Grand finale of Ilmac Basel
With 12,800 participants and 400 exhibitors, Ilmac reaffirmed its role as Switzerland’s leading platform for chemistry and life sciences.
October 3, 2025
This year’s Ilmac, held in Basel, Switzerland, demonstrated strong participation and broad resonance according ot the organizers. A total of 400 exhibitors presented their latest products, services, and developments along the entire value chain.
The strong interest from international trade visitors from Europe, Asia, USA, and the Middle East in highlights such as the Startup Area, the new Future of Life Sciences Area, the Talks Corner, the Women in Life Sciences initiative, and the Pharma Logistics Days demonstrated how Ilmac brings key future topics into focus and makes them visible, describes the organizers of the event.
Formats such as the Speakers Corner, the Coffee Talks Corner, and Job Connect further strengthened the fair’s role as a meeting point for knowledge transfer, collaboration, and the promotion of young talent.
International top speakers from academia, industry, and startups ( over 150 presentations and pitches) shared their expertise and provided insights into current developments and future trends.
Women in Life Sciences
With the premiere of Women in Life Sciences, Ilmac sent a message in support of diversity and equal opportunities. Held on September 17, the format offered an exclusive program and a networking apéro reception that was enthusiastically embraced by all participants.
Especially now that diversity and equal opportunities are recognized as key drivers of innovation, the event demonstrated the power that emerges when women share their experiences, build networks, and generate new momentum together.
“Women in Life Sciences at Ilmac was more than a networking event – it delivered an important signal for the future of the industry, helping to close the gender health gap and empower women for leadership positions. Especially now that diversity and equal opportunities are recognized as key drivers of innovation, the event demonstrated the power that emerges when women share their experiences, build networks, and generate new momentum together,” says Karin SartoriusBrüschweiler of Aleris Partners.
The Future of Life Sciences
The stage at the new Future of Life Sciences Area featured key topics such as digitalization in research, AI supported diagnostics, innovative therapies, and sustainable production. The format attracted strong interest from visitors, speakers, and exhibitors alike and has the potential to become a permanent feature of the program, according to the organizers.
This forward looking mindset empowers the industry to anticipate disruptions, adapt with agility, and co-create solutions that address the complex challenges of our time.
“The debut of the Future of Life Sciences Area at Ilmac Basel 2025 clearly demonstrated the need for life sciences stakeholders to actively engage with emerging trends and technologies. This forward looking mindset empowers the industry to anticipate disruptions, adapt with agility, and co-create solutions that address the complex challenges of our time – while opening up new opportunities together,” says Frank Kumli of The Futuring Alliance.
The 66th anniversary
Another highlight of Ilmac Basel 2025 was the anniversary party at Bambusnest, where the fair celebrated its 66th anniversary. In a summery and relaxed atmosphere, industry experts and decision makers came together to network, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Looking ahead
The next Ilmac fair will take place on September 23–24, 2026 in Lausanne and will focus on the French-speaking Swiss market. From September 21–24, 2027, Ilmac will return to Basel.
In a time of constant change, Ilmac 2025 has impressively demonstrated how important genuine personal exchange is for orientation and innovation in the life sciences and chemistry industries.
“In a time of constant change, Ilmac 2025 has impressively demonstrated how important genuine personal exchange is for orientation and innovation in the life sciences and chemistry industries. For 2026 in Lausanne, we aim to carry this spirit forward and make the fair an even stronger interactive space for future ideas – right in the heart of Romandy,” concludes Céline Futterknecht, Exhibition Director at Ilmac.
Published: October 3, 2025
