Two of the major events on the Halifax startup calendar -- BioPort Atlantic and Collide – are getting under way today and tomorrow.

BioPort Atlantic is the region’s main life sciences conference, and its full conference agenda unfolds tomorrow at the World Trade and Convention Centre in Halifax.  Hosted by BioNova, the annual conference connects people to companies in all stages of development.

The keynote luncheon speaker will be Michael Dunbar, an orthopedic surgeon, professor, researcher and scientific co-founder of Halifax Biomedical.  With $2.6 million in funding from the Atlantic Innovation Fund, Dr. Dunbar and his Movement at Capital Health (M@CH) team are developing a smart phone app and other technologies to reduce wait times affecting patients.

The highlight of the conference will undoubtedly be the third annual BioInnovation Challenge, in which life sciences companies vie for a $30,000 first prize.  The semifinals will be held today, and three companies will pitch tomorrow in the finals.

BioNova said BioPort Atlantic will attract over 200 attendees representing some 20 companies, a roster of investors, universities, government, and industry supporters.  

Collide was formerly known as the HPX Digital. Its aim is to let students and aspiring professionals collide with established creative minds to see and shape the future. Up-and-comers can uncover new role models and explore the world’s best ideas from the leading edge.

Collide is an interactive event for digital creators in Halifax and features three dedicated tracks – design, development, and marketing.

The full agenda is available here. 

Disclaimer: Entrevestor receives financial support from government agencies that support startup companies in Atlantic Canada. The sponsoring agencies play no role in determining which companies and individuals are featured in this column, nor do they review columns before they are published.