Leading Health and Life Sciences in Nova Scotia

BioNova to Host the 20th Annual Regional BioPort Conference to Highlight the Innovation and Growth Potential of Health and Life Sciences

July 12, 2021–[HALIFAX. N.S.] — The largest and longest-running health and life sciences conference in Atlantic Canada will celebrate its milestone 20th year virtually from Nov. 2 to 5, 2021. BioPort 2021 is set to explore the health and life sciences sector’s focus on Thinking Bigger as the industry has become a turning point for health system, economic and societal recovery from COVID-19. The conference will also highlight the newest and most innovative health trends and technologies, the incredible investment attraction landscape within the Atlantic region, diversity and inclusion in the sector, the importance of investing in infrastructure, and more.

Guided by industry-led strategic plans such as BioNova’s BioFuture 2030, the health and life sciences sector has become a pillar of the region’s economy. Recent statistics highlighted in Entevestor’s 2020 Atlantic Canada Startup Data Report state that in 2019 and 2020, the sector attracted nearly $184 million in equity investment. BioNova has also reported that in Nova Scotia alone, there are over 150 active health and life sciences companies that raised over $75 million in investments in 2020, despite a challenging market brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Thinking bigger is our theme this year and for us that means bringing together all of the key players who will walk away with a tangible action plan to drive economic growth and innovation for the region,” said Scott Moffitt, executive director of BioNova. “The pandemic has shown us that we can be very nimble when necessary and we want to continue that momentum and make this 20th year of BioPort a true milestone.”

BioPort 2021 will also showcase Atlantic Canada’s top and up-and-coming health and life sciences innovators in the 11th annual BioInnovation Challenge (BIC) business competition. BIC participants compete for a $55,000 grand-prize package of funding and advisory services to develop their business. The semi-finals will be live-streamed for the public.

For the second consecutive year, BioNova will host its annual BioPort conference in a virtual setting, increasing accessibility and providing an engaging hub for innovators, economic development groups, investors, government, and industry leaders from across the region, country, and globe to collaborate. BioPort’s conference platform also provides a top-tier virtual networking space that has been used by some of the world’s largest biotech industry events and allows attendees to gather face-to-face to build connections to grow the sector.

BioPort is supported by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and sponsored by Innovative Medicines Canada, Novo Nordisk, AstraZeneca, Roche, Grant Thornton, Innovacorp, Springboard, IMV Inc. and Global Affairs Canada.

BioPort 2021 is now open for registration. Details of the conference program and a tentative schedule can be found at www.bioportatlantic.ca.

All media are asked to register by contacting [email protected].

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About BioNova
BioNova leads, accelerates, and advocates for Nova Scotia’s growing Health and Life Sciences sector and is the host of the BioPort Conference and the BioInnovation Challenge (BIC). Since 1993, BioNova has been accelerating the growth of its member companies to commercialize life-changing research to improve healthcare, provide healthier food, and develop sustainable solutions. BioNova champions the sector’s cluster of world-class research facilities, incubator programs, and companies who, together, bring investment and jobs to Nova Scotia. Our industry-led sector growth plan, BioFuture 2030, has made us the fastest growing sector in Atlantic Canada.

About BioPort
Since 2002, BioPort has provided a forum to inform and inspire the health and life sciences community to develop their ideas, commercialize their technologies and build links within the region, nationally and abroad.

For Media Inquiries
Shana Cristoferi
Marketing Manager
(902)-830-9193
[email protected]