Marwood Group estimates that there are more than 500 CDMOs globally and with more 45 large pharma and big biotech in the $10B+ Market Cap range, many emerging biotechs see themselves as small fish in a big pond when considering CDMO partners. With the goal of getting life-changing medicines to patients in a timely, continuous fashion hovering in the background, early engagements with CDMOs can realize company goals faster but many biotechs lack the internal resources and/or expertise to identify the right partner. This panel will highlight success stories and provide an in-depth review of questions to ask and what to look for, including the critical capabilities and an evaluation of CDMOs knowledge, when searching for a CDMO.