Manchester, UK– Sept 1st, 2025 – CONEXEN (Connect – Exchange – Engage), the award–winning life sciences ecosystem activator, today announced the launch of its Manchester community on October 23rd, extending its reach beyond the Cambridge–Oxford–London corridor to support and connect crucial innovation ecosystems across the UK. Registration is now open at www.conexen.net/community.
Founded in Cambridge in 2022 by Paula Bekinschtein, 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”¹. The plan specifically aims to develop “a high productivity life sciences industry, including by attracting major global life science R&D and manufacturing companies.”¹ With major investments including the £450 million Upper Brook Street² life sciences hub, Manchester represents a vital innovation hub with deep talent pools deserving activated connections.
“Manchester’s life sciences sector is a powerhouse, ranking third nationally for growth and attracting global investment,” said Paula Bekinschtein, Founder and CEO of CONEXEN. “The recent £4.8 million government funding for the Manchester–Cambridge innovation partnership³ demonstrates the critical importance of connecting ecosystems beyond traditional boundaries. CONEXEN activates precisely these connections that transform individual careers and businesses while strengthening entire innovation clusters.”
What makes the CONEXEN community events distinctive is its 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.
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.
ABOUT CONEXEN
Founded in Cambridge in 2022, CONEXEN partners with private and public organisations to
activate ecosystems, accelerate innovation, foster collaboration, and strengthen talent
development across the life sciences sector. CONEXEN organises vibrant community events
in Cambridge, Oxford, London, and Manchester, where executives and founders across life
sciences, biopharma, and health tech connect authentically to drive innovation forward.
These events have been recognised with the 2024 Cambridgeshire SME Silver Awards for
Best Networking Group and Positive Impact Award. Learn more at www.conexen.net
CONEXEN CAMBRIDGE Photo by: Regeane Bagonyi
CONEXEN LONDON Photo by: Martyn Postle
For other photos, please visit: https://conexen.net/gallery/ – Contact us before using the photos from the gallery to provide the correct photo credits.
