The most exciting biotech startups of 2026: How we selected this year's list

Picking the Endpoints 11 this year was harder than it ever has been. Findingthe year’s most interesting biotech startupsis always a process of long hours of debate and research by our reporters and editors. It begins in late spring and lasts throughout the summer.

We interview dozens of executives, scientists and investors. Most companies don’t make the cut. What made this year difficult was the secrecy that now prevails in biotech.

Fearful of rivals at home and abroad, more companies are saying less. But that’s also what makes our Endpoints 11 list unique. Many of the companies we’ll reveal in Boston later this month are talking about their science for the first time.

For us, this is a night to learn about the risk-takers at the edge of innovation and to show our audience some of what they’re working on. If you want to meet the companies we think will define the next few years,join us on Sept. 24 in Boston for our gala evening.

You’ll hear from our winners, who are pulled from the worlds of cell therapy, AI, gene therapy and other areas. AndEndpoints Newsscience correspondent Ryan Cross will host an intimate conversation with Wyss Institute founding director Don Ingber about the importance of supporting fundamental science and far-fetched ideas to keep the bedrock of America’s biotech industry competitive. I hope to see you there.Please come as my guest and use the “VIP100” discount code to save on your gala ticket.

— Drew Armstrong, Executive EditorAUTHORDrew ArmstrongExecutive [email protected]@ArmstrongDrewDrew Armstrong on LinkedIn Think we're worth reading - tell Google. Confirm Endpoints as a trusted biopharma news source Scientist, Drug Discovery Data for AI/ML FDA adcomm votes in favor of benefit-risk of Grail’s cancer test In a changed world for cystic fibrosis, a family's fight reveals a new gap in