✨ Highlights from the SAPA Meet with Investors and Network with Entrepreneurs (MINE) Inaugural Salon

On December 12, 2025, SAPA hosted the inaugural MINE Salon at the Fox Rothschild office in Princeton, NJ. This first-of-its-kind gathering brought together over 50 entrepreneurs, investors, and BD leaders from across the cross-border innovation ecosystem. Designed as an intimate, high-trust environment, the salon facilitated deeper conversations, meaningful networking, and genuine relationship-building beyond the traditional conference format.

🌟 Opening Remarks

The evening began with opening remarks moderated by Stephen Xue, who set the tone for an engaging, insight-driven program:

• Lily Li delivered welcome remarks on behalf of SAPA leadership.

• Xiaodong Chen highlighted upcoming SAPA @ JPM activities and encouraged broader community participation.

• Xiaowei Sun outlined SAPA membership benefits and volunteer opportunities.

• Jerry Liu (Fox Rothschild LLP) introduced the firm and its long-standing commitment to support innovation.

• Stephen Xue provided an overview of the HIFnR initiative and the vision behind launching the MINE Salon—emphasizing connection, trust, and shared learning.

🎤 Featured Presentations

Two distinguished speakers delivered talks offering timely insights into global BD trends and cross-border collaboration.

Topic 1 — “Cross-Border BD Trends and Key Observations”

Jack Wu, PhD, MBA — Senior Director, Search & Evaluation, Takeda OncologyJack shared a macro-level view of global BD landscape shifts, with a particular focus on the rapid rise of China’s biotech sector in recent years. He noted China’s accelerating pace of innovation and improving cost efficiency and highlighted how the country has evolved into an emerging force across areas ranging from ADCs to multiple novel modalities—creating new and expanding opportunities for business development. His talk also covered key trends in deal structures, valuation dynamics, and the growing importance of scientific differentiation. Overall, his insights offered practical guidance for founders and BD teams navigating global partnerships and alliances.

Topic 2 — “Romance of the Three Kingdoms — Insights from Bio Europe”

Alex Wang — Head of US/China Business Development, Zuellig PharmaAlex creatively connected classical strategic thinking with modern BD practice, drawing inspiration from Romance of the Three Kingdoms to frame today’s global biotech dynamics, and advocating cooperation rather than competition for the benefits of patients.. He shared timely, data-driven takeaways on biotech development across the U.S., Europe, and China—highlighting the continued dominance of the U.S., the growing global attention driven by China’s rapid progress, and Europe’s enduring leadership in innovation quality. Alex also shared thoughtful perspectives on how Europe could further strengthen its biotech ecosystem, including increasing funding for early-stage research, improving regulatory efficiency, deepening academia–industry collaboration, and enhancing public awareness and societal support for the life sciences sector. Beyond regional comparisons, he emphasized the importance of strategic positioning, long-term vision, and cultural intelligence in cross-border BD, reminding attendees that successful partnerships are built not only on assets and capital, but also on trust, alignment, and disciplined execution. His talk sparked lively discussion and provided a compelling strategic lens for navigating an increasingly competitive global biotech landscape.

🤝 Attendee Elevator Introductions

Participants engaged in rapid 30-second elevator self-introductions—showcasing a diverse mix of founders, investors, scientists, BD leaders, and legal advisors. The introductions not only highlighted the breadth of expertise in the room but also sparked immediate connections and curiosity among attendees. Ideas were exchanged on the spot, follow-up conversations were already forming, and the room buzzed with energy and anticipation.

💬 Networking & 1:1 Deep Dive Conversations

The remainder of the evening was dedicated to open networking and focused on one-on-one discussions. Many attendees shared that the salon’s intimate setup fostered richer, more candid dialogue than large-scale conferences, opening doors to partnerships and emerging opportunities.

The atmosphere was vibrant and engaging—small groups gathered throughout the room, exchanging ideas, laughing, and sparking moments of inspiration. The energy was truly electric, with conversations flowing effortlessly and often evolving into meaningful strategic discussions. Participants not only expanded their networks but also walked away with high-value insights, actionable takeaways, and genuine collaboration prospects that will carry forward long after the event.

🏆 Conclusion

The inaugural SAPA MINE Salon concluded with closing remarks from Yongmei (Maggie) Li, CEO of Axela Biosciences, Inc. She thanked all participants for taking time out of their busy schedules to join the salon and for their active engagement throughout the evening. Maggie encouraged everyone to enjoy the conversations, learn from the diverse perspectives shared, and continue exchanging ideas with one another. She also expressed her hope that the connections made would lead to meaningful business development opportunities, and wished all attendees continued growth and success in their professional endeavors.

The inaugural SAPA MINE Salon delivered on its vision:

🎯 Creating a curated environment for strategic connections💡 Providing direct access to thought leaders in investment and BD🤝 Offering a platform where founders, investors, and innovators can build trust and explore real opportunities

With over 50+ participants from biopharma, venture capital, and related innovation sectors, the strong turnout and enthusiastic engagement validated the value of this new format.

This event also served as a warm-up for SAPA @ JPM and upcoming HIFnR, helping build momentum and community energy heading into the new year.

Special thanks to our event sponsor, Fox Rothschild LLP, for hosting and supporting this successful inaugural Salon.