For two of the companies pitching at the BioInnovation Challenge today, the $30,000 contest will serve as a precursor to the prestigious AdvaMed conference in Boston next week.

Mindful Scientific and Dartmouth Medical Research Ltd. are among the 10 Canadian companies presenting at the annual get-together of the U.S. medtech industry when it convenes in Boston Oct. 1-3.

The two companies will also pitch at the BioInnovation Challenge, the competitive segment of BioPort Atlantic, which takes place today at the Westin Nova Scotian. BioInnovation Challenge is a pitching contest for biotech companies that awards the winner $30,000 in in-kind services.

Marli MacNeil , the Chief Executive Officer of BioNova, the region’s leading life sciences organization, said the consulate in Boston convinced AdvaMed organizers to set aside 10 spots in the company presentation segment for Canadian companies. 

After a competitive process, the consulate rep and AdvaMed's selection panel chose the companies based on perceived audience interest, and three Nova Scotia medtech companies made the cut – DMF Medical Inc., Mindful Scientific and Dartmouth Medical Research. 

DMF – a BioInnovation Challenge 2011 contestant whose technology improves the safety of the general anesthesia process -- had to bow out due to business commitments. But the other two will be there.

Dartmouth Medical Research is developing an absorbable bone glue to replace plates and screws in the repair of facial and small joint fractures. And Mindful Scientific has developed the Halifax Consciousness Scanner technology to assess concussions.

“In addition to attending the conference, we plan to meet with medtech researchers and companies in the Boston area,” said MacNeil, who will be part of a delegation attending the Boston event. “I'm always interested in telling folks how great Nova Scotia is for launching a medtech business.”

The other competitors in the BioInnovation Challenge are:  DeCell Technologies Inc., Coccicorp, Densitas, Performance Genomics, and SABRTech.

One other note about BioPort Atlantic: to add a bit of glamour the event, the organizers have asked me to moderate the panel on financing at 11 am. It’s a great group delving into a fascinating topic, so come along and join the discussion.