More than 180 people from across the life sciences, biotech, research, investment, workforce and economic development communities gathered at Aggie Square on Sept. 16 for the inaugural CAPBIO Summit, a daylong conversation about building Sacramento’s biotech future.

The summit highlighted the breadth of the region’s growing life sciences ecosystem, while exploring what it will take to connect its many assets and build a sector capable of sustained growth.

Michelle Nemits, Executive Director of Biocom’s Bay Area region and the event’s keynote speaker, placed Sacramento’s emergence in the context of California’s broader life sciences economy, emphasizing the importance of developing strong, complementary regions across the state.

“California’s life sciences leadership has been built by regions like the Bay Area and San Diego, but the future of the industry depends on a connected statewide ecosystem,” Nemits said. “Sacramento has an important role to play in that future, with its research institutions, growing industry base, workforce, and unique proximity to the state’s policymakers.”

Throughout the day panels examined the region’s opportunities and challenges, from translating research into companies and attracting capital to developing job-ready talent and creating the infrastructure and partnerships needed to support long-term growth. Speakers also emphasized Sacramento’s distinct identity, encouraging the region to build on its own strengths rather than replicate more established biotech hubs.

The conversations underscored the importance of connecting UC Davis research and innovation with entrepreneurs, investors, industry, and workforce partners.

Aggie Square, located in the heart of the UC Davis Sacramento campus, provided a natural setting for the gathering and emphasized the growing role of the district in the region’s innovation and life sciences ecosystem.

For Monique Brown, Knowledge Community Director at Aggie Square and one of the event’s organizers, the summit represented an important moment for the region.

“CAPBIO showed what is possible when the people and organizations building Sacramento’s biotech ecosystem come together around a shared vision,” Brown said. “This is an important moment for Sacramento as we build recognition for the region as a meaningful part of California’s biotech future.”

The CAPBIO Summit was made possible through the partnership and collaboration of the following organizations: Wexford Science & Technology, Biocom Institute, Capitol Region Biotech Talent Partnership, California Jobs First, Capitol Impact, iXCells Biotechnologies, We Prosper Together, Valley Vision, Sacramento Employment and Training Agency, and the City of Sacramento.