Takeaways from BIO International 2025: What Biotech Startups Actually Need Right Now

Parimer attended the 2025 BIO International Convention with SCbio, joining thousands of innovators, scientists, startups, and partners from across the globe.

There were no flashy product launches or seismic announcements and that’s exactly why it was valuable. What stood out most wasn’t on the main stage. It was in the side conversations, the coffee line catchups, and the breakout panels that hinted at what’s really shaping the future of biotech, especially for early-stage teams.

Here are the three signals that resonated with us and what they mean for startups building new things in an uncertain landscape.

AI in Drug Development

It is no surprise that the AI buzz was being talked about, there was a lot of speculation about what might get accomplished and what might not. AI was mentioned as It related to drug discovery to clinical trial prediction, AI is being positioned as a potential accelerator across the pipeline to get drug development moving quicker.

One thing was constant though and that was that AI cannot and will not replace foundational science. It still depends on structured, reproducible, high-quality data.

Several panelists noted that data fragmentation is slowing progress. Training models are scattered, inconsistent, or poorly annotated datasets can skew outcomes and cause costly delays down the line.

While AI is the shining new tool for a lot of companies and innovators in 2025, humans and scientist are the driving force behind production and success.

For startups, this creates an opportunity and a warning. If your early development work isn’t tight, reproducible, and well-documented, you’re setting yourself up for frustration later, especially when you start to use AI.

We work with teams at the earliest stages to ensure your chemistry is consistent, your purification is clean, and your batches are ready to support real analysis, not guesswork. We’re not just helping you make material; we’re helping you build a foundation for the next phase of development, whatever tools come next.

U.S. Policy Shifts

Across several sessions and discussions, there was a clear thread: the biotech world is being asked to do more, faster, with fewer resources. While this isn’t new some new policy changes is adding another layer of uncertainty.

Shifts in FDA priorities, tightening reimbursement frameworks, and a stronger push toward value-based care are adding new hurdles across the board for all types of companies, from early-stage programs to more mature companies. Teams are being asked to validate approaches earlier, justify costs sooner, and adjust development plans while producing.

That can have real implications for manufacturing. Whether you're just starting up or established, no one has time (or budget) for rework, delays, or inflexible partners. Companies need manufacturing support that’s responsive, adaptable, and aligned with the reality of today’s timelines.

Our company is intentionally lean and flexible designed to help teams move forward without overcommitting or complicating. Whether you're producing small-batch material for preclinical studies, preparing for an IND, or bridging to pilot GMP, we meet you where you are.

3. Regional Hubs Are Gaining Traction

It’s no secret that biotech’s traditional centers such as Boston, San Diego, the Bay Area aren’t going anywhere. But what’s changing is the rise of serious innovation in regional hubs. From North Carolina to Colorado to South Carolina, local ecosystems are investing in biotech infrastructure, workforce development, and industry support.

At BIO 2025, it was clear: startups don’t need to be in Cambridge to find world-class support anymore. And in fact, many don’t want to be. They want responsive partners who are local, available, and adaptable not massive CDMOs with waitlists and one-size-fits-all approaches.

Parimer fits perfectly into this emerging model. As part of South Carolina’s growing biotech ecosystem and part of SCBio, we offer high-quality, small-batch capabilities and real-time collaboration without higher costs or long drawn out deliverability wait times.

The Conversations Were Just as Insightful

BIO International reinforced something we’ve always believed: biotech teams whether just getting started or established aren’t looking for more polished pitches, they want real answers and real results. For partners who ask the right questions, spot the risks early, and move quickly when it counts.

The most valuable part of the event wasn’t the expo hall or sessions but it was the conversations. We heard teams at all stages ask:

“What are you seeing around VC funding? Are your clients having success with funding?"

“How do we avoid overcomplicating a process when time and funding are tight?”

“Is there a partner who actually understands our goals—and the pressure we’re under?”

At Parimer, these are exactly the kinds of questions we’re built to answer with flexible, practical support tailored to where a team is in their journey. From early route development to preclinical batches to pilot GMP, we focus on helping our partners move forward with less friction and more confidence.

Our biggest takeaways were hearing and seeing how biotech teams are adapting and insight into what’s shifting in the regulatory and funding landscape

Whether you're refining your first formulation or managing the complexity of a full pipeline,

Parimer brings thoughtful solutions, not just services. If you’re navigating tight timelines, evolving plans, or ambitious builds.