How can Hungary become a leading hub for clinical research and healthcare innovation? How can we turn scientific excellence and young talent into real solutions for patients?
These were among the key questions at Next Gen Health, jointly organised by Swisscham Hungary, Roche Hungary and the Hungarian Biotechnology Association, bringing together the next generation of healthcare professionals, researchers and biotech innovators with senior business leaders and government representatives.
The event was marked by the high-profile participation of Dr. Thomas Schinecker, Global CEO of the Roche Group, whose visit highlighted Central Europe’s strategic importance in Roche’s global research and innovation network.
On the event more than 30 young professionals developed concrete proposals in four key areas: strengthening Hungary’s position in clinical research, accelerating Alzheimer’s diagnosis, improving participation in screening programmes and building a stronger biotech startup ecosystem.
The teams presented their ideas directly to Dr. Péter Horváth, State Secretary for Innovation; Dr. Csongor Kincse, Member of Parliament; Ambassador Alexander Renggli and Dr. Thomas Schinecker.
A particularly inspiring highlight was Roche Hungary’s “The Next Chair” initiative, which will ensure that young doctors, researchers and innovators have a seat at future professional and strategic forums hosted by the company. As Peter Ahnesorg, General Manager of Roche Hungary, emphasised, the future of healthcare requires fresh perspectives, bold questions and the active involvement of young talent.
The afternoon continued with a high-level discussion on the future of healthcare, innovation and competitiveness, opened by Ambassador Alexander Renggli and moderated by Katalin Szaloki, Dr., Director of the Association of Innovative Pharmaceutical Manufacturers.
The panel brought together Laszlo Bicskei, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Ministry of Science and Technology; Judit Zolnay Dr. MBA, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economy and Energy; Botond Feledy, Director-General of the Institute for Foreign Affairs and Trade; and Dr. Thomas Schinecker.
The discussion reinforced several important messages: healthcare must be viewed as a long-term investment rather than simply a cost, innovation requires a predictable regulatory environment, and stronger collaboration between government, academia and industry is essential to improving patient access to innovative therapies and strengthening Hungary’s competitiveness.
At Swisscham, we believe that connecting people, generations and sectors is essential to creating opportunities for innovation. This event demonstrated the value of bringing fresh ideas directly to those who can help turn them into action.
