On June 16th, 2026, CoLAB AccelBio organized a Thematic Lab under the BIO-RED project, dedicated to "ATMP Development: Cell & Gene Therapy to GMP." The session brought together 45 participants including researchers, industry experts, and innovation stakeholders to discuss the challenges of translating cell and gene therapies from early-stage development to GMP-compliant manufacturing.

The Thematic Lab followed a structured, three-phase format designed to move from context-setting to concrete problem framing. Phase I, "Setting the Ground," opened with an overview and results of the BIO-RED project, followed by a problem-framing session led by Pascale Berthet, from CELL'ECTIV Consulting. Phase II, "Topics Discussion," featured a Q&A kick-off led by Lino Ferreira, from CIBB-UC, encouraging open exchange among participants on the technical and regulatory hurdles of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs). In Phase III, participants voted on the challenges they considered most pressing, before the session concluded with a wrap-up and a look ahead to the next step: a Hackathon focused on turning the discussion's insights into actionable solutions. An optional matchmaking session followed, giving participants the chance to connect one-on-one and explore potential collaborations.

BIO-RED is a project funded by the European Union, and this Thematic Lab reflects CoLAB AccelBio's continued commitment to fostering dialogue between academia and industry on the practical challenges of bringing cell and gene therapies to patients. Building on the challenges identified during the session, the next step will be a Hackathon, to be held at Biocant Park, in Cantanhede, on September 29th, 2026, where participants will work hands-on to turn these insights into actionable solutions for ATMP development.