[October 20, 2014]

BioPort Atlantic 2014 Kicks Off Today

The opening reception for BioPort Atlantic 2014, where Atlantic Canada's leaders in life sciences meet, kicks off today. The full conference agenda unfolds tomorrow, October 21, 2014, at the World Trade and Convention Centre in Halifax. Hosted by BioNova, the annual conference connects people to companies in all stages of development, from innovative start-ups like Biopolynet to successful companies like Acadian Seaplants that exports its seaweed-based products to over 70 countries worldwide.

"From our outstanding speakers, to our dynamic panel discussions, BioPort Atlantic continues to attract the who's who in our industry. The conference is designed to help businesses make connections and overcome their challenges, ultimately growing our sector, one company at a time," said Scott Moffitt, managing director of BioNova.

On Tuesday, October 21, 2014, the Hon. Michel Samson, Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism, will welcome attendees. Dr. Richard Florizone, Dalhousie University President and honorary conference chair, will give the opening address.

The keynote luncheon speaker will be Dr. Michael Dunbar. He is an orthopedic surgeon, professor, researcher and scientific co-founder of Halifax Biomedical. With a $2.6 million grant from the Atlantic Innovation Fund, Dr. Dunbar and his Movement at Capital Health (M@CH) team are developing a smart phone app and other technologies to reduce wait times affecting patients. Dr. Dnbar's presentation will explore how greater collaboration, beyond R&D, will be required if we are to grow our region's bio-economy and build economic wealth.

Looking at the life sciences sector across Canada, more new biotech companies have been established in Atlantic Canada then in any other part of the country. The number of companies has grown by almost 4%, according to BioTalent Canada's 2013 labour market report.

In Nova Scotia, the commercial life sciences cluster employs more than 1,100 people, generating $300 million in sales revenue each year in Nova Scotia. There are more than 500 made-in-Nova-Scotia products competing in the global marketplace, with more than $78 million invested for future product development.

This year BioPort Atlantic will attract over 200 attendees representing some 20 companies, a roster of investors, universities, government, and industry supporters. With a goal of furthering the region's bio-economy, the conference will address best practices for early stage companies to raise capital, how to attract more women to the bio-economy, and how to align resources to take advantage of the region's life sciences capacity.

Media kits with speaker bios and fact sheets are available upon request. The complete conference schedule, can be found at www.bioportatlantic.ca.

About BioNova
BioNova is Nova Scotia's life sciences association, representing companies working in pharmaceuticals, vaccines, medical technologies, natural health products/nutraceuticals, digital health and bioproducts, as well as research organizations, service providers and other suppliers. More information on BioNova and its members can be found at www.bionova.ca.

About BioPort Atlantic
BioPort Atlantic provides a forum to educate, inform and inspire the life sciences community to develop their ideas, commercialize their technologies and build links within the region and with guests brought in from the US and from around the world. For more information visit www.bioportatlantic.ca.

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