Grand finale of Ilmac Basel

With 12,800 participants and 400 exhibitors, Ilmac Basel 2025 came to an outstanding close after three days. The trade fair reaffirmed its role as Switzerland’s leading platform for chemistry and life sciences, creating new momentum with innovation, knowledge transfer, and networking. The trade fair set new standards and impressively demonstrated how an established industry event can successfully evolve through fresh, innovative formats and position itself with a strong focus on the future.

Strong Participation and High Interest

This year’s Ilmac demonstrated strong participation and broad resonance. A total of 400 renowned exhibitors presented their latest products, services, and developments along the entire value chain. The strong interest from international trade visitors from Europe, Asia, U. S. A., and the Middle East in highlights such as the Startup Area, the new Future of Life Sciences Area, the inspiring Talks Corner, the Women in Life Sciences initiative, and the well-established Pharma Logistics Days impressively demonstrated how Ilmac brings key future topics into focus and makes them visible. Formats such as the Speakers Corner, the Coffee Talks Corner, and Job Connect further strengthened the fair’s role as a unique meeting point for knowledge transfer, collaboration, and the promotion of young talent. International top speakers from academia, industry, and startups shared their expertise and provided fascinating insights into current developments and future trends. With over 150 high-quality presentations and pitches, Ilmac offered thematic diversity that delivered both inspiration and concrete solutions for the life sciences community.

This year’s edition has impressively confirmed: Ilmac is far more than a trade fair – it is the indispensable platform driving progress in the chemistry and life sciences sector. Looking ahead to future editions, it will continue to expand its role as a driver of innovation and a key initiator of dialogue, actively shaping the future of the industry.

Women in Focus

With the premiere of Women in Life Sciences, Ilmac sent a strong 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.

“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,” said Karin Sartorius-Brüschweiler of Aleris Partners GmbH.

Future of Life Sciences Draws Strong Interest

With the launch of the new Future of Life Sciences Area, Ilmac Basel 2025 sent a strong message regarding the industry’s future. The stage featured key topics such as digitalization in research, AIsupported 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.

“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 forwardlooking 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,” said Frank Kumli of The Futuring Alliance.

Anniversary Party and Partner Network

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 decisionmakers came together to network, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration.

The success of the fair was made possible largely thanks to the support of numerous partners. Special mention goes to Anton Paar (Ticketing Partner), Roche, Siemens, Waldner, Artidis, and SwissCCS (Highlight Partners), Bruker (Sustainability Partner), Apin (Networking Partner), as well as Mettler Toledo and IGZ (Official Partners). For Women in Life Sciences, special thanks go to Luminance and Women on Stage. The organizers also extend their gratitude to the Swiss Chemical Society (SCS) for co-organizing the Ilmac Conference. A complete overview of all partners can be found at: https://www.ilmac.ch/en/basel/partners/.

The digital platform Ilmac 365 – with live streams, interactive tools, and app features – ensured continuous information and knowledge exchange around the clock. More than 10,000 users contributed numerous interactions on the platform, impressively confirming the growing interest in and importance of the fair’s digital extension.

Outlook: Ilmac 2026 in Lausanne – Ilmac Basel 2027 to Follow

Following the successful conclusion of this year’s event, the organizers are looking ahead with confidence. “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,” said Céline Futterknecht, Exhibition Director at Ilmac.

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, continuing to foster ongoing exchange within the chemistry and life sciences industries.