Leading Health and Life Sciences in Nova Scotia

BioPort 2018 Announces Keynote Speakers  And Explores the Future of Life Sciences in Atlantic Canada June 21, 2018 – Halifax, NOVA SCOTIA – Health and life sciences innovators, industry leaders, and investors from across North America will come together to attend BioPort 2018, on November 7-8, 2018 at the Halifax Convention Centre. This year’s event will feature keynote speakers Dr. Corrina Lathan, CEO of AnthroTronix, Inc. and William Charnetski, Ontario’s Chief Health Innovation Strategist, who will explore the transformative impact of technology on life sciences companies and health care. The annual event will also feature a business pitch competition and an exciting new program targeting Nova Scotia’s youth. “BioPort highlights the potential of the health and life sciences sector in Atlantic Canada to tackle the world’s toughest challenges,” said Scott Moffitt, Managing Director of BioNova. “This year our speakers will share how embracing disruptive technologies like robotics, artificial intelligence, and synthetic biology, present opportunities to grow our sector.” Corinna Lathan, Ph.D., will provide the keynote address on November 7, 2018 at 6:00 pm ADT. Dr. Lathan is a neuroscientist, engineer, and health technology entrepreneur. Her company has successfully developed an FDA-cleared mobile platform for healthcare providers to assess cognitive function. She has also developed robotics for kids with disabilities, and wearable sensors for training surgeons and soldiers. These human-technology innovations have been featured in Forbes and Time magazines, and led to Dr. Lathan being named as MIT Technology Review Magazine’s ‘Top 100 World Innovators’. On November 8, 2018 at 12:30 pm ADT, William Charnetski, LL.B, will provide a keynote address on how collaboration across the health care system facilitates the adoption of innovative health technologies. Mr. Charnetski is an accomplished national and global executive who has worked in the highest levels of business, law, and government. For over 10 years he was vice president and general counsel for AstraZeneca. He was also a partner at the law firm Torys LLP and served as chief of staff to The Hon. William Graham, P.C., Q.C. As per previous years, BioPort will feature the BioInnovation Challenge (BIC), an Atlantic Canadian health and life science business pitch competition that gives entrepreneurs a chance to win $25,000 in funding to develop their business idea. New to this year’s program, the conference will also feature BioInnovation Challenge Junior (BIC Junior), for Nova Scotian high school and first year post-secondary students to create health and life science business ideas. The winner will receive a prize of $2,000. For more information or to register for the event, visit BioPortAtlantic.ca. Complimentary media registration is available to reporters. Follow #BioPort2018 @BioNovaNS for updates. 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. About BioNova BioNova leads, accelerates, and advocates for Nova Scotia’s growing health and life sciences sector. Since 1993, BioNova has been accelerating the growth of its member companies. By hosting networking and educational events, and providing connections to potential funders and business resources, BioNova helps companies succeed.  While these companies commercialize life-changing research to improve healthcare, provide healthier food, and develop clean energy solutions, BioNova advocates on behalf of the sector. BioNova champions the sector’s cluster of world-class research facilities, incubator programs, and companies who, together, bring investment and jobs to Nova Scotia. -30- For more Information, contact:  Shana Cristoferi Marketing Manager, BioNova [email protected] (902) 421-5705]]>