LA JOLLA, Calif.—The Advanced Lateral Flow Conference (ALFC), the premier global event for rapid diagnostics, is excited to announce the release of the full agenda for the 2025 ALFC. Taking place October 14–15, 2025, at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines in La Jolla, California, ALFC brings together the global rapid diagnostics ecosystem to exchange insights, spark collaborations, and advance the industry’s most promising technologies.
This year’s program features a dynamic lineup of keynotes, technical sessions, and poster presentations designed to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities in lateral flow diagnostics. Agenda session highlights include:
- From Battlefield to Benchside: How Strategic AI is Reshaping Science Ops—Jeremy Elser, Ph.D. (Head of Science Operations, Palantir Technologies)
- Executive’s Corner: Running Diagnostics Companies in the Age of Complexity—Moderated by James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP (CEO, San Diego Connect and EVP, Medicine and Research, Makyr); and joined by panelists Charlie Mamrak (CEO, DCN Dx), Thomas Plotts (CFO / COO, Gravidas Diagnostics, Inc.), Tony Serafini-Lamanna (President, Diagnostics, Meridian Bioscience), and Tomás Toribio (Managing Director, OPERON, S.A.)
- Innovation Award Pitches—Finalists present in a live “Shark Tank”-style session to judges Owen Davis (Managing Partner, Martis Capital); Donna Hochberg, Ph.D. (Partner & Managing Director, Head of Dx, PM & LST & Services, Health Advances); Brian Weinstein (Managing Director, Medical Technology, William Blair); and Pat Vaughan, Ph.D. (COO, DCN Dx); hosted by Mitzi Rettinger (Chief Revenue Officer, DCN Dx). The $10,000 prize will be announced at the Oct. 15 Closing Reception and Awards Ceremony.
- Raising Right: Why Diagnostics Startups Fail to Fund—Giles Hamilton (Board Member, and Investor)
“The Advanced Lateral Flow Conference is a cornerstone event for the industry, and the 2025 agenda reflects our continued commitment to delivering exceptional programming,” said Mitzi Rettinger, Chief Revenue Officer at DCN Dx and chair of the 2025 ALFC Organizing Committee. “From disruptive keynotes on important topics, like AI, to practical commercialization insights, attendees will walk away with connections and knowledge they need to succeed in this competitive funding landscape.”
The 2025 ALFC will also feature robust networking events, an expanded poster session, and the annual ALFC Awards program, including the prestigious Innovation Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, and Leadership in Diagnostics Award.
For more information and to view the full agenda, visit alfc2025.com.
About the Advanced Lateral Flow Conference
The Advanced Lateral Flow Conference (ALFC), presented by DCN Dx, is the leading global event for lateral flow diagnostic developers, manufacturers, and those driving their commercial success. This annual conference delivers cutting-edge insights through expert-led sessions and provides a platform for researchers and developers to exchange ideas and innovations. Attendees gain practical insights to advance their businesses, deepen their knowledge of rapid diagnostics, and connect with leading minds shaping the future of point-of-care testing.
The ALFC 2025 theme, Catalyzing Growth: Tech Advancements, Funding, and Regulatory Roadmaps in LFA, focuses on the three pillars driving real-world progress in diagnostics: capital, innovation, and regulatory clarity. From shifting FDA expectations to sustainable funding models and manufacturability challenges, the content will tackle the strategic decisions that shape successful lateral flow products.
Attendees include product managers, business development leads, investors, regulatory professionals, scientists, supply chain reps, and service providers from across the diagnostics ecosystem. These are the people responsible for turning ideas into impact, and ALFC is where they come to learn, connect, and get things done.
To learn more about ALFC, visit alfc2025.com.
About DCN Dx
DCN Dx, based in Carlsbad, California, specializes in lateral flow diagnostics development and manufacturing, and IVD regulatory consulting and clinical research. DCN Dx’s multidisciplinary CDMO specializes in creating tailored assay systems, consumables, and instruments for point-of-use applications, with a particular expertise in lateral flow assays. Their clinical research services group specializes in the planning, execution, and oversight of IVD clinical trials, inclusive of clinical operations, data management, and biostatistics, and regulatory services.
DCN Dx’s personalized approach to IVD product development and clinical trials has supported hundreds of programs and clients. They can oversee every stage from concept to assay development and platform integration, through clinical trials to manufacturing or only handle the aspects you request. In addition to lateral flow assays, DCN Dx’s clinical research expertise extends to any in vitro diagnostic, all with a focus on innovation, usability, and performance.
With a commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and industry-leading expertise, DCN Dx is setting the benchmark for excellence in IVD services. To learn more about how we can support your diagnostic needs, visit dcndx.com.
