Two Cell & Gene Therapy Symposiums Teaming Up
This year, California Life Sciences and the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine are partnering with the UC San Diego Gene Therapy Initiative to expand the annual Cell & Gene Therapy Symposium into a two-day program. Each organization brings distinct expertise to the field: CLS and CIRM in commercialization, regenerative medicine funding, and the policy and industry networks shaping California’s life sciences ecosystem, and UC San Diego GTI in translational gene therapy research.
Day one, hosted by UC San Diego GTI, features academic and industry leaders showcasing cutting-edge cell-based safety models, ex-vivo and in-vivo genetic therapy technologies, and bold bench-to-bedside strategies. Day two, hosted by CLS and CIRM, features panels on scientific innovation, manufacturing, patient delivery, and commercialization.
Each day stands on its own, so participants can choose to attend one or attend both. The program is built for everyone working in this space across Southern California, across therapeutics, manufacturing, research, capital, and the legal and policy infrastructure that supports the field.
Salk Institute for Biological Studies
La Jolla
September 16 & 17
Agenda
Day 1 | UCSD GTI Symposium
Welcome Remarks
Morning Programming
AntiSense Oligonucleotides for Rare Disorders
Ex Vivo Cell Platform for Safety Studies and Treatments for Rare Diseases and Cancer
Panel on Navigating Bench to Bedside
Lunch
Afternoon Programming
In Vivo Gene Editing as an Emerging Technology
AAV Gene Therapy: Improvised Capsids and Groundbreaking Applications
Closing Remarks
Poster Session
Networking & Social Hour
Day 2 | CLS CGT Symposium
Registration & Breakfast
Welcome Remarks
Morning Programming
Keynote Presentation
Rare Disease & Regulatory Updates
Advances in Gene Editing / In Vivo CGT Therapeutic Approaches
Lunch
Afternoon Programming
Commercialization & Manufacturing
Patient Speaker
Patient Access
CGT and Ethics
Closing Remarks
Networking Reception & Exhibitor Showcase
See What You Missed at the 2025 Symposium
CLS’ 2025 Cell & Gene Therapy Symposium brought together leaders from across the life sciences ecosystem to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of these transformative therapies. Discussions focused on navigating regulatory pathways, building investor confidence, scaling manufacturing, and responsibly leveraging AI and automation, while keeping patients at the center of innovation. Speakers highlighted the critical role of academic medical centers in connecting research, clinical care, and regulatory engagement, and emphasized that meaningful progress depends on addressing barriers to access, affordability, and supply. A clear theme emerged throughout the day: advancing cell and gene therapies will require strong collaboration across science, policy, investment, and advocacy to turn breakthrough discoveries into real-world patient impact.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Lead Sponsor (Limited)
$10,000
$10,000
- Verbal recognition during welcome and closing remarks
- Opportunity to introduce a program segment*
- Complimentary registration for four (4) attendees, including meals, reception, and breaks
- Optional exhibit location with six (6)-foot table display
- Prominent logo recognition on all event marketing and promotional materials
Reception Sponsor (Limited)
$7,500
$7,500
- Sponsor of closing networking reception, following the program, including event signage and create logo placement
- Complimentary registration for three (3) attendees for the full program, including meals, reception, and breaks
- Optional exhibit location with six (6)-foot table display
- Logo recognition on all event marketing and promotional materials
Coffee Break Sponsor (Limited)
$5,000
$5,000
- Sponsor of one (1) coffee break during the program, including event signage and create logo placement
- Complimentary registration for two (2) attendees, including meals, reception, and breaks
- Optional exhibit location with six (6)-foot table display
- Logo recognition on all event marketing and promotional materials
Supporting Sponsor (Limited)
$2,500
$2,500
- Complimentary registration for one (1) attendee, including meals, reception, and breaks
- Logo recognition on all event marketing and promotional materials