The Microbiome Revolution
Unlocking the Gut-Brain Axis for the Future of Health
February 5, 2026
Palace Downtown, Dubai, UAE
Join The Microbiome Revolution
Unlocking the Gut–Brain Axis for the Future of Health
Hosted by CE-Ventures, the venture capital arm of Crescent Enterprises, this gathering will convene leading scientists, healthcare pioneers, investors, and entrepreneurs to explore opportunities at the intersection of science, policy, and innovation.
Renowned specialists, innovators, and decision-makers will examine how microbiome science is redefining healthcare possibilities across wellness, longevity, mental health, immuno-resilience, and neurodegenerative diseases. With an emphasis on dialogue and collaboration, the symposium provides a unique platform to engage with leaders driving transformative change in global health.
Meet Our
Speakers
Agenda
08:30 AM - 09:15 AM
Welcome Breakfast
Networking & registration over coffee and bites
09:15 AM - 09:20 AM
Welcome Remarks
Brief overview of the program and vision for the day.
09:20 AM - 09:30 AM
Opening Address
His Excellency Dr. Alawi Alsheikh-Ali
Director General, Dubai Health Authority
Director General, Dubai Health Authority
09:30 - 10:00
Keynote Speech
The Gut-Brain Axis: A New Frontier in Longevity
Exploring how microbial metabolites, vagus nerve signaling, and immune modulation influence cognition, emotion, and aging.
Dr. Sarkis K. Mazmanian
Professor of Microbiology, California Institute of Technology
Professor of Microbiology, California Institute of Technology
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
Panel Discussion
Neurodegeneration and the Gut: Detecting & Acting Early
New evidence links microbiome composition with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cognitive decline. Can we predict or delay onset?
Niels Sharman
Biotech Investor
Biotech Investor
Stewart Campbell
CEO, Vertero (formerly Axial)
CEO, Vertero (formerly Axial)
Xavier Duportet
CEO, Eligo Bioscience
CEO, Eligo Bioscience
Henning Steinhagen
CEO, Lario Tx
CEO, Lario Tx
Dr. Simba Gill
CEO, Songbird
CEO, Songbird
10:50 AM – 11:10 AM
Fireside Chat
How Diet, Lifestyle & the Microbiome Shape Healthy Aging
Michael Schelper
Operating Partner, Deerfield
Operating Partner, Deerfield
Sandra Mikhail
Co-founder and CCO, HER
Co-founder and CCO, HER
11:10 AM - 11:40 AM
Coffee Break
11:40 AM – 12:20 PM
Panel Discussion
The Microbiome-Immune-Aging Axis: From Inflammaging to Immuno-resilience
This panel will unpack how gut microbes train and regulate the immune system - impacting inflammation, autoimmunity, and immunosenescence.
Sadyk Gusniev
MD, MBA, HealthTech & Biotech Expert
MD, MBA, HealthTech & Biotech Expert
Rasha Msallam
Founder, Next Gen of Immunology Consultancy
Founder, Next Gen of Immunology Consultancy
Dr. Alexandra Sakatos
Co-founder and CEO, Ancilia Biosciences
Co-founder and CEO, Ancilia Biosciences
Dr. Sascha Berger
Investment Director, NEOM
Investment Director, NEOM
Dr. Asma Mahmoud Fikri
Director, Government & Partnerships, SRTIP
Director, Government & Partnerships, SRTIP
12:30 PM - 1:20 PM
Panel Discussion
Mental Health & the Microbiome: A New Paradigm
Research suggests a link between the gut microbiome and mental health. This panel explores studies and psychobiotic approaches for conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Aaron Weaver
Chief Commercial Officer, Molecule AG
Chief Commercial Officer, Molecule AG
Dr. Laurie Keefer
Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry, Mount Sinai
Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry, Mount Sinai
Prof. Ted Dinan
Professor of Psychiatry, University College Cork
Professor of Psychiatry, University College Cork
Dr. Sacha Sidani
Gastroenterologist, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
Gastroenterologist, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
Jason Mitchell, N.D
Founder & President, Probulin Probiotics
Founder & President, Probulin Probiotics