66 Years of Innovation, Networking, and New Impulses for Chemistry and Life Sciences

Ilmac Basel, Switzerland’s leading trade fair for chemistry and life sciences, will celebrate its 66th anniversary in 2025. From September 16 to 18, 2025, it will bring together around 450 exhibitors and more than 12,000 professional visitors at the Messe & Congress Center Basel. The focus will be on innovation, knowledge transfer, and networking.

With strong participation from exhibitors and many newcomers from the fields of robotics, automation, and digitalization, Ilmac underscores its role as the most important platform in the industry. “Ilmac has evolved from a national laboratory fair into an international platform – with top-class speakers and exclusive networking opportunities,” says Céline Futterknecht, Ilmac Exhibition Director. “Basel is one of the world’s leading life sciences hubs and Ilmac brings together key players from research, industry, and logistics to create a platform where innovation and networking can be experienced directly.”

A special highlight of this year’s Ilmac is the new “Women in Life Sciences” format. This takes place for the first time on September 17, offering an exclusive program and networking apéro reception. The aim is to give women across all areas of the chemistry and life sciences industry greater visibility and support their networking opportunities. With keynotes, best-practice examples, and interactive sessions, the program provides a space focused on inspiration, exchange, and mutual support.

On September 18, participants can also look forward to an exclusive experience: a guided tour of the Cargo Terminal at EuroAirport. This behind-the-scenes visit to one of Europe’s most important pharmaceutical logistics hubs will demonstrate how highly efficient processes ensure the global supply of medicines, vaccines, and biotech products. This underlines Ilmac’s close connection between the regional life sciences industry and its global infrastructure.

New Program Highlights

Ilmac 2025 introduces fresh impulses and offers an expanded program with proven formats and exciting innovations:

– Future of Life Sciences Area: An interactive space with live demonstrations and a central stage for keynotes, panels, and talks. Topics include digitalization, AI, robotics, sustainable production, and a trend radar.

Ilmac Conference – Cutting-Edge Research Meets Practice

In cooperation with the Swiss Chemical Society (SCS), the Ilmac Conference will bring top international speakers to Basel.
– Prof. Alexei Lapkin (University of Cambridge) will open with a keynote on the role of AI for sustainable chemical solutions.
– Prof. John C. Warner (Technology Greenhouse, USA) will discuss the “missing elements” of green chemistry.
– Further contributions will focus on biotechnology, bio-manufacturing, and sustainable production methods.

Anniversary Party & Networking

One of the highlights of this year’s edition will be the Ilmac Party, which celebrates its 66th anniversary on September 16 at the Bambusnest (Hall 2.0). In a summer atmosphere with a sandy beach, DJ music, and apéro, visitors will enjoy an unforgettable networking event with our networking partner Apaco + INRA Group.

Digitally Connected: Ilmac 365

In addition to the on-site trade fair experience, the Ilmac 365 platform offers year-round networking and professional content. With live streams, webinars, on-demand content, and virtual events, the exchange between experts, companies, and exhibitors continues beyond the trade fair.

Save the Date

– Ilmac Basel 2025: September 16–18, 2025, Messe Basel
– Ilmac Party: September 16 from 5:00 p.m.
–  Women in Life Sciences & Apéro: September 17 from 4:30 p.m.
–  Networking Evening: September 17 from 5:00 p.m.
–  Airport Cargo Terminal Tour: September 18 from 9:30 a.m.