BioNova, the life sciences association in Nova Scotia, has released the names of 12 semi-finalists in this year’s BioInnovation Challenge, which for the first time will include companies from New Brunswick.
For the third year running, the Challenge will be the pitching competition at the BioPort Atlantic Conference, which will take place at the Westin Nova Scotian in Halifax on October 9 and 10. BioNova for the first time has teamed up with its sister-organization in New Brunswick, BioAtlantech, so four companies from New Brunswick will be in this year’s pitching event. The winner will take away a $35,000 first prize, which includes a $15,000 seed investment and $20,000 in professional services.
“We received a record number of applications, which shows just how much life sciences innovation is happening in the region,” said Marli MacNeil, CEO of BioNova, in a statement.
The semi-finalists are:
• Alentic Microscience Inc., Halifax
• BIKE Scientific Inc., Digby
• BioCycive, Halifax
• Biomolecules for life Inc., Moncton
• Biopolynet Inc., Fredericton
• Dartmouth Medical Research Ltd., Halifax
• Daxonics Ultrasound Inc., Halifax
• Fenol Farms Inc., Wolfville
• Hyton Innovations, Fredericton
• Ledgehill Addiction Treatment, Lawrencetown
• Mycodev Group Inc., Island View
• Spring Loaded Technology Inc., Halifax
The 12 semi-finalists will pitch to a panel of judges on October 9, and three will be selected to present their companies to the complete conference the next day. The winner will be announced before the conference closes on October 10.
The past winners of the BioInnovation Challenge have become cornerstones of the life sciences industry in the region, ABK Biomedical of Halifax and Performance Genomics Inc. of Halifax.
The 2013 BIC is presented by BioNova, BioAtlantech, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Capital Health and Dalhousie University Industry Liaison and Innovation.
Life sciences industry veteran Robert Orr will be the honorary chairperson of BioPort Atlantic.
