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Pharma Innovation in Motion
Where processing and packaging come together

September 22–23, 2026 | Apex, North Carolina, US
Hosted by Körber and groninger

Pharma Innovation in Motion is a two day immersive experience focused on the full lifecycle of a pharmaceutical container.

Hosted for the first time at the Körber Pharma campus in the Research Triangle Park/Raleigh region, this joint technical symposium brings together processing and packaging, connecting biopharma manufacturing from early process stages through sterile filling, inspection, automation, and next generation packaging. 

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The Lifecycle of a Pharmaceutical Container

Pharmaceutical manufacturing is evolving toward integrated, connected systems. Pharma Innovation in Motion is designed to reflect that reality.

This event explores a fully integrated approach to pharmaceutical manufacturing, connecting processing and packaging across the container lifecycle. Topics span biopharma processing, sterile and aseptic fill finish, inspection technologies, automation concepts, and advanced packaging solutions.

By focusing on the container lifecycle as a whole, attendees gain a clearer understanding of how individual technologies interact within modern, high performance manufacturing environments.

A Two Day Immersive Experience

Pharma Innovation in Motion brings together professionals from across the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical community for focused technical exchange and peer driven discussion.

Through expert led sessions, real world case discussions, and interactive dialogue, the event creates space to explore challenges, share experiences, and better understand how integrated processing and packaging strategies are applied in practice.

Program Overview 

Welcome and Networking Event

September 22, 2026 | 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

The experience begins with an evening welcome and networking event at he Körber Pharma campus in Apex, North Carolina. This informal setting provides opportunities to meet peers, connect with speakers, and begin conversations that continue throughout the symposium.

Full Day Technical Program

September 23, 2026 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

The second day features a full schedule of technical insights and collaborative discussion focused on integrated pharmaceutical manufacturing across the container lifecycle. 

What to Expect 

Participants can expect a focused, practical, and collaborative experience, including:

  • SME led technical insights

  • Real world case discussions

  • Interactive peer to peer exchange

All sessions are designed to support open dialogue and shared learning across processing, fill finish, inspection, automation, and packaging disciplines.

 


Agenda highlights

Expert Exchange

Insights from Körber, groninger, and partner specialists covering key trends, challenges, and opportunities across aseptic processing and pharmaceutical packaging technologies. 

 

Technology perspectives

A look into evolving digital tools, inspection technologies, automation concepts, and small batch solutions shaping the future of pharma manufacturing.  

Integrated approaches

Understanding how fill finish, isolators, inspection systems, and packaging technologies connect across the pharmaceutical container lifecycle to support modern, high performance systems. 

Networking & Community 

Opportunities to meet peers, exchange experiences, and be part of a growing innovation community focused on pharmaceutical manufacturing and packaging.  

Agenda

Morning

 

All Attendees

8:00–8:30 AM Lifecycle of the Pharmaceutical Container
Overview of the day, the Körber ecosystem, and the pharmaceutical container lifecycle.
Two Tracks - Please choose one
 

Track 1:
Primary Packaging Phase

Track 2:
Secondary Packaging Phase

8:30–9:10 AM

Washing and Assembly
Component preparation, RTU containers, closures, consumables, compliance, and supply chain considerations 

Assembly and Packaging Technologies
Design considerations, component integration, device safety, labeling, assembly, and supply chain considerations 

 

9:10–10:00 AM

Microbiological Trends and Annex 1
Process qualification, regulatory considerations, compliance risks, and contamination control

Assembly and Packaging Technologies (continued)
Pen labeling, packaging, labeler, and serialization integration trends

 

10:00–10:45 AM

Networking Break

10:45 AM–12:45 PM

Processing, Aseptic Fill Finish, and Annex 1 Interpretation
First air principles, isolator considerations, open-door vs. closed-door setup, no-touch transfer (NTT), qualification, validation, and interactive discussion

Packaging Solutions
Flexible cartoning lines, end-of-line packaging, CDMO considerations, integrated secondary packaging case studies, and pharma package design considerations

12:45–1:45 PM

Lunch

Afternoon
All Attendees

1:45–2:45 PM

Automatic Visual Inspection (AVI)
AI-driven inspection, digital twins, container closure integrity considerations, Annex 1 impact, ALVA inspection, and future inspection concepts.

2:45–3:15 PM

Networking Break

3:15–4:30 PM

Turnkey Solutions
How the Körber ecosystem connects primary and secondary packaging, including end-to-end line integration, validation, controls strategy, and customer case studies.

4:30–5:00 PM

Summary and Wrap-Up

Evening
All Attendees

6:00–8:00 PM

Networking Dinner
All attendees welcome. Please RSVP during registration.


Speakers

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Peter Grassl
Vice President, Körber Pharma

Peter's Bio

Peter Grassl is a pharmaceutical technology leader with 12 years of experience, primarily in inspection and secondary packaging. Combining a mechanical engineering background with strong business expertise, he is passionate about translating industry trends and emerging technologies into customer value. Throughout his career with Körber Pharma, Peter has held leadership roles in Germany, Switzerland, and the United States, working closely with global customers to drive innovation, collaboration, and successful packaging solutions in the pharmaceutical industry. 

Tobias

Tobias Noll
Global Lead of Turnkey Management, groninger 

Tobias's Bio

 Tobias Noll is a turnkey management leader with a decade of experience delivering complex manufacturing solutions for the pharmaceutical industry. His career has progressed from production and engineering to Turnkey Management, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the full project lifecycle. Specializing in GMP-compliant and Annex 1-driven environments, Tobias leads groninger's Turnkey Management team as the primary customer interface, driving collaboration, reducing complexity, and delivering innovative, high-quality solutions for pharmaceutical manufacturers worldwide. 

Christian Kolic

Christian Kolic
Product Manager Inspection Machines, Körber Pharma

Christian's Bio

 Christian Kolic is Product Manager for Inspection Machines at Körber Pharma Inspection in Germany. With more than 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical product inspection, he plays a key role in developing and advancing inspection technologies that support quality, compliance, and operational efficiency. In his current role, Christian is responsible for maintaining and expanding the product portfolio while leading market and technology analysis, product development initiatives, and projects focused on bringing new inspection solutions and services to the pharmaceutical industry.

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Deanne Gonsalves
Director of Global Business Development, Körber Pharma

Deanne's Bio

 Deanne Gonsalves is Director of Global Business Development for Körber Pharma Packaging Materials. With extensive experience across pharmaceutical and consumer packaging, she specializes in helping customers develop packaging solutions that balance regulatory requirements, operational efficiency, and brand objectives. Before joining Körber Pharma Packaging Materials, Deanne held commercial and account management roles with WestRock and Catalent, providing her with broad industry knowledge spanning packaging development, manufacturing, and customer engagement. She is passionate about delivering innovative, high-quality packaging solutions that support the evolving needs of the pharmaceutical industry.

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Julian Petersen
Global Head of Business Development Pharma, groninger

Julian's Bio

 Julian Petersen is Global Head of Business Development Pharma at groninger, a leading provider of fill-finish equipment for the pharmaceutical industry. With experience spanning pharmaceutical manufacturing and semiconductor technologies, he brings deep expertise in aseptic processing and industry trends. Julian is an active contributor to PDA, serving on advisory boards, co-leading the Sterile Processing Interest Group, and supporting industry task forces focused on aseptic filling and RABS. He also contributes regularly to ISPE, BioPhorum, and global industry conferences.

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Thomas Schmidt
Head of Assembly Technology, groninger

Thomas's Bio

 Thomas Schmidt is Head of Assembly Technology at groninger, where he has been advancing automated assembly solutions since 1998. With extensive experience in system design and process optimization, he specializes in developing high-precision production technologies for the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Thomas plays a key role in driving innovation in assembly systems that help manufacturers improve efficiency while meeting stringent quality and regulatory requirements. He brings a practical, solutions-focused perspective to automation, integration, and next-generation manufacturing technologies.

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Marsha Steed
Microbiologist, PDA

Marsha's Bio

Marsha Steed has over 30 years of experience as a microbiologist working in the Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology and Medical Device fields. Marsha is the Founder and President of Steed MicroBio, LLC which is an independent microbiology consulting firm and a Senior Microbiology Associate/Sterility Assurance Expert at Jeff Yuen & Associates, Inc. consulting firm. Marsha is a globally recognized consultant specializing in sterility assurance and contamination control matters in pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device companies.

Marsha served as a USP Microbiology Expert Committee member (2020 – 2025 Cycle) and the chair of the USP Microbial Control and Sterility Assurance Subcommittee. Marsha studied Biology at Western New England University in Springfield, MA.

Marsha is active in industry and currently serves on the Parenteral Drug Association (PDA) ATMP Advisory Board and has previously served on the PDA Education Advisory Board (EAB); Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) and has served on numerous PDA Task Forces and meeting planning committees and has been the chair of the PDA Annual Meeting and PDA Microbiology Meeting. Marsha is a former notified body ISO inspector.

Birte Scharf

Dr. Birte Scharf
Senior Scientist, Franz Ziel

Birte's Bio

 Dr. Birte Scharf has over eleven years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including six years focused on aseptic processing technologies. She combines her passion for science and technology through her work at Franz Ziel GmbH, a manufacturer of isolator technology and provider of GMP compliance services. As a Senior Scientist within the GMP Compliance team, Birte focuses on GMP-compliant process integration as well as the scientific and compliance aspects of R&D projects. She earned her Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Biology from the University of Münster, researching treatments for uropathogenic E. coli. 

Accomodations

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Hotel Accomodations

For your convenience, a room block has been reserved for Pharma Innovation in Motion attendees at:

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Raleigh Apex
Special Group Rate: $169 USD per night

To take advantage of the special group rate, please reserve your room by August 31, 2026.

Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to availability.

 

Stay Connected

Please complete the form below to confirm your interest and receive updates related to Pharma Innovation in Motion, including agenda developments, speaker announcements, and registration details.


We look forward to welcoming you to this two-day immersive experience!  

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We look forward to exchanging ideas at Pharma Innovation in Motion.

Your Körber and groninger teams