BOSTON — The Boston Life Sciences, Biotech, Pharma & Medical Facilities Conference 2025 will feature a dynamic panel of six industry leaders at a pivotal event where biotech innovation intersects with real estate strategy and development.
Hosted by Boston Real Estate Times and Life Sciences Times, this exclusive conference will take place on Thursday, April 17, 2025, from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM at the Burlington Marriott Hotel in Burlington, MA.
As the Greater Boston life sciences real estate market faces new headwinds and the biotech, pharmaceutical, and healthcare sectors undergo transformative shifts, this gathering will bring together leading executives, developers, investors, and innovators to discuss what’s next for these high-impact industries.
Featuring an expertly curated panel of thought leaders, the event promises unmatched networking opportunities, cutting-edge market insights, and strategic analysis of the evolving life sciences, biotech, and medical facilities landscape.
A Powerful Speaker Lineup Featuring Industry Visionaries
The conference proudly announces its first set of distinguished speakers:
Purnanand Sarma, Ph.D.
CEO, Aro Biotherapeutics | Biotech Innovator & Strategic Leader
A transformative leader in drug development, Sarma has more than 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. As CEO of Aro Biotherapeutics, he is pioneering advancements in siRNA-based therapeutics, driving the company’s flagship ABX1100 drug for Pompe disease, and leading Aro through its next phase of growth.
His extensive experience includes successful IPOs, M&A transactions, and strategic asset development. Before Aro, he was the CEO of Immunome (NASDAQ: IMNM) and led TARIS Biomedical’s high-profile acquisition by Johnson & Johnson.
Dr. Sarma is also the President of TiE Boston, fostering entrepreneurship among emerging biotech founders. With a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics from the University of Minnesota, his insights will be invaluable for attendees seeking a deeper understanding of biotech investment trends, drug development, and the future of precision medicine.
Ben Bradford
Vice President of Economic Development and Workforce at Mass Biotech Council
Bradford, a key figure in Massachusetts’ biotech and life sciences ecosystem, will share his expertise on economic development, workforce trends, and the evolving landscape of the industry. With a wealth of experience in attracting and expanding biotech businesses, he is expected to offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector today.
Since joining MassBio in 2017, Bradford has played a critical role in fostering relationships between biotech companies, municipalities, and international organizations. His expertise in site selection, workforce development, and foreign investment has positioned him as a key resource for biotech firms seeking to expand in Massachusetts.
Before MassBio, Bradford served as Director of Business Development and Regional Strategy at the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, where he spearheaded efforts to recruit biotech firms and strengthen partnerships between cities and the industry. His experience navigating the intersection of real estate, economic growth, and biotech innovation makes him an essential voice at this year’s conference.
Robert (Bob) Doherty
Vice President of Development, Boston Development Group | Expert in Life Sciences Real Estate
A veteran in real estate development, leasing, and brokerage, Bob Doherty brings over 35 years of industry expertise. Currently, he is leading the development of a 50,000-square-foot, all-electric medical office building in Needham, MA, a first-of-its-kind project compliant with new Massachusetts Energy Codes.
His impressive career includes a tenure at Related Companies and international work with EMC, providing him with a global perspective on real estate innovation and sustainable development. Attendees will gain exclusive insights into how the Boston life sciences real estate market can adapt, recover, and thrive amid economic and policy shifts.
Gary Kaufman
COO, ABI-LAB | Angel Investor & Biotech Incubator Pioneer
A key figure in biotech incubation, Gary Kaufman has played a vital role in fostering early-stage biotech innovation. As COO of ABI-LAB, he is instrumental in nurturing emerging biotech startups and is currently developing an investment vehicle to fund 2–4 new biotech companies annually.
With over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience across biotech, real estate, and startup ecosystems, Kaufman also serves as President of Shelby Enterprises Inc. and Co-founder of the Metrowest Life Sciences Network, driving industry collaboration and regional biotech growth.
His session will offer unique investment perspectives, strategies for building successful biotech ventures, and insights into the next wave of life sciences innovation.
Jonathan Cocker
Principal, Maugel DeStefano Architects | Leader in Healthcare & Life Sciences Facility Design
A visionary in healthcare architecture, Jonathan Cocker will explore cutting-edge advancements in designing next-generation medical and life sciences facilities. His session will cover:
- Hospital navigation & patient-centered design
- Flexible & future-proof medical spaces
- Sustainable, all-electric healthcare buildings
- Technology integration in modern healthcare environments
As a principal at Maugel DeStefano Architects, Cocker leads the firm’s healthcare division, ensuring that facilities are not only state-of-the-art but also optimized for efficiency, patient care, and long-term adaptability.
Samuel Crossan
Managing Director, JLL
A leading voice in life science real estate, Crossan brings deep expertise in Life Sciences real estate industry. His tenant representation assignments include like Delphia Therapeutics, WuXi Biologics, and Kala Pharmaceuticals. He currently leads over one million square feet of life science projects across Greater Boston.
Why You Can’t Afford to Miss This Conference
Unmatched Industry Expertise
Hear from top executives, investors, and developers who are actively shaping the future of biotech, pharma, and healthcare infrastructure.
Exclusive Market Insights
Gain data-driven analysis on the Boston life sciences real estate market, emerging biotech investment opportunities, and the impact of evolving healthcare policies.
Powerful Networking Opportunities
Connect with leading investors, CEOs, developers, architects, and policymakers in the life sciences, biotech, and medical real estate industries.
Timely Discussion on Market Challenges & Opportunities
With life sciences real estate facing headwinds and healthcare infrastructure remaining stable, experts will dissect:
Will the Boston life sciences real estate market recover? If so, when? How are funding cuts and policy shifts reshaping biotech and pharma? What role will innovation play in revitalizing the industry?
Secure Your Spot Today!
Date: April 17, 2025
Venue: Burlington Marriott Hotel, Burlington, MA
Time: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Who Should Attend?
Biotech & Pharma Executives Real Estate Developers & Investors Architects & Facility Designers Healthcare Administrators Policy Experts & Industry Analysts
This high-impact event is a must-attend for anyone invested in the future of biotech, life sciences real estate, and healthcare facilities. Don’t miss out—reserve your seat now!
Click here to Register Today!
