BioPort 2023 Schedule

Wednesday September 13th

OPENING CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST & NETWORKING

8:00am

CONFERENCE SESSIONS & KEYNOTE PRESENTATION

8:30am

BIOPARTNERING MEETINGS

8:30am – 5:00pm

CATALYZING THE LIFE SCIENCES SECTOR IN NOVA SCOTIA: THE OPPORTUNITY IS NOW

8:50am

In this discussion, our panel will explore Nova Scotia’s deliberate focus on nurturing and expanding the life and health sciences sector as a key pillar of the province’s economic development strategy. The discussion aims to celebrate current successes, shed light on the potential opportunity ahead for Nova Scotia and the collaborative efforts underway to foster innovation, attract investment, and drive sustainable growth in this key sector.

Host:
Peter MacAskill

Speakers:
The Honourable Susan Corkum-Greek
Karen Oldfield
Mahmoud Mirmehrabi
Sean Awalt

ENSURING CLARITY: EXCLUSIVE CAP TABLE GUIDANCE FOR LIFE SCIENCES COMPANIES BY VISIONARY VENTURE CAPITALISTS

9:40am

Dive into a focused discussion led by leading venture capitalists, offering tailored insights on cap table optimization for life sciences companies. Learn strategies for equitable equity distribution, attracting investments, and aligning growth objectives. Gain a competitive edge with expert advice on navigating the financial landscape in this dynamic sector.

Host:
Krista Bezanson

Speakers:
Cathy Bennett
Malcolm Fraser
Michael Lavigne

THE POWER OF COLLABORATION: FUELING A THRIVING HEALTH ECOSYSTEM FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH: LESSONS FROM LEEDS

10:50am

Dr. Neville Young will present an insightful perspective as to how the Leeds City Region built a robust interconnected health ecosystem that is transforming health outcomes as well as the city’s economy.    Leeds is a rising star on the global stage in Healthtech innovation.   Dr. Young will also offer keen insights into future directions and global partnerships.

Host:
Sean Awalt

Speaker:
Dr. Neville Young

PRE SEED STAGE COMPANY PITCHES

11:35am

Join us for a dynamic showcase of tomorrow’s innovation today! Witness the rise of groundbreaking ventures at their pre-seed stage, as they captivate and conquer the stage with their visionary pitches. Get ready to be inspired and amazed – the future starts here!

Host:
Matt Cooper

Speakers:
Dr. Emily Johnston
Dr. Rafaela Andrade
Rashmi Prakash

BIONOVA TODAY & TOMORROW

12:20pm

LUNCH & BIOPARTNERING MEETINGS / NETWORKING

12:40pm

GAME CHANGERS: HOW ATLANTIC CANADA’S COMMITMENT TO VACCINE LEADERSHIP IS IMPACTING THE GLOBAL IMMUNIZATION VALUE CHAIN

1:25pm

As we learned from the COVID19 pandemic, breakthroughs in vaccines for one disease can result in new knowledge, research translation and problem solving to others.

Our panel discussion will explore how novel research, innovation, biomanufacturing supply, immunization vaccine policies and robust communications are contributing towards improving global immunization coverage, disease prevention and population health outcomes and additional insights into what further efforts may be required to build on this trend.

Host:
Dr. Gail Tomblin Murphy

Panelists:
Dr. Scott Halperin
Dr. Marc Sauer
Rayna El-Masri

EXIT STAGE LEFT: SUCCESSFULLY NAVIGATING ALL PHASES OF THE STARTUP JOURNEY

2:15pm
In reality, scaling a startup to exit takes passion, commitment, hard work and time. While the journey to exit will almost inevitably involve life-changing ups, and soul-draining downs, there are things entrepreneurs can do to effectively navigate this landscape to for success.

Don’t miss this opportunity to join a fireside chat at BioPort2023 where serial entrepreneur Peter Hickey will explore this topic with our special guest Dr. Neil Smith who successfully built, scaled and exited Resolute Health Corporation Limited (“Resolute”), a leading Canadian healthcare services business specializing in the testing and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (“OSA”).

Host:
Peter Hickey

Speaker:
Dr. Neil Smith

Natural Products Canada Presents
SEIZING BIO-INNOVATION FOR PAN-INDUSTRIAL SOLUTIONS

3:25pm
We are at a tipping point. Global consumer demand is putting incredible pressure on natural resources and threatening the health of the planet. One solution is bio-based innovation. It can provide sustainable solutions for everything from food and ingredients to earth-friendly packaging, chemicals and textiles. In this session, we’ll hear how four Atlantic Canadian founders are bringing their game-changing products to the world.

Host:
Barbara M. Campbell MSc

Speakers:
Crystal Cormier – Natures Crops International
Marc St-Onge – Smallfood
Dr. Mina Mekhail Ph.D – Impactful Health R&D
Dr. Sofia Bonilla – HOPE Pet Food

SEED STAGE COMPANY PITCHES

4:20pm
Get ready to immerse yourself in the forefront of innovation! Step into the world of visionary entrepreneurs and their thriving seed-stage companies. Join us for an exhilarating showcase of cutting-edge ventures as they take the stage to unveil their transformative pitches. Don’t miss your chance to witness the evolution of the next big success stories!

Host:
Dr. Jason Cleaversmith

Speakers:
Bethany Deshpande
Jack MacDonald
Dr. Jacob Cookey
Dr. Karen Cross

CLOSING RECEPTION & NETWORKING

5:00pm