Experts from around the world will convene in Riyadh to explore cutting-edge advancements and solutions in healthspan and aging science.
The second Global Healthspan Summit (GHS 2025) is set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 4–5, 2025. Hosted by the Hevolution Foundation, this event aims to foster international collaboration on healthspan science, bringing together scientists, policymakers, investors and innovators to address the challenges of global aging. With over 150 sessions and contributions from 175 international speakers, GHS 2025 is poised to shape the future of aging biology and healthspan science.
Longevity.Technology: The Global Healthspan Summit is a pivotal event for advancing the understanding of healthspan science, bringing together over 2,500 participants from diverse fields, including science, entrepreneurship, investment and policy – and we’ll be there, of course. It’s a convergence that aims to foster collaboration across sectors, and create a platform for actionable outcomes rather than passive discussions. The summit addresses the pressing issue of the growing disparity between lifespan and healthspan – while people are living longer, the additional years are often marred by chronic illness and diminished quality of life.
By aligning its objectives with global initiatives such as the United Nations’ Decade of Healthy Aging and supporting the achievement of 12 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, the summit reflects a shared commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of aging populations worldwide. Through its focus on emerging research, groundbreaking technologies and strategic investment opportunities, the event not only unites leading voices in the field but also sets the stage for transformative advancements in how societies approach aging.
Architecting the future
The summit will address critical issues in aging and healthspan science, exploring innovative research and the role of technology in healthcare; this year’s agenda emphasizes three major themes:
- Strategic investments: Saudi Arabia has committed $400 million over the past three years to fund healthspan science through grants, partnerships, and venture capital investments.
- Global research in aging biology: A focus on international and local contributions, including Saudi Arabia’s advancements in healthspan research.
- Technological innovation: Panels will discuss how AI and biotechnology are revolutionizing healthcare systems to manage aging populations.
In addition to plenary discussions, the summit will feature a dedicated platform, The Plaza, where 12 biotech startups will compete for funding and mentorship in a Shark Tank-style competition judged by experts such as HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud and Dr William Greene.
Dr Mehmood Khan, CEO of the Hevolution Foundation, highlighted the importance of the summit. “This summit is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s leadership to transform the way we approach aging and health,” he said. “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.”
Collaboration paves the way
The inaugural Global Healthspan Summit, held in 2023, brought together over 2,000 delegates and 120 speakers from leading institutions, including Harvard, Mayo Clinic and the World Health Organization. During the event, the Hevolution Foundation announced over $100 million in new funding, supporting initiatives such as the Hevolution XPRIZE Healthspan and grants for early-career researchers, a commitment which is already accelerating research in fields such as circadian rhythms, biomarkers and age-related diseases.
Supporting vision
The Hevolution Foundation, headquartered in Riyadh, represents Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global healthspan research, aligning with the nation’s Vision 2030 plan – a vision that emphasizes improving quality of life through investments in biotechnology and healthcare.
HRH Princess Dr Haya Bint Khaled Bin Bandar Al Saud, Senior Vice President of Research at Hevolution Foundation, emphasized this commitment. “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,” she said. “Through Hevolution, we are driving transformative research and creating opportunities for collaboration right here in the Kingdom and worldwide.”
Shaping the future of aging
The 2025 summit will also highlight the importance of local talent development; this year’s Saudi Arabia Open Call for Grants saw a 20 percent increase in submissions, with SAR 20 million allocated over two rounds to support innovative research in aging biology. By fostering young talent and addressing global challenges in healthspan, Saudi Arabia is one of the leaders in this field.
GHS 2025 has an ambitious agenda, aiming to not only identify solutions to the global aging crisis but also to shape policies and frameworks that could transform how societies approach aging and healthcare. As the global population continues to age, events like the Global Healthspan Summit are vital for ensuring we work towards healthier and more equitable futures for all – we look forward to reporting from it next week.
