CONEXEN (Connect – Exchange – Engage), the award-winning life sciences ecosystem activator, today announced the launch of its Manchester community on October 23, extending its reach beyond the Cambridge-Oxford-London corridor to support and connect crucial innovation ecosystems across the UK.
Founded in Cambridge in 2022 by Paula Bekinschtein (pictured), the CONEXEN community events create the conditions where meaningful professional relationships naturally form for executives and founders across life sciences, biopharma and health tech industries.
Unlike traditional networking organisations focused on corporate structures, CONEXEN through its community events activates the human connections that drive innovation, advance careers, and create meaningful change across businesses and the broader life sciences industry.
The Manchester launch aligns with Greater Manchester’s Innovation Plan priorities, which recognise the region as having “the largest concentration of biomedical health research in the UK outside the south east of England.”
READ MORE: Inside Chatloop: Manchester tech firm hit by tribunal rulings and allegations over workplace culture
The plan specifically aims to develop “a high-productivity life sciences industry, including by attracting major global life science manufacturing companies.”
With major investments including the £450 million Upper Brook Street life sciences hub, Manchester represents a vital innovation hub with deep talent pools deserving activated connections, and Manchester’s life sciences sector is a powerhouse, ranking third nationally for growth and attracting global investment.
The recent £4.8 million government funding for the Manchester-Cambridge innovation partnership demonstrates the critical importance of connecting ecosystems beyond traditional boundaries. What makes the CONEXEN community events distinctive is the community-driven approach.
Local organisers Julia Buckler (Qiagen), Ashley Bird (Independent Consultant) and Sajid Javed (Hologic) volunteer their time to not only manage logistics but work with the broader ecosystem to shape discussion topics and event formats that address real industry needs.
“Manchester has incredible talent, world-class research facilities, and ambitious companies, but what’s been missing are authentic opportunities for connection and exchange beyond the transactional networking that leaves us wanting more,” said Julia Buckler, senior director at Qiagen and CONEXEN Manchester community organiser.
“This is about building and strengthening our networks before we need them, creating genuine relationships that transcend corporate boundaries.”
Operating on principles of radical generosity where participants ask “How can I help?” rather than “What can I gain?” CONEXEN community events consistently deliver tangible outcomes: Board positions secured, strategic partnerships formed, funding connections established, and careers transformed.
Founder Beckinschtein added: “Our aim is to turn Manchester’s strengths in research, talent and investment into real connections that accelerate innovation, businesses, and careers. In Cambridge, Oxford and London, CONEXEN events have already delivered board appointments, funding introductions and strategic partnerships.”
CONEXEN seeks partners who understand the power of community building to support these vital community events. Beyond community events, CONEXEN will bring its ecosystem building expertise to forward-thinking life science organisations in Greater Manchester and the North West, supporting them to develop their local, national and global ecosystems to match this exciting time of growth and expansion in the region.
