26 April 2010
Moncton, New Brunswick
Atlantic Canada's biotechnology leaders are headed to Chicago, Illinois, to attend the largest annual gathering for their industry in the world. The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway today announced an investment of $104,500 in support of this business mission to the 2010 Bio International Convention, from May 3 to May 6.
"Our Government is committed to helping Atlantic Canada's entrepreneurs expand their export activity and enhance their business performance for the economic benefit of the entire region," said Minister Ashfield. "By investing in this ACOA-led business mission, our government is helping the companies that make up Atlantic Canada's vibrant and innovative biotechnology industry increase trade, attract investment and commercialize technology. The success they achieve on the international stage is a success we all share."
The Atlantic Canadian delegation, comprised of seven companies and four associations, will showcase their products and services at the Canadian pavilion. Other promotional opportunities include the convention's various networking receptions, one-on-one business development meetings, panel sessions and forums.
Atlantic Canada is home to over 100 bioscience companies and 25 research organizations, with over $300 million in annual private sector revenues. Biotechnological innovation has spurred development in a number of key industries, including marine sciences and health care. The four Atlantic provinces are at the forefront of global research in human health, medical technologies and diagnostics, marine biology, vaccine diagnostics, pharmaceutical and therapeutics, animal and fish health products, and agricultural technology, including a strong potato research cluster.
Financial assistance for this business mission is provided by ACOA through its Business Development Program. The program supports projects that promote entrepreneurship development, training and marketing, export development and technology commercialization. This mission is being organized in partnership with the Atlantic Canada Bio- Industries Alliance, representing the four associations responsible for the biotechnology industry in Atlantic Canada.
Over 20,000 delegates and more than 1,900 exhibitors are expected to attend the event.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is leading a delegation to the 2010 BIO International Convention, one of the world's leading biotechnology events. The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of ACOA and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, announced today more than $104,000 to support this business mission.
The conference and exhibition will be held in Chicago, Illinois, May 3-6. Atlantic Canadian companies attending the conference will explore new market opportunities, through various networking and marketing events, including one-on-one meetings with key decision makers.
Funding for this program was provided through ACOA's Business Development Program, which supports projects that promote entrepreneurship development, training and marketing.
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INFORMATION:
Rayanne Brennan
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-851-2282
rayanne.brennan@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
MEDIA BACKGROUNDER
Following is the list of the Atlantic Canadian companies and organizations taking part in the ACOA-led business mission to the 2010 BIO International Convention in Chicago, Illinois:
New Brunswick
BioAtlantech, Fredericton, NB
Nova Scotia
BioNova, Halifax, NS
ImmunoVaccine Inc., Halifax, NS
Innovascreen Inc., New Glasgow, NS
Prince Edward Island
Atlantic Veterinary College, Charlottetown, PEI
BioVectra Inc., Charlottetown, PEI
Chemaphor Inc., Charlottetown, PEI
Neurodyn Inc., Charlottetown, PEI
PEI BioAlliance, Charlottetown, PEI
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador Association, of Technology Industries (NATI), St. John's, NL
NewLab Life Sciences Inc., St. John's, NL
