[August 30, 2016]

CBSA Forum Attracted Industry, Political Leaders Focused on Life Science Innovation

Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA) brought together political leaders, corporate executives, academics and entrepreneurs from Colorado and across the country to examine the issues driving healthcare and life science innovation during Friday's Colorado Life Science Innovation Forum.

The forum, held Friday, August 26^th at the Hyatt Regency Convention Center in Denver, included keynote addresses by U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette and Mike Genau, President of Medtronic Americas. Governor John Hickenlooper also addressed the forum.

• Rep. DeGette highlighted the progress of the bi-partisan 21^st Century Cures legislation and predicted it would be passed by the Senate following the presidential election.
• Gov. Hickenlooper lauded the state's life science sector for its work to uncover cures and advance human health.
• Mike Genau re-affirmed Medtronic's commitment to the state of Colorado. The company employs 2,500 in thre Front Range locations.
• Companies, providers and non-profits emphasized the importance of partnership in the research and development process, and called on the FDA to speed up trial periods for potentially life-saving therapies.
• Colorado Life Science entrepreneurs highlighted the state of Colorado as a great place to start and commercialize a life science company.

"I have traveled and seen more than 100 health systems in the country. It's unique what's happening here in Colorado."

April Giles, President and CEO of CBSA, said:

"CBSA is honored to bring together such high-caliber speakers, leaders and thinkers to accelerate opportunities for the state's life science sector, feature Colorado's leadership on national industry conversations and support robust discussions on healthcare trends."

Venture Capital Showcase:

The forum promoted early-stage companies with a venture showcase, with three emerging companies, selected through a rigorous application process, pitching their innovative technologies to a panel of investors, gaining exposure in the sector and access to critical funding. The judges awarded a $7,500 cash prize to SiVEC Biotechnologies as the Venture Showcase winner. The company develops antiviral products delivered via aerosol to prevent the avian flu in poultry.

About the Colorado BioScience Association

Colorado BioScience Association champions life science. We serve as the hub of Colorado's thriving bioscience sector by connecting innovators to funding, infrastructure, research and talent. From promising young companies to established corporations and institutions, we provide opportunities for networking, education and professional development. We grow the bioscience workforce and lead business expansion policies to advance the industry in our state. CBSA represents more than 350 member organizations, including biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostic, ag bio and mobile digital health companies, research and academic institutions and service providers. Learn more about us at http://www.cobioscience.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160830006550/en/

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