The life sciences sector is rapidly evolving. Biotech companies are using cutting-edge techniques from data-driven tech to address some of the worlds biggest challenges in health, food biosecurity and environmental sustainability. We call this interface of biology and technology “techbio". These companies combine insights from both sectors to draw from a wealth of data, including clinical, genomic and molecular. These innovations will allow people to live longer and healthier lives.
Are you a postgraduate student or early career researcher working at the interface between biological and computational sciences? Would you like the opportunity to present your latest research at BIAs TechBio UK 2026 conference? This year BIA are showcasing future talent to TechBio companies across the UK at this groundbreaking conference where approximately 15-20 high calibre postgraduate students and post-doctoral researchers have an opportunity to display a poster showcasing their research.
Benefits of presenting at the TechBio Future Talent Poster Competition include:
- Make connections – build networks and share information and research with academia and companies across the UK
- Enhance your professional development
- Present research achievements to a wide audience
- Advertise your current work to potential employers
- Show-off creative ability and discuss ideas – inspiration for new projects comes out of questions asked, and opportunities for new collaborations are often found
The deadline for applications is 28 July 2026. Please email your entry to Reina Makhani at [email protected]. Selection will be carried out by a specialist judging panel. The overall winner will be awarded a prize. Conference fees will be covered for those successfully selected to present their poster. A small travel bursary is available for those travelling from outside of the Greater London area.
Really appreciated the conversations I had based on my poster, also good to have the drinks reception later to be able to continue conversations started earlier.
The event was insightful, I met so many like-minded people and a potential employer.
As a PhD student, I was delighted to be awarded an invitation to attend the TechBio UK conference and present a poster displaying my research. The conference presented a fantastic opportunity to network and learn about the TechBio industry. The sessions and workshops were engaging and informative. I came away from the conference with a much keener awareness of the exciting opportunities within the TechBio industry.
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Any questions? Contact Reina
Reina Makhani
What does your role at BIA involve?
I work across skills‑focused initiatives at BIA, contributing to a mix of programmes, projects and community‑led activity that support a more inclusive, future‑ready life sciences workforce. That includes She Steers, the Women in Biotech Mentoring Programme, PULSE, TechBio Boost, community events and #BIGIMPACT. The work spans a lot, from shaping ideas to bringing them to life, but at the heart of it is making sure what we deliver really works for our members.
Previous experience & achievements
I studied Events Management at the University of Greenwich, which is where I realised I enjoyed being the person bringing everything (and everyone) together.
I then joined an incredible events team at Wilmington plc, working across awards, congresses, summits, and conferences for brands including HSJ, AXCO, and ICA. Jumping between completely different audiences and industries taught me quickly how to adapt, stay organised and keep things running smoothly.
Not long after, I found my way into the startup and life sciences space at KQ Labs accelerator, based at the Francis Crick Institute, where I worked across programmes supporting early‑stage health companies. A big part of the role was bringing founders, investors, and partners together, especially around Demo Days and programme delivery and being able to support companies through such a pivotal growth stage. I loved being part of that journey, before landing at BIA, where I now work with an amazing team.
Outside of work, I’ve completed my Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award, which probably says a lot about my tendency to say yes to challenges and figure things out as I go. I also have a strong interest in gaming and content creation, which has given me a creative outlet and a different perspective on building and engaging communities.
If you could invite any scientist or entrepreneur to dinner, who would it be and why?
I’d invite Asima Chatterjee, for her groundbreaking work in medicinal chemistry and her impact on antimalarial and anti‑epileptic drugs. As one of the earliest women scientists in India to make such a global impact, her career is incredibly inspiring, and I’d love to hear firsthand about her journey, persistence, and contributions to science.