---
title: "Pharma's Next Era: AI, Biotech Innovation & the China Factor | QbD Group"
description: "An exclusive executive roundtable and private lunch hosted by QbD Group at its Wilrijk HQ on Wednesday, 15 October 2026. Capped at 12 guests."
url: https://qbdgroup.com/en/pharmas-next-era
type: "Page"
language: en
publisher: "QbD Group"
citation: "QbD Group, \"Pharma's Next Era: AI, Biotech Innovation & the China Factor | QbD Group\", https://qbdgroup.com/en/pharmas-next-era"
---

EXCLUSIVE EXECUTIVE ROUNDTABLE

# Pharma's Next Era

AI, Biotech Innovation & the China Factor - a private executive lunch hosted by QbD Group

**Thursday, 15 October 2026**

**12:00 PM – 2:00 PM**

**QbD Group HQ, Wilrijk**

Learn more

About the event

## A private lunch for a select group of leaders

QbD Group is hosting an **exclusive executive roundtable and private lunch** for a curated group of C-level and senior leaders from pharma, biotech and medtech. This is intentionally small and **by invitation only, capped at 12 guests**, to keep the conversation substantive rather than a large networking event.

The focus is **Pharma's Next Era**: how pressure on traditional pharma, the rise of biotech, China's growing role, and the accelerating impact of AI are reshaping the industry.

The lunch combines a short macroeconomic talk with an open discussion over a premium seated lunch, hosted by **QbD Group** at our own headquarters.

Limited seats - max 12 guests

### Reserve your seat

Thursday, 15 October 2026

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

QbD Group HQ, Wilrijk

This is a personal, invite-only event. Seats are confirmed individually.

Why attend

## What you'll take away

#### Macro perspective on the industry

A candid, expert view on the forces reshaping pharma, biotech and the global market.

#### A true roundtable, not a panel

Capped at 12 guests for real conversation and discussion, not one-way presentations.

#### An exclusive, invite-only lunch

Premium seated lunch at QbD Group's own HQ, with non-alcoholic wine so guests can return to work after.

#### A relationship with QbD Group

Meet the QbD Group leadership team in an informal, low-pressure setting built for real connection.

Speakers

## Who you'll hear from

#### Jan Bakelants

Speaker Former professional cyclist turned equity analyst at Econopolis. Also known as a gravel rider and TV personality, Jan brings a sharp and distinctive voice to macroeconomic and market commentary.

#### Geert Noels

Moderator Co-founder and CEO of Econopolis, and one of Belgium's most recognized macroeconomists and authors. Geert is known for his critical, long-term perspective on global economics and sustainability.

Programme

## How the lunch unfolds

12:00 PM

Arrival & welcome drink

12:15 PM

Starter

12:30 PM

Introduction: QbD Group + speaker introduction

12:35 PM

Talk: Jan Bakelants on pharma under pressure, biotech as the booster, China as a game changer, and AI as an inevitable accelerator

1:00 PM

Main course, questions & discussion

1:45 PM

Wrap-up & close of roundtable

2:00 PM

Closing

Venue

## QbD Group HQ, Wilrijk

**Address:** Groenenborgerlaan 16, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
**Setting:** QbD Group's own boardroom, easy parking on site, a trusted and private setting
**Date:** Thursday, 15 October 2026, from 12:00 PM
[Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Groenenborgerlaan+16,+2610+Wilrijk,+Belgium)

---

Source: https://qbdgroup.com/en/pharmas-next-era — © QbD Group. Quote freely with attribution and a link back.