ORBIT FOR LIFE Executive Roundtable
Series
ORBIT FOR LIFE Executive Roundtable Series bring leaders from pharma, biotech, space and research together to turn microgravity science into scalable healthcare innovation...accelerating breakthroughs in oncology, longevity, bioprinting and data-driven life sciences.
Pilot Edition (27 Jan 2026)
Hosted at Roche Diagnostics in Rotkreuz, the first ORBIT FOR LIFE Executive Roundtable explored how microgravity can become a scalable R&D platform for healthcare. Leaders discussed organoids and oncology, 3D bioprinting, longevity research, astronaut sensing, data infrastructure, and fast paths from concept to flight.
Organoids & Oncology
Participants highlighted how space-grown organoids show:
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Greater homogeneity
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Improved biological stability
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More realistic 3D tumor behavior compared to Earth-based models
While proofs of concept already exist, the main challenges remain scaling, hardware miniaturization, launch cadence, and regulatory recognition.
A particularly strong takeaway from Roche’s perspective: biological instability is one of the biggest hidden costs in R&D...and microgravity could become a “credibility multiplier” that reduces variability, delays, and risk across development pipelines.
Key needs identified:
✅ Better access to space-generated data
✅ Faster certification and regulatory pathways
✅ Stronger agency support for scaling from science to industry
3D Bioprinting
Microgravity enhances cell quality and enables more accurate tissue models, from cancer systems to heart, bone, and nerve tissues.
Speakers emphasized a critical principle for commercial viability:
Complex biology must be enabled by simple, miniaturized, cost-effective engineering.
Infrastructure platforms such as next-generation space stations and automated systems aim to provide end-to-end logistics from lab to orbit and back, while freeing researchers from expensive crew time.
The consensus:
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Space bioprinting is technically promising
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Success will hinge on streamlined hardware and fast time-to-data
Astronaut Sensing & Data
As human presence in space expands, sensing technologies will shift from episodic tests to continuous monitoring.
Discussions covered:
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Wearable and implantable sensors
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Digital biomarkers
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Secure data transmission
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IP protection and cybersecurity
While sensing offers enormous potential (both for astronaut health and Earth applications), challenges remain around:
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Data governance and ethics
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Regulatory frameworks
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The shift from subsidized research data to commercial usage
Building a trusted, secure “data spine” for space life sciences emerged as a foundational requirement for the next phase of the industry.
Join the Discussion
Become part of the conversation and collaborate with renowned experts in pharma, biotech, space, and research to drive forward the future of healthcare innovation.