17 Dec International Biopartnering
MADISON, Wis. – Opportunities to access venture capital and partner with Canadian biotechnology companies can be facilitated at the 2004 The BioPartnering North America conference in Vancouver, Canada, February 8-10. The Wisconsin Biotechnology Association and Wisconsin’s Department of Commerce (Commerce) are making it easier for the states biotech companies to participate in this event.
Wisconsin’s biotech companies that are seeking strategic partnerships or capital are invited to attend and can be apply for financial assistance through a Department of Commerce trade show grant program.
BioPartnering’s hallmark Open House Presentations will feature 76 biopharmaceutical and diagnostics companies in an interactive 2.5-hour “trade-show” format. The Emerging Company Presentations will showcase 16 young companies with innovative platform technologies in 15-minute podium presentations to investors. An Application that is required to participate in these two events can be accessed at http://www.techvision.com/bpn/applytopresent.php.
The BioPartnering conference agenda includes panel presentations, workshops, and networking sessions designed to increase partnerships and global alliances for small- and medium-sized firms. Partnering offers biotech companies access to increased funding and clinical development expertise.
Wisconsin biotech companies are being encouraged to apply for the Open House Presentations, ideal for firms ready for in/out-licensing or product development relationships, or the emerging company venture-capital presentations. Last year’s event attracted over 600 delegates representing over 350 companies from 20 countries.
“BioPartnering North America not only has strategic value – providing access to the Canadian biotechnology industry, second only to the U.S. in the number of biotech firms—but is also designed to maximize the partnership opportunities required for commercialization,” said Wisconsin Department of Commerce Secretary Cory L. Nettles. “To help Wisconsin participants make the most useful connections, the Department’s Canada Office will pre-schedule one-on-one appointments to identify potential sources of venture capital, clinical testing, and other partners attending the event.”.
Wisconsin companies with less than $25 million in annual sales are encouraged to apply for a trade show grant from the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, which can be used to cover some of the expenses related to the event. Any bioscience start-up company founded in 2001 or later qualifies for a significantly reduced rate for conference attendance.
More information on the event can be obtained online at http://www.techvision.com/bpn. Information on Department Commerce participation and grant program for the event can be obtained from Stanley Pfrang, at (608) 267-0639, or by e-mail at spfrang@commerce.state.wi.us.