The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) today announced its featured main stage speakers for the 2026 BIO International Convention, taking place June 22–25, 2026, in San Diego, California.

This year’s main stage spotlights leaders at the intersection of science, technology, and purpose, highlighting the innovations and human stories driving the next era of biotechnology.

Tuesday: Driven by Purpose: Gary Sinise on Acting, Service, and Advocacy
On Tuesday, June 23, BIO will welcome Gary Sinise, actor, humanitarian, and founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation, as a featured main stage speaker.

Sinise will reflect on how his acclaimed career in film, television, and theater has influenced his lifelong commitment to service. Best known for his roles as Lt. Dan Taylor in Forrest Gump, Jack Garrett in Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, and Detective “Mac” Taylor in CSI: NY, Sinise has spent decades using his platform to support veterans, first responders, and their families.

In 2011, Sinise founded the Gary Sinise Foundation to honor and serve America’s defenders, veterans, first responders, families of fallen heroes, and those in need. More recently, he collaborated with his son, Mac, to produce an album during Mac’s courageous battle with chordoma, a rare cancer—an effort that has helped raise awareness and funding for research into the disease.

Attendees will hear firsthand how purpose can drive meaningful impact far beyond the stage and screen.

Tuesday’s main stage will also feature BIO CEO John F. Crowley’s annual “State of the Industry” remarks.

Offering his own inspirational words, Head Coach of the University of Notre Dame Marcus Freeman will open Tuesday’s main stage program with a fireside chat moderated by Crowley. The conversation will explore what it means to be “Driven by Purpose,” drawing on lessons in leadership, teamwork, and resilience.

Wednesday: Driven by Innovation: A Conversation with Ashley Magargee, CEO of Genentech and Kimberly Powell, Vice President, Healthcare of NVIDIA

Moderated by Katie Couric, award-winning journalist and co-founder of Katie Couric Media

On Wednesday, June 24, BIO International will host a discussion featuring Ashley Magargee, CEO of Genentech, and Kimberly Powell, Vice President of Healthcare at NVIDIA, moderated by award-winning journalist Katie Couric and sponsored by Genentech.

As Genentech marks its 50th anniversary—commemorating not only the company’s founding but also the birth of the biotechnology industry—this conversation will explore what comes next for biotech. With advances in artificial intelligence and cross-sector collaboration accelerating discovery, Genentech and NVIDIA are working together to transform how new medicines are developed.

Magargee and Powell will discuss the power of partnership, the growing role of AI in scientific innovation, and the opportunity to shape the next 50 years of progress and impact for patients.

Earlier in the day, BIO Board Chair Fritz Bittenbender, Senior Vice President and Head of Public Affairs & Access at Genentech, will deliver remarks reflecting on the growth of the biotechnology industry, the future of innovation, and the patient-centric, solutions-oriented actions needed to fuel the next 50 years of breakthrough science.

The Wednesday main stage will also feature artists from Music Beats Cancer, an organization and crowdfunding platform that raises funds and awareness for early-stage cancer research and technologies.

Also on Wednesday, INDY NXT by Firestone driver James Roe will share his journey of overcoming asthma while competing at the highest levels of motorsport. His custom-branded show car will be on display on the exhibition floor throughout the convention.

The BIO International Convention is the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, bringing together thousands of global leaders across biotech and biopharma for four days of networking, programming, and partnering. The event features nearly 150 sessions and over 600 speakers spanning 18 focus areas—from AI and digital health to next-generation biotherapeutics and business development.

This year’s theme, “Driven by Purpose,” reflects the industry’s commitment to solving the impossible, pushing boundaries, and delivering better outcomes for patients, public health, and the world.

For more information and to register, visit bio.org.