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Global Entrepreneur Programme (GEP) Masterclass: Life Sciences
Wednesday 18 November 2026
Join the Global Entrepreneur Programme (GEP), Addleshaw Goddard LLP, and leading experts from across healthcare, regulation, investment, and government for an exclusive masterclass designed to help innovative international life sciences companies accelerate their growth in the UK.
The UK is home to one of the world's leading life sciences ecosystems, offering access to world-class research institutions, clinical trial networks, investors, and healthcare partners. This event will provide practical insights into how international founders can successfully navigate and leverage these opportunities to scale their businesses.
Hear directly from NHS leaders, MHRA experts, investors, and experienced entrepreneurs as they share guidance on accessing NHS opportunities, running clinical trials in the UK, navigating regulatory pathways, securing investment, and building a successful growth strategy. You'll also learn how government-backed initiatives such as the Global Entrepreneur Programme can support your UK expansion, including guidance on founder and talent visa routes.
Key highlights include:
- Understanding the UK's life sciences ecosystem and routes to market
- Accessing NHS opportunities and patient populations
- Navigating clinical trial authorisation and regulatory requirements
- Learning how to avoid common delays in clinical trial applications
- Hearing what UK investors look for when evaluating life sciences companies
- Exploring funding options, from venture capital to non-dilutive support
- Understanding founder and talent visa pathways to support growth
- Networking with founders, investors, industry experts, and ecosystem partners
Agenda
8:30am - Networking breakfast
9am - Welcome from Office for Investment & Addleshaw Goddard
9:10am - Unlocking the UK: GEP and Your Gateway to the UK Life Sciences Ecosystem Dace Dimza-Jones, Dealmaker
9:30am - Running UK Clinical Trials Well: Authorisation, Submission Readiness, and How to Avoid Delays. Prof Andrea Manfrin, Deputy Director, Clinical Investigations and Trials, MHRA
9.45am - The Good, The Bad and The Bureaucratic: Growing Innovation in the NHS. Prof Ralph MacKinnon/ NHS clinician - entrepreneur
10:00am -Working with the NHS: From First Contact to Real Impact. Amy Lochtie, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
10:15am - Cracking NHS Procurement. Michael O'Connor, Partner at Addleshaw Goddard, Nat Avdiu- Managing Associate (Procurement & Subsidy Control) at Addleshaw Goddard and Non-Executive Director for North Cheshire and Mersey Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
10:30am - The VC 'X-Factor': What Makes UK Investors Say Yes. Dr Cem Baydar, Chief Investment Officer, Afendis Capital Management
10.45am - Unlocking UK Visas: Your Route to Growth. Matt Young, Head of Operations - Global Entrepreneur Programme
11.15- 11:30am - Networking/Close
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Event details |
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| Global Entrepreneur Programme Masterclass: Life Sciences | ||||
| Date: 18 November 2026, 8:30-11:30am | ||||
| Location: Central London, near Bank Underground Station. Address will be shared once invite confirmed. | ||||
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How to attend this event |
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This is an invitation-only event. If you would like to attend, please register your interest. We will review all registrations and contact successful applicants to confirm their place. If you have any questions, contact us through the email address below. |
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| Email: global.entrepreneurs@businessandtrade.gov.uk | ||||
| Visit: www.business.gov.uk/campaign/gep | ||||
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Apply to attend
This event is invite only, and places are limited. Please register your interest in attending via the link below by 1pm (GMT) on Wednesday 11 November 2026.
If your application is successful, we will contact you to confirm your place.
For any any other enquiries contact the Global Entrepreneur Programme at global.entrepreneurs@businessandtrade.gov.uk.
