BIOTECanada, Canada’s biotechnology industry association introduced the first National Biotechnology Week in 2003, encouraging provincial industry associations to create industry and outreach events. The goal was simple: to increase awareness of biotechnology and to celebrate science. Over the years, the initiative grew into a national success story, and in 2016, Biotech Week went Global! Today whether in United States, Europe, Australia, Canada or elsewhere, biotech innovation is becoming increasingly central to the global competitiveness of the industries and sectors that form the economic foundation of economies. The goal of Global Biotech Week is to raise awareness of the industry and its global potential among policymakers, policy influencers and the public more broadly. All countries are invited to join in on the celebration and use Global Biotech Week to showcase their country’s success and the industry’s global and economic significance. BIOTECanada coordinates all the activities in an event calendar at globalbiotechweek.ca.
Biotechnology in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan hosts over 30 percent of Canada’s agricultural biotechnology activity, with many other areas developing, such as genomics, plant-made pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. Two university campuses and three research parks, along with numerous research institutions and technical training centres, create a research cluster - a great benefit to businesses, from start-up companies to international success stories. Outstanding science R&D infrastructure, a talented workforce, quality raw materials and a solid business environment make Saskatchewan the perfect place for bio-business.
2020 Steering Committee for Global Biotech Week in Saskatchewan:
Ag-West Bio is the lead for Global Biotech Week activities in Saskatchewan. As Saskatchewan’s bioeconomy catalyst, Ag-West helps to grow biobusiness through support and mentoring, funding, strategic alliances, building networking opportunities and communications. www.agwest.sk.ca