Ilmac celebrates its 66th year with a bold new format, world-class speakers, and a major anniversary party.
From 16 to 18 September, Ilmac Basel will once again unite the chemical and life sciences community at one of the world’s premier innovation hubs. Over 400 exhibitors from more than 20 countries will showcase their latest products and solutions, while a dynamic program of established and new formats fosters idea exchange and high-impact networking. A standout highlight: the Ilmac party celebrating the event’s 66th anniversary. As one of the industry’s leading events, Ilmac attracts over 12,000 professionals from across the chemical and life sciences sectors. The trade fair offers a platform for both global players – including:
• Metrohm
• Mettler Toledo
• Bruker
• Hamilton
• Endress+Hauser
• Siemens
• Agilent – and next-generation innovators in the thriving startup space.
A diverse supporting program spans four themed stages, designed to spark dialogue, collaboration, and meaningful connections.
A global hub for life sciences – and Ilmac’s home base.
Basel stands among the world’s foremost centers for chemical and life sciences – a powerhouse of pharmaceutical innovation where two-thirds of the entire pharma value chain is generated. This makes the region one of the most productive life sciences ecosystems worldwide. Ilmac plays a vital role in this success story: what began in 1959 as a Swiss trade fair for laboratory, measurement and automation technology has evolved into an international platform spanning the entire value chain. Today, Ilmac unites experts and innovators from across the globe, amplifying both regional and international value creation. “This year’s Ilmac reflects the evolution – from a national trade fair into a global platform with renowned speakers and exclusive networking opportunities,” explains Céline Futterknecht, Exhibition Director of Ilmac.
Expanded formats, new experiences
The 2025 edition introduces several new highlights alongside Ilmac’s most popular formats. The Startup-Area returns in an expanded version, now joined by the Job Connect exhibition zone – a dedicated space for companies to promote career opportunities and connect with skilled professionals.
Two new networking concepts will debut this year: the Future Talks Corner in the Future of Life Sciences area, and the Coffee Talks Corner within the Pharma Logistics Days exhibition. Back for its fourth edition, Pharma Logistics Days continues to offer deep industry insights into pharmaceutical logistics. Another standout initiative is Women in Life Sciences – featuring an exclusive program and a celebratory cocktail reception to spotlight the contributions of women across the sector. And of course, the big celebration: Ilmac’s 66th anniversary party, hosted in the vibrant “Bamboo Nest” adjacent to the entrance hall. A perfect setting for informal networking and strengthening community connections.
Ilmac Conference
This year’s Ilmac Conference returns to Basel with world-class speakers from research, development, and industry – tackling the most urgent topics shaping the future of life sciences and chemistry. This year’s program spans three thematic focus days:
• 16 September – artificial intelligence and digital methods
• 17 September – sustainable applications and key technologies
• 18 September – biotechnology and biomanufacturing: sustainable processes and products curated in close collaboration with the Swiss Chemical Society (SCS), the conference reflects a shared commitment to innovation.
“We have been supporting Ilmac as a partner for 66 years. Basel offers the ideal environment for innovation and collaboration,” says David Spichiger, Managing Director of the Swiss Chemical Society.
Future-focused content and hands-on innovation
The new Future of Life Sciences area offers an interactive deep dive into next-gen topics across life sciences, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Companies will demo their innovations live, inviting visitors to engage directly with emerging technologies shaping tomorrow. On the dedicated stage, a curated program of panels, presentations, and start-up pitches will explore future-defining themes such as AI, green biotechnology, and sustainability. Stage topics by day:
• 16 September – AI in Drug Research & Manufacturing
• 17 September – Green Biotech & Sustainable R&D
• 18 September – Skills, Labs & the Future of Basel.
Ilmac 365: connecting the community year-round
Ilmac 365 extends the reach of the live event into the digital space – supporting networking, discovery, and planning throughout the year. Visitors can use the platform to connect with exhibitors, schedule appointments, and pre-register for presentations and panels in advance.
New features for 2025 include in-app ticket purchases and an integrated lead management system for exhibitors.
Explore the Ilmac Community Network at www.ilmac.ch.
About Ilmac
First held in Basel in 1959, Ilmac has grown from a Swiss laboratory trade fair into one of the most influential platforms for the chemical and life sciences industry. Today, it connects over 400 exhibitors with more than 12,000 trade visitors, driving innovation and collaboration across the entire value chain.
