Each January, the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference turns San Francisco into the center of the life sciences universe — a week packed with investor meetings, strategic announcements, and more coffee-fueled networking than most people do in a year. For thousands of biotech founders and investors, it’s not just a conference — it’s the starting line for a year of deal-making.
But amid the swirl of receptions and breakout sessions, one event has quietly — and now unmistakably — risen to the top as a preeminent place to connect: the 12th annual QNova LifeSciences Partnering Forum.
The Forum is hosted January 12–15, 2026, at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, with Virtual Partnering Days following on February 2–6, 2026.
BioBuzz’s Chris Frew sat down with Jim Sergi, President and Founder of QNova LifeSciences, to talk about how the Partnering Forum became the premier collaboration hub of JPM week — and what’s new for 2026.
For Sergi, what started as a small gathering over a decade ago has grown into something extraordinary. He explained that the Forum “started small with just a handful of clients and meetings that first year,” but today “has evolved into one of the preeminent programs during J.P. Morgan — bringing together over 1,500 companies, dozens of trade organizations, and representatives from more than 30 countries.”
Sergi founded QNova Life Sciences as a regulatory consulting group helping biopharma and medtech companies accelerate discoveries through to commercialization. But as he built relationships across the industry, he saw a larger opportunity — to connect emerging innovators with investors and strategics in a curated, purposeful way.
“J.P. Morgan week is an ecosystem in itself,” Sergi said. “For small companies, it can be overwhelming. Our goal from the beginning was to make those introductions intentional — to help companies not feel like ‘Bambi in headlights’ but walk away with real traction.”
What to Expect: Curated Attendees and Introductions
Unlike other JPM-week programs, the QNova Partnering Forum has remained free for companies to participate, and it’s known for the hands-on approach that Sergi and his team bring to every interaction. He explained that while the Forum uses a partnering app like other events, “more than half the meetings that happen at our forum are serendipitous. They happen because our staff knows who’s in the room and makes those warm introductions on the spot.”
That personal touch — part concierge, part matchmaker — has made QNova’s event one of the most productive, high-value forums during JPM week. “Our team really takes the time to understand who’s attending and what they’re looking for,” Sergi added. “We help ensure that every company’s experience is not just successful, but strategic.”
The Forum attracts a diverse mix of investors — from early-stage family offices and venture capital firms to larger private equity groups and strategic corporate investors — all seeking high-quality opportunities grounded in strong science and credible execution.
The Forum, co-hosted again by the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC), brings together the full spectrum of the life sciences ecosystem — from early-stage biotech startups to major strategics, investors, and government agencies. Sergi said, “We’re proud to have MTEC as our co-host. They bring a unique perspective on dual-use innovation — technologies that serve both civilian and military applications — and they’ve been invaluable in helping early-stage companies find funding and partnerships that fit.”
In 2025, the Forum saw more than 1,500 participating companies from 30 countries, 700 confirmed investor and strategic meetings, and 400 attendees at educational sessions featuring experts from NIH, FDA, DoD, and venture capital. More than 50 government, trade, and nonprofit organizations participated, along with 40 academic and accelerator partners.
Sergi expects 2026 to be even bigger. He noted that “last year the City of San Francisco estimated 150,000 people participated across JPM week. This year, the city is expecting over 175,000. We’re planning for our largest, most global Forum yet.”
Plenary Sessions From AI to FDA
Beyond its partnering platform, the QNova Forum has become known for its plenary sessions and workshops — places where policy, investment, and innovation converge. This year, QNova will host a plenary program spotlighting leading investors, strategics, and regulators to discuss market trends, AI’s role in medtech, and emerging opportunities for collaboration. MTEC will host a special workshop for early-stage companies, while the Australian Government will lead an opening-day session focused on international innovation partnerships.
According to Sergi, “We’re seeing incredible momentum around AI-driven medtech and diagnostics for home use. Investors are calling and asking, ‘Who should we meet with?’ There’s a lot of optimism going into 2026.”
He also sees the evolving FDA regulatory landscape — including faster pathways for emerging technologies — as a reason for renewed investor confidence. “We’re seeing changes at the FDA that could really accelerate innovation,” he noted. “That’s creating both opportunity and urgency for companies to be strategic in their development plans.”
Inside the Investor Mindset
In today’s selective funding climate, Sergi’s advice for companies preparing for JPM week is clear and pragmatic. He said that “investors are betting on teams. The companies that succeed are the ones with a well-defined regulatory and commercial plan — and a clear, concise pitch. You need to be able to tell your story in three sentences and follow up quickly. At JPM, preparation is everything.”
He added with a laugh, “There are a lot of parties at JPM, but I’ve never seen a company get funded at one. Guard your time and follow up fast.”
Why This Forum Belongs on Your JPM Calendar
For founders, funders, and innovators looking to make the most of their JPM experience, the QNova LifeSciences Partnering Forum offers what few others can — a global stage for strategic introductions, deep insights, and real results.
“Our mission is to help companies succeed,” Sergi said. “That’s what drives everything we do — from the introductions we make to the workshops we curate. We want every participant to leave knowing their time here made a difference.”
Quick Facts: QNova LifeSciences Partnering Forum 2026
📍 When: January 12–15, 2026 | Hilton San Francisco Union Square
💻 Virtual Partnering Days: February 2–6, 2026
🌐 Attendees: 1,500+ companies | 30+ countries | 700+ investor meetings
💰 Investors: Institutional, Family offices and Corporate Ventures
🎤 Co-Host: MTEC – Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium
💡 Highlights: Plenary sessions, investor panels, curated introductions, global trade participation
Registration and partnering are now open for the event, with expanded virtual networking through February.
📧 Learn more or become a sponsor: Partneringforum(at)qnovals.com
