Italy's Biotech Boom: A New Frontier for Global Life Sciences Investment

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – January 19, 2026 – Amid the frenetic pace of J.P. Morgan's JPM Week, where the world’s top healthcare investors and innovators converge, a focused gathering at the INNOVIT Italian Innovation and Culture Hub showcased a nation making a powerful claim as a global life sciences leader. The ninth edition of "Italy on the Move" brought together over 200 executives, scientists, and investors from Italy and the United States, signaling a deliberate and well-funded strategy to elevate Italy's burgeoning biotech and pharmaceutical sectors on the world stage.

Organized by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in collaboration with key government ministries, the event aimed to move beyond traditional promotion, fostering direct dialogue and tangible partnership opportunities between Italian innovators and American capital. The initiative underscores a broader national commitment to transforming Italy into a premier destination for life sciences investment and collaboration.

A Strategic Showcase on a Global Stage

JPM Week is the epicenter of healthcare deal-making, a high-stakes environment where a company's future can be defined in a single meeting. For a country aiming to highlight its national industry, cutting through the noise is a monumental challenge. Italy's answer is "Italy on the Move," a curated side event that provides a dedicated platform for its most promising companies and a clear channel for its economic message.

Hosted at INNOVIT, San Francisco’s hub for Italian innovation, the event provided a more intimate setting for substantive conversations. The program was opened by high-level officials, including Massimo Carnelos, Consul General of Italy in San Francisco, and Sergio Strozzi, Head of Innovation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasizing the top-down government support for the sector. Erica Di Giovancarlo, Trade Commissioner of the ITA New York Office, framed the initiative as part of a coordinated effort to build lasting transatlantic bridges. This strategic use of a satellite event allows Italy to capture the undivided attention of a select, high-value audience, turning a week of overwhelming scale into a focused opportunity for connection and growth.

The Numbers Behind the Momentum

The confidence projected at the event is backed by formidable economic data. Italy's life sciences industry has become a cornerstone of its economy, generating an annual turnover exceeding €237 billion—nearly 10% of the nation's GDP—and employing 1.8 million people. The growth trajectory is particularly steep in the sectors that are attracting the most global attention.

The pharmaceutical sector, a traditional Italian strength, now boasts a production value of nearly €56 billion, with exports reaching an impressive €54 billion in 2024. More strikingly, the country's total exports of medical and pharmaceutical goods have surged by over 65% between 2019 and 2024, one of the fastest growth rates among major European economies.

The biotech sector is experiencing its own explosive growth. As of 2024, its turnover surpassed €47.5 billion, with research and development investments reaching approximately €2 billion. This R&D spending is a critical indicator of future innovation, and notably, a significant portion of it is fueled by foreign capital, demonstrating existing international confidence. The recent surge in US interest is particularly telling, with American imports of Italian biotech solutions climbing to $4.4 billion in 2024, a remarkable 112% increase from the previous year.

Cultivating Innovation with Government Support

This economic expansion is no accident. It is the result of a concerted public-private strategy designed to nurture domestic innovation and attract foreign direct investment (FDI). The Italian government has rolled out a suite of programs aimed at de-risking investment and streamlining growth for life sciences companies.

Initiatives like "Invest in Italy," spearheaded by the Italian Trade Agency, act as a one-stop shop for foreign investors, providing crucial support from navigating permits to scouting for local partners. Furthermore, Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) has earmarked significant public funds to enhance the pharma and biotech ecosystem, creating new opportunities for high-tech firms.

In a direct move to fuel strategic growth, the government recently established the "Mini Development Contracts" aid scheme, allocating €300 million for investments in key technologies, including biotechnology. This program offers substantial grants—covering up to 55% of costs for small enterprises—for projects between €5 million and €20 million. The government also wields its "Golden Power" authority, a legal tool that allows it to review and, if necessary, place conditions on foreign acquisitions in strategic sectors like biotech. While a tool of oversight, its existence underscores the critical national importance of the life sciences industry, ensuring that its growth aligns with Italy's long-term strategic interests.

Bridging the Atlantic: Key Players and Emerging Leaders

The heart of "Italy on the Move" was the direct engagement between the leaders shaping the future of medicine. A central roundtable, "Invest in Innovation: The Italian Life Science Momentum," exemplified the high-level dialogue, featuring CEOs from Italy's most exciting biotech firms alongside senior executives from major US companies and venture capital.

Participants included Lucia Faccio, CEO of Genespire, a company pioneering advanced gene therapies, and Natalia Misciattelli, CEO of AAVantgarde, which specializes in treatments for inherited retinal disorders. They were joined by Pierluigi Paracchi, CEO of Genenta Science, a clinical-stage immuno-oncology firm. Their presence highlighted Italy's cutting-edge capabilities in highly specialized fields.

On the American side, the participation of Bryan Giraudo, CFO & COO of Gossamer Bio, and David Talbot, an Associate Vice President at global pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, demonstrated serious interest from established US players. The investment community was represented by figures like Mario Scuderi, a Senior Partner at CDP Venture Capital, underscoring the flow of capital into the sector.

The event also provided a stage for the next wave of innovators. A pitch session featured emerging companies such as InSilicoTrials Technologies, which uses computational modeling to accelerate drug development, alongside Immagina Biotechnology and Butterfly Decisions. This showcase of early-stage companies alongside established leaders paints a picture of a deep and dynamic ecosystem, capable of producing sustained innovation. The clear message from San Francisco is that Italy is not just open for business; it is actively building the infrastructure, fostering the talent, and creating the partnerships to become an indispensable hub in the global life sciences landscape.