Encompassing Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., the BioHealth Capital Region is one of the nation’s top biohealth hubs, home to a unique concentration of federal labs, leading research institutions, emerging startups, and global industry leaders. With more than 2,300 life science companies, 78 federal laboratories, and a talent-rich workforce, the region thrives on public-private collaboration across biotechnology, diagnostics, digital health, biomanufacturing, and therapeutics.
BioHealth Capital Region Week brings this community together to advance the partnerships, investment, commercialization, and regional visibility needed to support the next stage of biohealth leadership.
September 15-17, 2026 | US Pharmacopeia (USP), Rockville, Maryland
BioHealth Capital Region Week is the premier annual gathering for life sciences leaders across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., bringing together executives, investors, entrepreneurs, researchers, and government partners for three days of programming, company visibility, investor engagement, and high-value networking.
Now in its 12th year, BHCR Week showcases the strength and momentum of the region’s biohealth economy through a series of signature events.
2026 Event Schedule
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September 15: BioHealth Capital Region Forum, Day 1
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September 16: BioHealth Capital Region Forum, Day 2 and Crab Trap Competition
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September 17: BioHealth Capital Region Investment Conference
The BioHealth Capital Region Forum
The BioHealth Capital Region Forum (September 15-16): A two-day conference featuring keynotes, expert panels, fireside chats, and focused discussions exploring the future of biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, AI in healthcare, public-private partnerships, capital formation, and regional competitiveness.
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2026 Theme: Growing the BioHealth Capital Region of Tomorrow
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The 2026 Forum will focus on the people, partnerships, technologies, infrastructure, capital, and policy priorities shaping the next chapter of the BioHealth Capital Region.
Crab Trap Competition
The Crab Trap Competition (September 16): A live startup pitch competition spotlighting early-stage companies developing promising biohealth, medical technology, diagnostics, therapeutics, digital health, and life sciences solutions.
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A competitive pitch event for emerging startups with promising biohealth technologies.
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Finalists are selected by a panel of experts to present live before judges and attendees.
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Prizes may include cash, CRO services, media visibility, and other support designed to help companies move forward.
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Open to companies from across the region, the U.S., and internationally.
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Crab Trap applicants are encouraged to participate in the Investment Conference to connect with investors, strategic partners, and other companies.
Investment Conference
The BioHealth Capital Region Investment Conference (September 17): A full day designed to connect emerging biohealth companies with investors, strategic partners, and commercialization resources through curated one-on-one meetings, company presentations, and targeted networking.
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One-on-one partnering meetings between companies and investors, coordinated through HelloPartnering.
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Quick-pitch sessions for select companies to present their investment opportunity to the audience.
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Attended by venture, strategic, public-sector, and ecosystem investors focused on life sciences and health technology.
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Designed to support deal flow, funding connections, and strategic partnerships.
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Participation is open to selected companies seeking investment and investors seeking opportunities.
Sponsor BioHealth Capital Region Week
BioHealth Capital Region Week remains free for attendees because of sponsor support. Sponsorship gives organizations visibility across one of the region’s most important life sciences gatherings while creating access to executives, investors, entrepreneurs, academic leaders, federal partners, and other key decision-makers.
Sponsors receive recognition across event materials, digital promotion, onsite signage, and networking activities. Select sponsorship opportunities may include access to the invitation-only VIP Leadership Dinner, where senior leaders from across the BioHealth Capital Region gather for a focused evening of relationship-building.
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Standard Sponsorship
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Networking Reception Sponsorship
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VIP Dinner Sponsorship
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Additional custom sponsorship opportunities available