Leading Health and Life Sciences in Nova Scotia

NEWS RELEASE: Doris Grant appointed Vice President Business Development and Strategy at BioNova

February 9, 2023 — [HALIFAX]— Today, Sean Awalt, CEO of BioNova announced the appointment of Doris Grant as Vice President of Business Development and Strategy. BioNova is Nova Scotia’s health and life sciences industry association. We are committed to driving broader sector success by supporting companies in pursuing growth and development throughout all stages of commercialization.

In this executive role, Doris will lead the development of BioNova’s member and partner value proposition, revenue generation model and recruitment & retention strategy. Doris will also lead the business development strategy for partner collaborations with key stakeholders to enable commercial development that will lead to jobs, exports and economic growth for the province.

For over 20 years, Doris has led commercialization, intellectual property protection and industry business development initiatives. She brings a proven track record of attracting and building impactful partnerships and securing transformational funding to advance diverse innovation mandates along with extensive business experience in global markets.

“Nova Scotia has tremendous assets and unparalleled opportunity in this sector and now is the time to maximize our growth potential,” said CEO Sean Awalt. “BioNova is ready to contribute to this important provincial mandate and the addition of Doris Grant signals our commitment to bring deep experience and a partnership mentality to the table”.

Most recently Doris served as Senior Director of Innovation at Nova Scotia Health where she, as part of the Health Innovation Hub and the Research, Innovation & Discovery portfolio, led and co-led working with key partners the implementation of multiple high-priority, transformative and innovative initiatives to enhance healthcare and health of Nova Scotians. Key initiatives include the launch of the Strategic Partnership Office (SPO), VirtualCareNS and the newly established Care Coordination Center (C3), Virtual Emergency Nova Scotia, and the Oncology Transformation Project (OTP).  She was also instrumental in the establishment of the Innovator in Residence Program and the Innovation Catalyst Fund. This work is making a difference for patients and providers today and sets the stage for a better system tomorrow.

“I am so pleased to join BIONOVA at a time of renewal. This new role will allow me the opportunity to continue to impact the health and life sciences agenda of our Province. I look forward to continuing to work with local, regional, national and global stakeholders in this new capacity,” said Grant.

Prior to this role, Doris served as a Director within the Dalhousie University Office of Commercialization and Industry Engagement where she was responsible for growing the research enterprise by partnering with industry in the life, health, and agricultural sectors. Doris also brings biopharma industry experience having served in the business development and intellectual property departments within Biogen Inc. where she introduced, evaluated, and executed business deals for biopharma therapeutics and managed intellectual property portfolios for several research and development stage programs.

Doris holds an MSc. Agriculture from Dalhousie University and BSc. Agriculture from Nova Scotia Agricultural College. Doris will begin her new role on March 6, 2023.

About BioNova
BioNova leads the Health and Life Sciences sector in Nova Scotia and the BioPort Conference. Our industry-led sector growth plan, BioFuture 2030, has made us the fastest-growing sector in Atlantic Canada. We represent over 150 companies in Nova Scotia that have raised over $73 million in investment dollars since the beginning of 2020. Visit our website at www.BioNova.ca.

Contacts

Kerri Mannette, Director of Operations, BioNova
902.421.5705 EXT 3
[email protected]

NEWS RELEASE: BioNova Announces MycoFutures North Atlantic as the Winner of the Eleventh Annual BioInnovation Challenge (BIC) at BioPort 2021

November 8, 2021 — [HALIFAX]MycoFutures North Atlantic from Newfoundland was named the winner of BioNova’s Eleventh annual BioInnovation Challenge (BIC) business pitch competition at BioPort 2021. The company is leveraging the complexity and sustainability of mycelium, the root system of fungi, to create a luxurious leather alternative that will help alleviate the environmental impact of natural and synthetic leathers currently on the market.

“The BioInnovation Challenge provided us with invaluable investment attraction training and resources to launch our startup with the right business plan and strategy,” said Stephanie Lipp, CEO & Co-founder, MycoFutures North Atlantic. “It was an incredible opportunity and we look forward to building a successful company right here in Atlantic Canada.”

This year, the top three BIC finalists all had a focus on sustainability, producing high value products that are beneficial to human health and the environment. From Newfoundland came winners MycoFutures North Atlantic, competing beside finalists Bactana Canada Corp. and Au Naturel Solutions Inc. both from Prince Edward Island.

The goal of the competition is to help ease the transition from research laboratory to market. MycoFutures North Atlantic will receive a prize package that includes $25,000 in seed funding and an advisory services package worth more than $30,000.

“Our competition provides high-potential startups coming from the regions health and life sciences sector with sector specific mentorship and resources they need to attract investment and bring their products to market,” said Scott Moffitt, Executive Director, BioNova. “We hope to see continued support from our regions government, academia, healthcare, and others for this high-value accelerator.”

The Judging Panel:
Jennifer Chan
 – Executive Director, Policy and Government Affairs Merck Canada Inc.
Jennifer Hamilton, PhD– Senior Director, New Ventures (Canada) and Advisor, Impact Investing, J&J Global Community Impact
Doris Grant – Senior Director, Innovation at Nova Scotia Health Authority

About BioNova
BioNova leads the Health and Life Sciences sector in Nova Scotia and is the host of the BioPort Conference, the BioInnovation Challenge and BIC Junior. Our industry-led sector growth plan, BioFuture 2030, has made us the fastest growing sector in Atlantic Canada. We represent over 150 companies in Nova Scotia who have raised over $73 million in investment dollars since the beginning of 2020. Visit our website at www.BioNova.ca

About BioPort
BioPort provides a forum to educate, inform and inspire the health and life sciences community to develop their ideas, commercialize their technologies and build links within the region and with guests brought in from the U.S. and from around the world. For more information visit www.bioportatlantic.ca. | https://bioport-2021.heysummit.com/

NEWS RELEASE: BioNova’s BioPort 2021 Conference for Health and Life Sciences Kicks-Off Today

Halifax, NS – November 2nd, 2021 – BioPort 2021, Atlantic Canada’s largest health and Life Sciences industry conference, kicks-off today and 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 systems, and economic and societal recovery from COVID-19. The conference will also highlight the newest and most innovative health trends and technologies, and will take place virtually November 2-5, 2021.

BioPort will be featuring a talk from the Hon. Stephen McNeil, who will be speaking on Atlantic Economic Recovery on November 3 at 1:00 p.m. There will also be sessions focusing on the Atlantic Investment Bubble, investing in women in the sector, the impending east coast talent shortage, and a session on the rapidly growing fermentation sector among others. 

“Our focus this year is ‘Thinking Bigger’, with a plan to drive economic growth for Atlantic Canada using the Health and Life Science sector. We’re providing a hub for industry leaders and innovators to collaborate on a plan of action forward.” said Scott Moffitt, executive director of BioNova.

BioPort 2021 will also showcase seven of Atlantic Canada’s best health and life sciences innovators in its BioInnovation Challenge (BIC) business pitch competition. The BIC Semi-final live pitch competition, happening on Nov. 3rd (2-5pm), is 100% free and open to the public! Tickets for the BIC Finals, happening on Nov 5th (11-12pm), are available for a discounted price and registered attendees will be able to vote for the final winner.

A full copy of the program can be found here.

About BioNova
BioNova leads the Health and Life Sciences sector in Nova Scotia and is the host of the BioPort Conference and the BioInnovation Challenge. Our industry-led sector growth plan, BioFuture 2030, has made us the fastest growing sector in Atlantic Canada. We represent over 200 companies in Nova Scotia who raised over $75 million in investment dollars during the pandemic in 2020. Visit our website at www.bionova.ca 

About BioPort
BioPort provides a forum to educate, inform and inspire the life sciences community to develop their ideas, commercialize their technologies and build links within the region and with guests brought in from the U.S. and from around the world. For more information visit www.bioportatlantic.ca

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For all media questions or information about accessing the conference please contact:
Shana Cristoferi
Marketing Manager, BioNova
902-830-9193
[email protected]

NEWS RELEASE: BioNova Selects Eight Semi-Finalists to Participate in the 11th Annual BioInnovation Challenge

August 24, 2021–[HALIFAX]– Eight early-stage health and life sciences companies from each of the four Atlantic Canadian provinces have been chosen as the 2021 BioInnovation Challenge (BIC) semi-finalists. Hosted by BioNova, the BioInnovation Challenge is one of the longest-running business competitions in Atlantic Canada, celebrating and propelling the region’s next top innovators. This year’s BIC will be held virtually during BioNova’s annual BioPort conference, Nov. 2-5, 2021.

Both a pitch competition and business accelerator, BIC has supported the creation of over 70 new companies in the sector and distributed $465,000 in prize value since 2011. Last year’s eight BIC semi-finalists raised over $1 million in 2020, despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous participants of the competition include Swiftsure Innovations, Motryx, Picomole, ABK BioMedical, NovaResp Technologies, Coloursmith Labs, 3DBioFibr, MacKenzie Healthcare Technologies, and Chinova Bioworks.

“Each year, the BioInnovation Challenge introduces us to Atlantic Canada’s most innovative health and life sciences companies, providing them with invaluable connections, funding, and resources to kickstart their acceleration,” said Scott Moffitt, executive director of BioNova. “The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of our sector and why it’s critical that we support our brightest innovators in the early stages of their development, positioning them for continued success.”

The eight semi-finalists will present their business ideas on November 3rd to an experienced panel of judges who represent industry and investment organizations knowledgeable about health and life sciences. Three finalists will then be selected to pitch in the finals on November 5th, with a winner to be announced that afternoon at the closing of BioPort. This year’s winner will be awarded a grand prize valued at $55,000, comprised of $25,000 in seed funding to develop their business idea and an advisory services package exceeding $30,000.

Semi-finalists will receive significant training to be positioned for business growth and to successfully develop their pitches before the conference, including one-on-one sessions with expert pitch training coach Linda Plano. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, and serving clients around the world, Linda has worked with more than a thousand entrepreneurs who have gone on to raise over $1.3 billion.

These eight semi-finalists were selected from a group of high-caliber applicants developing medical technologies, bioproducts, and natural health products with a shared focus on better health outcomes and environmental sustainability. Learn more about the entrepreneurs who will be pitching virtually on Nov. 3 during BioPort 2021:

Au Naturel Solutions Inc. — PEI
Simone Cormier, Founder
Specializes in the manufacturing of an all-natural materials breast prosthesis made of sustainable and environmentally-friendly materials and an innovative attaching system which does not require purchase of a specialty bra.

Axtion Independence Mobility Inc. — NS 
Tracey McGillivray, CEO; Liam Maaskant, CPO
Created a mobility device that combines a four-wheeled rollator walker with an elevating seat to prevent falls and enable independent recovery from a fall should one occur.

Bactana Canada Corp. — PEI 
John Kallassy, CEO
Bactana Canada Corp. uses a microbiome discovery platform to develop innovative products through use of cutting-edge molecular and DNA sequencing methods to improve animal productivity and ultimately animal protein production. Their initial product is a patented feed additive for poultry and potentially swine.

MycoFutures North Atlantic — NL 
Stephanie Lipp, Co-founder
MycoFutures North Atlantic is developing a highly-durable mycelium-based leather alternative using the root system of fungi. This product will reduce the environmental impact of apparel and footwear manufacturing.

Picketa Systems Inc. — NB 
Dominic Levesque, Co-founder & CTO
Picketa Systems Inc. created a soil and plant scanning technology and software platform to log and manage user data to optimize crop fertilization.

Pivotal Health Sciences Inc. — NB
Craig Jackson, CEO
Uses sustainable extraction and encapsulation technologies without the use of high energy or chemical additives to reduce the number of steps required to transform raw feedstock to high-value nano encapsulated bioactives.

Remidose Aerosols Inc. — PEI 
Dr. Michael Mayne, President
Manufactures medical grade devices that deliver accurate dosing of purified cannabis oil. Their three primary products are an inhaler, an oral spray, and a topical aerosol device, each of which enable rapid onset of premium bioactive cannabinoids to avoid over consumption.

Takaya Technology Inc. — NS 
Erin MacKean, Co-founder & COO; Jennifer McFarland, Partner Development
Takaya Technology Inc. has developed a novel, medical grade N95 mask with advanced respirator seals to provide healthcare workers greater protection against COVID-19 and other airborne pathogens.

BIC 2021 is supported by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and sponsored by BioNB, Dalhousie University Office of Commercialization and Industry Engagement (OCIE), Nova Scotia Health, and Emergence, with in-kind services provided by Cox and Palmer, Gallagher, Bereskin & Parr, Grant Thornton, and Jennifer Cameron PR.

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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. We represent over 150 companies in Nova Scotia who raised over $75 million in investment dollars in 2020.
www.BioNova.ca

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.
www.BioPortAtlantic.ca

For further information, media may contact:

Shana Cristoferi
Marketing Manager, BioNova
902-830-9193
[email protected]

MEDIA PASSES ARE AVAILABLE, CONTACT SHANA

Access high-resolution logos and promotional BIC photos

FACTS & INFORMATION:

BIC Judges

  • Jennifer Hamilton, PhD: Senior Director, New Ventures (Canada) and Advisor, Impact Investing, Johnson & Johnson Global Community Impact
  • Doris Grant, M.Sc: Senior Director, Innovation, Nova Scotia Health
  • Jennifer Chan, M.Sc.: Executive Director, Policy and Government Affairs, Merck Canada Inc

BIC Semi-Finals 

The BIC semi-finals will take place virtually on Wednesday, November 3, 2-5 p.m. The general public is invited to attend the livestream of the semi-finals, free of charge. (The three finalists will be announced).

REGISTER FOR THE BIC SEMI-FINALS

BIC Finals & Live Winner Announcement

The BIC finals will take place virtually on Friday, November 5, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. The top three BIC finalists will present their pitch again and BioPort attendees will be given the opportunity to vote alongside the judges for their top pick to win.

Our BIC 2021 winner will be announced during the closing remarks of BioPort on Friday, November 5, 3:30-4 p.m (A news release will be issued)

In order to watch the BIC Finals Pitch Competition and the announcement of our BIC 2021 winner, a paid, full-conference pass is required. 

NEWS RELEASE: BioNova supports the Government of Canada’s biomanufacturing and life sciences strategy

NEWS RELEASE: BioNova supports the Government of Canada’s biomanufacturing and life sciences strategy
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
July 30, 2021 [HALIFAX] — BioNova is proud to support the Government of Canada’s announcement of a federal biomanufacturing and life sciences strategy, led by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). Post-pandemic, it is critical that all levels of government work to grow and support a competitive, domestic bio-manufacturing and life sciences sector. The sector is vital to our country’s economic recovery, sustained growth, and future public health emergency and pandemic readiness. BioNova shares a common goal with the federal government’s strategy and has been the regional point of contact for federal partners ISED to connect them with our regional health and life sciences companies as we work to advance made-in-Canada health solutions.
 
The Government of Canada has already invested over $1.2 billion in biomanufacturing and the development of COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics. This included $9 million in investments to Dartmouth-based IMV Inc. through the Next Generation Manufacturing Canada supercluster, NRC IRAP, and ACOA, as well as $4.1 million investment in Halifax-based Sona Nanotech through the Next Generation Manufacturing Canada supercluster. Budget 2021 promises to continue this support through this new strategy, providing a total of $2.2 billion over seven years towards growing a vibrant domestic life sciences sector and improving pandemic preparedness.
 
Several of our member companies work within the biomanufacturing industry and applaud this national strategy, such as BioVectra and IMV Inc. A strong bio-manufacturing and life sciences ecosystem with the capability of domestic production and the support of all levels of government will provide substantial employment, and contribute to the overall protection of Canadians coast to coast.
 
Five key takeaways from the federal government’s announcement
 
The biomanufacturing and life sciences strategy will:

  • Ensure the consultation of experts within the sector in federal biomanufacturing and life sciences decisions and consultations.
  • Ensure that Canada is prepared for future health emergencies and/or pandemics through strong domestic manufacturing that will benefit all Canadians.
  • Increase overall long-term employment of researchers and life sciences experts as they work to develop innovative products and services.
  • Enhance the attractiveness of Canada’s life sciences sector on an international stage, encouraging more companies to establish here and increase our competitiveness.
  • Generate a modern, effective, and safe regulatory environment that allows for rapid development and approvals.

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

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

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]