA DINNER
WORKSHOPS
In the scenic beauty of southern Styria, Seggau Castle is the venue for the ZETA Symposium.
Enjoy the ambiance of 1,000 years of history as you discuss the future.
Congress room of Seggau Castle where the ZETA Symposium lectures will be held
Monday 9th
Check-In
at Seggau Castle
03:00 - 06:00 pm
Hotel Schloss Seggau
Get-together
Meet and network
06:00 - 07:00 pm
Tavern
Welcome Evening
at Seggau Castle
07:00 - 12:00 pm
Restaurant
Tuesday 10th
Conference
Lectures and discussions
08:00 - 10:45 am
Congress Center
Discussion at the Sponsor Forum
Get insights from our sponsors
11:00 - 11:30 pm
Congress Center
Conference
Lectures and discussions
11:35 - 01:00 pm
Congress Center
Lunch
at Seggau Castle
01:00 - 02:30 pm
Restaurant
Conference
Lectures and discussions
02:30 - 04:10 pm
Congress Center
Panel Discussion with speakers
Get insights from our speakers
04:10 - 05:00 pm
Congress Center
Think Summit
Lecture and discussion
05:00 - 05:45 pm
Congress Center
Gala Evening
Aperitif / Dinner / Cocktails
07:00 - 12:00 pm
Upper Castle
Wednesday 11th
Conference
Lectures and discussions
08:00 - 01:00 pm
Congress Center
Lunch
at Seggau Castle
01:00 - 02:30 pm
Congress Center
Workshops
at ZETA HQ
03:00 - 04:30 pm
Lieboch
speakers
Günter Waxenecker
“Navigating the Future of Pharmaceuticals: Insights into Emerging EU Legislation and Strategic Initiatives”
Head of the Austrian Medicines and Medical Devices Agency, AGES, Austria
Airton Miranda
“Digital Continuity- connecting product process production in Pharma”
Senior Manager, FPMSAT Assembly Development & Innovation, Novo Nordisk, Denmark
Thomas Wieland
“Beyond the Genome – The Data Driving Personalized Care”
Sr. Director Strategic Operations, Foundation Medicine, United States/Germany
Thomas McCarthy
“Digitalization and the Interoperability Onion: Building Context from Data to Contract”
Industry Principal – Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences, AVEVA, United States
Kat Kozyrytska
“Human-AI Organizations in Regulated Environments: Moral Compass Within”
Technology Strategy Consultant, United States
Mark Duerkop
“Built to Scale: Where Process Understanding Meets AI to De-Risk Process Development, Scale-Up, and Manufacturing”
Co-Founder and CEO, Novasign, Austria
Oliver Schwarz
“tba”
Partner Cloud Transformation, Engineering AI & Data, Deloitte, Germany
Duccio Manetti
“Chain of Hope: Connecting Humanity and Innovation in Healthcare”
Chief Communications Officer, Kedrion Biopharma, Italy
Maria Concetta Santangelo
“Chain of Hope: Connecting Humanity and Innovation in Healthcare”
Engineering Senior Leader, Kedrion Biopharma, Italy
Thomas Maischberger
“From Pharma’s R&D Rush to Next-Gen Facilities: How Project Delivery is Bridging the AI Gap”
Corporate Head of Research & Development, ZETA GmbH, Austria
MODERATOR
Univ. Prof. Oliver
Spadiut
Head of Research Unit Biochemial Engineering, TU Wien, Austria
lectures
09.10 – 10.00 am // LIVE STREAMING AVAILABLE
Trends in Biotech and Pharma
Follow, or is it Time to Challenge Them?
by Peter Llewellyn-Davies
The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries are constantly evolving, driven by innovation, regulatory changes, and shifts in consumer expectations. Whilst following current trends can provide a roadmap for success, it is equally important to challenge them, particularly in our industry.
10.05 – 10.45 am // LIVE STREAMING AVAILABLE
Digital Key Factors to Enhance Asset Operations in Pharma & Biotech
by Peter Sperk
Asset operations are fundamental to the pharmaceutical and biotech industries and have a direct impact on efficiency, reliability, production quality, and regulatory compliance. As traditional optimization methods approach their limits, digital collaboration on specific assets can unlock significant potential in operational performance.
11.35 – 12.15 am // LIVE STREAMING AVAILABLE
The Industrial Metaverse
Supercharging Industrial Efficiencies Towards Sustainability
by Gerhard Kress
The industrial Metaverse is a key element allowing companies to leapfrog their competitiveness while ensuring sustainability and access to technology. Examples show how much innovation can be triggered, giving companies a competitive advantage. The industrial Metaverse is not a single solution but a digitalization journey, with many existing building blocks not consistently leveraged.
12.20 – 01.00 pm
Co Pilots – The Future of Operations
AI Driven Assistance for the Shop Floor
by Jürgen Kern
Metris Copilot is a groundbreaking innovation by ANDRITZ, developed in collaboration with Microsoft. This AI-powered tool leverages the latest large language models, combined with ANDRITZ’s deep process and machine expertise. Metris Copilot helps companies operate their plants more efficiently and reliably by detecting anomalies and providing immediate recommendations.
02.30 – 03.10 pm // LIVE STREAMING AVAILABLE
Outlook – Robotics in Pharma
by Julien Janda & Ádám Wolf
The presentation begins with an introduction to the application field – pharmaceutical manufacturing – with a focus on drug products and supporting processes. It then explores the key drivers behind robotization, followed by an overview of the top five trends in pharmaceutical robotics. The presentation highlights the maturity and applicability of the technology in various sub-areas, provides examples for each trend, and discusses the latest advances from academia and research.
03.15 – 03.55 pm // LIVE STREAMING AVAILABLE
Pharma Factory of the Future
by Frank Cordes Ph.D.
Generative AI (GenAI) is revolutionizing supply chain management by enhancing predictive analytics, optimizing workflows, and enabling intelligent automation. Unlike traditional AI, GenAI introduces creativity, contextual understanding, and dynamic decision-making, reshaping key areas such as demand forecasting, supplier negotiations, manufacturing efficiency, and regulatory processes.
5:00 – 05:45 pm
How Much Humanity Can the Future Take?
by Sven Gábor Jánszky
Digitization and automation are advancing rapidly. Janszky shows a future in which we will live better, healthier and longer despite these developments – but only if we embrace them. All these great promises will only come true if we accept that computers act better than humans in many areas, says Janszky. People need to get over their fears about data privacy in order to take advantage of technologies based on big data and artificial intelligence through intelligent systems. But this requires us humans to adapt and embrace this change.
6 pm
Pharma Factory of the Future
By Frank Cordes Ph.D.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua.
08.30 – 09.10 am // LIVE STREAMING AVAILABLE
Digital Platforms for Bioprocess Design and Control: From Reactors to Lyo
by Univ. Prof. Johannes Khinast
Bioprocesses for the production of advanced medicines are becoming increasingly important. To scale up these processes to meet global demand, it is essential to efficiently transfer lab-scale equipment to larger scales. Traditionally, scale-up methods have relied on simple correlations, empirical knowledge or trial-and-error approaches that require extensive experimental work.
09:15 -09:55 am // LIVE STREAMING AVAILABLE
Process Modeling Strategies for Successful Biopharmaceutical Development
by Dr. Thomas Wucherpfennig & Erik Hasenfus
Predominantly produced in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells via fed-batch processes, mAbs have become central to biotechnological advances. This demand has led to intensified process strategies to enhance product yields. We will explore how different modeling strategies accelerate the commercialization of biopharmaceutical products and demonstrate how hybrid modeling approaches support cell culture development.
10:10 -10:40 am
Innovation in the Pharmaceutical Industry
How NVIDIA Omniverse Can Transform Development of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
by Dr. Eva-Maria Hempe
Join us as we uncover the game-changing possibilities of Omniverse in shaping the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing and beyond. The next phase of digital transformation offers physics-based, real-time, immersive virtual worlds synchronized to their physical counterparts.
10.45 – 11.25 am // LIVE STREAMING AVAILABLE
AI Powered Pharma
Current Innovations and Future Possibilities
by Martin Prinz
This presentation will show how AI is being used in the process industry today. Using two specific examples, Martin Prinz will show the potential of AI-supported processes and how they can ensure international competitiveness.Specifically, the use of AI in the context of one of the largest restructuring projects in Europe will be presented.
11.40 – 12:15 pm // LIVE STREAMING AVAILABLE
Biotech Transformation
Exploring the Harmonious Integration of Continuous Manufacturing and Digitalization
by Andrew Clutterbuck
Driven by the need for increased efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability, intensified processing is becoming an increasingly attractive prospect in the biotechnology sector. Manufacturers are recognizing the strategic benefits that process intensification brings, including reduced production costs and increased overall manufacturing throughput.
12:15 – 01.00 pm
Manufacturing Practices in Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products
Current Challenges and Future Solutions
by Steffen Schulze
The rapidly evolving field of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) brings unique manufacturing challenges. From diverse technologies to non-traditional scaling processes, these factors drive up costs and complicate market entry.
lectures
09.10 – 10.00 am // LIVE STREAMING AVAILABLE
Trends in Biotech and Pharma
Follow, or is it Time to Challenge Them?
by Peter Llewellyn-Davies
The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries are constantly evolving, driven by innovation, regulatory changes, and shifts in consumer expectations. Whilst following current trends can provide a roadmap for success, it is equally important to challenge them, particularly in our industry.
10.05 – 10.45 am // LIVE STREAMING AVAILABLE
Digital Key Factors to Enhance Asset Operations in Pharma & Biotech
by Peter Sperk
Asset operations are fundamental to the pharmaceutical and biotech industries and have a direct impact on efficiency, reliability, production quality, and regulatory compliance. As traditional optimization methods approach their limits, digital collaboration on specific assets can unlock significant potential in operational performance.
11.35 – 12.15 am // LIVE STREAMING AVAILABLE
The Industrial Metaverse
Supercharging Industrial Efficiencies Towards Sustainability
by Gerhard Kress
The industrial Metaverse is a key element allowing companies to leapfrog their competitiveness while ensuring sustainability and access to technology. Examples show how much innovation can be triggered, giving companies a competitive advantage. The industrial Metaverse is not a single solution but a digitalization journey, with many existing building blocks not consistently leveraged.
12.20 – 01.00 pm
Co Pilots – The Future of Operations
AI Driven Assistance for the Shop Floor
by Jürgen Kern
Metris Copilot is a groundbreaking innovation by ANDRITZ, developed in collaboration with Microsoft. This AI-powered tool leverages the latest large language models, combined with ANDRITZ’s deep process and machine expertise. Metris Copilot helps companies operate their plants more efficiently and reliably by detecting anomalies and providing immediate recommendations.
02.30 – 03.10 pm // LIVE STREAMING AVAILABLE
Outlook – Robotics in Pharma
by Julien Janda & Ádám Wolf
The presentation begins with an introduction to the application field – pharmaceutical manufacturing – with a focus on drug products and supporting processes. It then explores the key drivers behind robotization, followed by an overview of the top five trends in pharmaceutical robotics. The presentation highlights the maturity and applicability of the technology in various sub-areas, provides examples for each trend, and discusses the latest advances from academia and research.
03.15 – 03.55 pm // LIVE STREAMING AVAILABLE
Pharma Factory of the Future
by Frank Cordes Ph.D.
Generative AI (GenAI) is revolutionizing supply chain management by enhancing predictive analytics, optimizing workflows, and enabling intelligent automation. Unlike traditional AI, GenAI introduces creativity, contextual understanding, and dynamic decision-making, reshaping key areas such as demand forecasting, supplier negotiations, manufacturing efficiency, and regulatory processes.
5:00 – 05:45 pm
How Much Humanity Can the Future Take?
by Sven Gábor Jánszky
Digitization and automation are advancing rapidly. Janszky shows a future in which we will live better, healthier and longer despite these developments – but only if we embrace them. All these great promises will only come true if we accept that computers act better than humans in many areas, says Janszky. People need to get over their fears about data privacy in order to take advantage of technologies based on big data and artificial intelligence through intelligent systems. But this requires us humans to adapt and embrace this change.
6 pm
Pharma Factory of the Future
By Frank Cordes Ph.D.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua.
08.30 – 09.10 am // LIVE STREAMING AVAILABLE
Digital Platforms for Bioprocess Design and Control: From Reactors to Lyo
by Univ. Prof. Johannes Khinast
Bioprocesses for the production of advanced medicines are becoming increasingly important. To scale up these processes to meet global demand, it is essential to efficiently transfer lab-scale equipment to larger scales. Traditionally, scale-up methods have relied on simple correlations, empirical knowledge or trial-and-error approaches that require extensive experimental work.
09:15 -09:55 am // LIVE STREAMING AVAILABLE
Process Modeling Strategies for Successful Biopharmaceutical Development
by Dr. Thomas Wucherpfennig & Erik Hasenfus
Predominantly produced in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells via fed-batch processes, mAbs have become central to biotechnological advances. This demand has led to intensified process strategies to enhance product yields. We will explore how different modeling strategies accelerate the commercialization of biopharmaceutical products and demonstrate how hybrid modeling approaches support cell culture development.
10:10 -10:40 am
Innovation in the Pharmaceutical Industry
How NVIDIA Omniverse Can Transform Development of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
by Dr. Eva-Maria Hempe
Join us as we uncover the game-changing possibilities of Omniverse in shaping the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing and beyond. The next phase of digital transformation offers physics-based, real-time, immersive virtual worlds synchronized to their physical counterparts.
10.45 – 11.25 am // LIVE STREAMING AVAILABLE
AI Powered Pharma
Current Innovations and Future Possibilities
by Martin Prinz
This presentation will show how AI is being used in the process industry today. Using two specific examples, Martin Prinz will show the potential of AI-supported processes and how they can ensure international competitiveness.Specifically, the use of AI in the context of one of the largest restructuring projects in Europe will be presented.
11.40 – 12:15 pm // LIVE STREAMING AVAILABLE
Biotech Transformation
Exploring the Harmonious Integration of Continuous Manufacturing and Digitalization
by Andrew Clutterbuck
Driven by the need for increased efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability, intensified processing is becoming an increasingly attractive prospect in the biotechnology sector. Manufacturers are recognizing the strategic benefits that process intensification brings, including reduced production costs and increased overall manufacturing throughput.
12:15 – 01.00 pm
Manufacturing Practices in Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products
Current Challenges and Future Solutions
by Steffen Schulze
The rapidly evolving field of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) brings unique manufacturing challenges. From diverse technologies to non-traditional scaling processes, these factors drive up costs and complicate market entry.
the sponsor forum
gain practical insights from our partners
Join the round table discussions at our Sponsor Forum, discuss trending topics, and gain expertise from our sponsor partners!
register now
Registration for the ZETA Symposium 2026 is now open! Please note that your spot is not guaranteed yet.
Please select a ticket option
live stream
Start Date: 09:00 AM (CET) Tuesday, March 10, 2025
Please note that the live stream is only accessible with a password provided upon registration.
our sponsors
