Cambridge Healthtech Institute’s 22nd Annual
Cell Culture & Upstream Processing
Achieving Production Excellence at Every Scale
August 12-13, 2026
The Cell Culture and Upstream Processing conference delivers in-depth scientific and engineering insight into the technologies shaping today’s biomanufacturing. The program explores advanced media development for complex modalities, intensified and perfusion-based processes, and strategies for scaling biologics beyond traditional mAbs. Attendees will also gain practical guidance on real-time process monitoring, digital twins, predictive modeling, and integration of up- and downstream processing. This meeting equips scientists and engineers with the tools to drive efficiency, ensure product quality, and accelerate next-generation manufacturing innovation.
Coverage will include, but is not limited to:
- Media Development & Optimization for Emerging/Complex Modalities
- Covering bispecifics, multispecifics, conjugates, mRNA, exosomes, and more
- Perfusion media, richer media for intensified fed-batch
- Upgrading legacy media platforms
- Predictive modeling for media optimization
- Use of transcriptomics and metabolomics to drive media and process design
- Intensified and Perfusion-Based Upstream Processes
- Intensified fed-batch, N-1 perfusion, and high-density seed train
- Continuous and semi-continuous upstream platforms
- Low vs. high perfusion-rate strategies and media-consumption reduction
- Intensification and its impact on downstream processes
- Scale-Up Strategies for Complex Proteins and Non-mAb Modalities
- Bench-to-production scale-up challenges: pH, DO, glucose, mixing
- Scale-up vs. scale-up considerations for vectors and vaccines
- Product quality shifts during scale-up: glycans, potency, aggregation
- Upstream Automation, Advanced Process Monitoring, and Digital Bioprocessing
- PAT-enabled monitoring
- Real-time control of glycosylation, viability, and productivity
- Digital twins for upstream optimization
- Automation in seed trains and perfusion operations
- Predictive analytics and quality prediction
- Mechanistic and hybrid modeling for process prediction
- Upstream to Downstream Integration
- Harvest clarification strategies
- Impact of upstream decisions on downstream purification efficiency
The deadline for priority consideration is January 23, 2026.
All proposals are subject to review by session chairpersons and/or the Scientific Advisory Committee to ensure the overall quality of the conference program. Additionally, as per Cambridge Healthtech Institute’s policy, a select number of vendors and consultants who provide products and services will be offered opportunities for podium presentation slots based on a variety of Corporate Sponsorships.
Opportunities for Participation: