Healthcare

World’s Largest Gathering on Aging Biology and Healthspan Science Returns to Riyadh

Hevolution Foundation is set to host its second Global Healthspan Summit (GHS 2025) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 4-5, 2025. The summit will bring together over 2,000 leaders and experts, including researchers, scientists, policymakers, venture capitalists, big pharma, biotech representatives, international organizations, and innovators, to address aging biology and advance the emerging field of healthspan science. This effort aims to tackle one of humanity’s most pressing challenges: the global aging crisis.

Building on the success of its inaugural summit in 2023, GHS 2025 will feature over 150 international speakers who will share insights on the latest breakthroughs in geroscience, aging biology, and healthspan science—a field dedicated to living healthier, longer lives.

Saudi Arabia’s Leadership in Healthspan Innovation

As a Saudi global non-profit organization, Hevolution Foundation embodies Saudi Arabia’s commitment to scientific innovation and healthspan research. The Foundation’s mission aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes enhancing quality of life and developing a world-class healthcare sector.

“This summit is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s leadership in transforming the way we approach aging and health,” said Dr. Mehmood Khan, CEO of Hevolution Foundation. “Under the theme ‘Architecting The Future,’ we are convening the world’s most influential voices to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and deliver solutions that can improve lives for generations to come.”

Key Themes and Highlights

The two-day event will feature more than 80 sessions across six stages, addressing advancements in healthspan science, aging biology, and the integration of technology in revolutionizing healthcare systems to support an aging global population. Key themes include:

• Strategic Investments: Highlighting Saudi Arabia’s $400 million commitment over three years to advancing healthspan science through grants, partnerships, and startup investments.

• Global Healthspan Research: Showcasing groundbreaking research on aging biology from around the world, with a focus on Saudi Arabia’s contributions.

• AI and Science: Exploring the role of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in shaping the future of healthcare and aging research.

Local Innovation and Collaboration

A dedicated stage, The Plaza, will spotlight local innovation, featuring a Shark Tank-style competition where 12 biotech startups will vie for monetary prizes and mentorship from global biotech leaders. Esteemed judges include H.R.H. Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, Founder and CEO of KBW Ventures, Abdulrahman AlOlayan, CEO of BetaLab, Dr. William Greene, CIO of Hevolution Foundation, and Dr. Christoph Westphal, Co-Founder of Longwood Fund.

Transformative Milestones

During the inaugural 2023 summit, Hevolution Foundation announced over $100 million in new funding to accelerate healthspan research, including $40 million for the Hevolution XPRIZE Healthspan, $16 million for early-career researchers through the American Federation for Aging Research, and $7.1 million for postdoctoral fellowships and scholarships for Saudi scientists.

“Healthspan represents the quality of years lived in good health, free from chronic illness, and Saudi Arabia is taking the lead in shaping this global movement,” said Her Royal Highness Princess Dr. Haya Bint Khaled Bin Bandar Al Saud, Senior Vice President of Research at Hevolution Foundation. “Through Hevolution, we are driving transformative research, fostering collaboration, and building capabilities both locally and globally.”

Advancing Research Through Grants

Hevolution Foundation also announced the awarding of 14 new grantees for the second round of the Saudi Arabia Open Call for Grants. This round saw a 20% increase in submissions, reflecting growing interest in aging and healthspan research. The grants, totaling SAR 20 million over two rounds, support innovative research in biological aging, circadian rhythms, biomarkers, and age-related diseases. Grantees include researchers from leading institutions such as KAIMRC, KAUST, KSU, and others.

A Global Invitation

Hevolution’s Global Healthspan Summit 2025 invites the global community and Saudi citizens to join this pivotal event and collaborate to shape a future where healthier, longer lives become a reality for all.

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