AHFMR News
AHFMR and BioAlberta establish partnership to boost expertise in early stage biotechnology companies
(Edmonton, AB) Wednesday, September 26, 2007... The Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR)'s ForeFront program and BioAlberta are joining forces to give early stage Alberta biotechnology companies an opportunity to make global business connections.
Through this unique partnership, AHFMR will provide $150,000 to BioAlberta over three years. This funding will be used to strengthen and promote Alberta's bioindustry nationally and internationally through various BioAlberta initiatives, including organizing a successful showcase for emerging biotechnology companies at the Biotechnology International Organization's (BIO) International Convention. BioAlberta plays a lead role in coordinating the Alberta pavilion at BIO and will utilize its expertise in networking to help prepare emerging company representatives for the convention.
The BIO International Convention is the world's largest biotechnology conference featuring expert speakers from the financial and business development communities, as well as presentations from cutting-edge biotechnology companies.
"AHFMR believes in partnering for success," says AHFMR's interim President and CEO, Dr. Jacques Magnan. "This collaboration with BioAlberta not only demonstrates AHFMR's commitment to supporting the growth of the bioindustry in Alberta, but it will also create a unique and exciting opportunity for early stage innovators to network directly with the global biotech industry. These interactions can foster relationships for later stage commercialization opportunities."
"Our partnerships are crucial to our ability to effectively represent the bioindustry," says Ryan Radke, President of BioAlberta. "Our collaboration with AHFMR is particularly exciting because the presence of more well-prepared Alberta innovators at BIO showcases Alberta's potential to the world. Funding support from AHFMR combined with our expertise is going to make this happen."
For further details and more information, please contact:
Tina Blake, Manager, ForeFront Program: (780) 423-5727 or Ryan Radke, President BioAlberta: (780) 425-3804.
Backgrounder
- About ForeFront:
AHFMR’s ForeFront integrated programs work to apply health research into innovative products and services that lead to improved health. ForeFront supports career development, assists innovators, and helps build a successful medical/health industry in Alberta through mentorship, coaching, and funding. Since 1985, the ForeFront program has supported over 300 people and projects for over $24 million. For more information on the ForeFront program, see: www.ahfmr.ab.ca/forefront/ - AHFMR’s ForeFront Program supports career, industry and innovation development through various programs and initiatives
- Alberta-based companies that have received AHFMR ForeFront funding support include: Biomira, Isotechnika, CV Technologies, ViRexx Medical Corp., Metabolic Modulators Research Ltd.
- Emerging companies that have recently received AHFMR ForeFront funding: Cardiometabolics Inc., Antibe Therapeutics Inc., Theracarb Inc., ACT Pharma
- About BioAlberta:
BioAlberta is the central voice and the organizing hub for biotechnology in Alberta. BioAlberta advocates for, promotes and proactively facilitates the growth of Alberta's biotechnology industry. For more information about BioAlberta see: www.bioalberta.com - BioAlberta currently lists over 130 members, including producers, users and supporters of biotechnology activities in Alberta.
- BioAlberta’s activities are focused in the following areas:
- Government advocacy
- Industry promotion
- Increasing industry access to financing
- Facilitating access to human resources
- Business development and networking opportunities
- The BIO International Convention is organized by the Biotechnology International Organization – the world’s largest biotechnology association – providing advocacy, business development and communications services for members and participants around the globe. For more information, visit: www.bio.org
