Leading Health and Life Sciences in Nova Scotia

ENTREVESTOR – Motryx Wins $55K BIC Competition

Nov 7, 2019 | Gallagher, Grant Thornton, Motryx, News, Novagevity

Motryx, the Halifax company whose technology improves the transportation of blood samples, has won the $55,000 BioInnovation Challenge, Atlantic Canada’s top pitching competition for life sciences companies.Co-Founder and CEO Franziska Broell pitched the company at the finals on Wednesday at BioNova’s Bioport Atlantic competition. The other finalists were Charlottetown-based AgTech company Fieldetect, and Halifax-based SeeChange BioChemistry, which will manufacture high-value compounds from biomass.Now in its ninth year, BIC is designed to support young life sciences companies by teaching contestants how to pitch for investment. As the winner, Motryx will receive $25,000 in seed funding and a $30,000 advisory services package to develop its business idea.Because hospitals and healthcare systems are becoming bigger and more centralized, blood samples are often shipped to labs over great distances, sometimes including air shipment. About 3 percent of samples end up being unusable because they are ruined due to the time, temperature or vibrations involved in the trip. Motryx has developed blood vials with sensors that transmit to labs data on the conditions during the trip, allowing lab officials to identify problems and solve them.“In the last six months, we’ve secured eight early adopter clients in Europe and the U.S., and we’ve been able to convert two into paying clients,” Broell told the panel of judges.The company is also doing a pilot in Africa in collaboration with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The company so far has raised $1.5 million, including investment from Killick Capital and Concrete Ventures.SeeChange BioChemistry is using a new bio-refinery process to produce high-value compounds from sustainable sources.

Co-Founder Chris Rafuse said the company, which was founded this year, has found a method to use a form of biomass to produce three industrial compounds: polyphenols, which are used in pharmaceutical industries to help with obesity and Type 2 diabetes; lactic acid, which can be used in 3D printing, plastics and other industrial uses; and another compound that Rafuse declined to name.

Refuse said the company is attacking a $4 billion global market opportunity, and current methods of producing these materials involve extraction from petrochemicals and result in a lot of waste. There is no waste with the SeeChange process, he said, and users demand more sustainable sourcing.

“We’ve never made an outside call,” said Rafuse, adding that the company’s six prospective clients all contacted SeeChange. The company will soon be ready to start selling. “We want to hit the market hard and fast so no one sees us coming and we think we can gain a lot of market share very quickly.”

Operating under a licensing agreement with the University of Prince Edward Island, Fieldetect is developing a hand-held device that will allow farmers to detect disease in their herds fast enough to prevent a large outbreak.

President and Co-Founder Andrew Trivett said the company is beginning with hog farmers, who now have to take samples from their herds and send them to a lab to be tested. In the day or two it takes to get the results back, a disease could spread, possibly leading to a cull of the entire herd.

“What if we could take that test and have the farmer do it themselves, have it take less than an hour and get the result immediately?” asked Trivett.

Fieldetect has developed LabAnywhere, a handheld device that will test a sample from the animal and give farmers the results on their smartphones in about 40 minutes. The team expects to begin shipping the product in late 2020 and sell about 500 units in the subsequent 12 months.

NEWS RELEASE – BioPort 2019 Conference to Celebrate the Trailblazers of Health and Life Sciences

Nov 5, 2019 | News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BioPort 2019 Conference to Celebrate the Trailblazers of Health and Life Sciences

Halifax, NS – November 5th, 2019 – BioPort 2019, the largest health and life sciences conference east of Montreal, kicks-off today and is set to focus on Celebrating the Trailblazers of Health and Life Sciences, with sessions covering the impact of health innovation, personalized health, and the natural resource economy. The conference, hosted by BioNova, attracts health and life sciences innovators, industry leaders, and investors from across North America and will take place November 5th-6th, 2019 at Pier 21, in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

This year’s conference will feature the highly acclaimed Sickboy Podcast, who will be recording a live podcast with their guest, three-time World & Paralympic Champion Andrew Haley at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, November 5th. It will also feature Luncheon Speaker Dr. Carman Giacomantonio who will be giving a talk at 12:45 on Wednesday, November 6th. Dr. Giacomantonio will be discussing cancer research and how his frontline perspective as a surgeon has allowed him to push for better patient outcomes and efficiencies in healthcare.

“The goal of BioPort 2019 is to work towards growing and accelerating the sector” said Scott Moffitt, Executive Director of BioNova. “The topics we will discuss reflect the exciting ways this sector is positioned to bring significant economic growth and prosperity to the region.”

BioPort 2019 will also showcase Atlantic Canada’s best health and life science innovators in its 9th annual BioInnovation Challenge (BIC) business pitch competition. It will also host BIC Junior, a pitch competition for students that aims to cultivate the next generation of health and life sciences innovators. BIC Junior and the BIC semi finals are open to the public.

Details of the conference program and schedule can be found at www.bioportatlantic.ca.
All media are asked to register by contacting [email protected].

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Contact:
Shana Cristoferi, Marketing Manager, BioNova
Mobile: (902) 830-9193
[email protected]

About BioNova
BioNova leads the economic development of Nova Scotia’s growing health and life sciences sector. 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. www.bionova.ca

About BioPort 2019
The 18th annual BioPort conference will take place at Pier 21 on November 5-6, 2019. 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. www.bioportatlantic.ca

BioNova Names 2018 BioInnovation Challenge (BIC) Semi-Finalists

Aug 29, 2018 | Coloursmith Labs Inc., News, THE BIOINNOVATION CHALLENGE

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BioNova Names 2018 BioInnovation Challenge (BIC) Semi-Finalists August 29, 2018 – Halifax, Nova Scotia – Eight (8) semi-finalists have been chosen to compete in the BioInnovation Challenge (BIC), BioNova’s regional health and life sciences business competition, which will be held in Halifax on November 7th during BioPort 2018 at the Halifax Convention Centre. BIC is one of the longest running business competitions in the region with over 50 companies having gone through the program since 2011. The competition has supported the growth and innovation of past winners such as New Brunswick-based Pfera Inc., along with Spring Loaded Technology, ABK BioMedical and Covina Biomedical from Nova Scotia. “A strong and vibrant economy in our region requires continuous innovation and BIC has become a key program to support that,” said Scott Moffitt, Managing Director of BioNova. “Many of the companies coming out of the program have gone on to raise millions to grow and scale.” This year’s semi-finalists will receive significant training to be positioned for business growth, including sessions with expert pitch training coach Linda Plano, who has over ten years of experience mentoring entrepreneurs with start-ups in life sciences. This year’s winner will receive $25,000 in funding to develop their business idea as well as a package of support services and mentoring valued at more than $30,000. Read more about the eight (8) semi-finalists below: Coloursmith Labs – Direct-to-consumer contact lenses that work as the world’s first practical solution to colour blindness. Unified Health – New models designed to ease the strain on the emergency system while reducing healthcare costs and bringing better patient outcomes. Talem Health Analytics – Software for healthcare professionals to track, analyze and predict treatment regimens for people in motor vehicle accidents. Picomole – A painless, accurate, and versatile diagnostic breath test to detect early stage lung cancer. BioHuntress – A natural treatment for blood cancer that brings a better patient experience. Neuro Amel Technologies – A frameless, automated brace that uses electrical stimulation to improve mobility for stroke patients. Macro Movements – Software that gives feedback on movement to prevent injury. 3F Waste Recovery – Turns waste problems in the fishery, farming and forestry industries into profitable solutions. BIC 2018 is presented by BioNova in partnership with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, BioNB, Emergence, DalhousieUniversity Industry Liaison and Innovation, Springboard Atlantic, Jennifer Cameron PR, PWC, Cox & Palmer, Bereskin & Parr, Archway Insurance, and Grant Thornton. BIC 2018 will take place over two days in November. The eight (8) semi-finalists will present to a panel of judges and the conference audience at BioPort, BioNova’s annual conference, on November 7th. The top three presenters will then pitch the following morning.  The winner will be announced at the close of BioPort 2018 on the afternoon of November 8th. 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 sustainable 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. About BioPort 2018: BioPort 2018 will take place at the Halifax Convention Centre on November 7 and 8. 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. -30- For further information, media may contact: Shana Cristoferi Marketing Manager, BioNova 902-421-5705 [email protected] Click here to download the BIC, BioPort, and BioNova Logos.
 
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BioPort 2018 Announces Keynote Speakers And Explores the Future of Life Sciences in Atlantic Canada

Jun 25, 2018 | BIOPORT ATLANTIC, News, THE BIOINNOVATION CHALLENGE

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]]>

ENTREVESTOR: BioPort 2018 Unveils Speakers

Jun 25, 2018 | BIOPORT ATLANTIC, News, THE BIOINNOVATION CHALLENGE

See original article here
The keynote speakers for the 2018 BioPort conference will be Corrina Lathan, CEO of AnthroTronix in Maryland, and William Charnetski, Ontario’s Chief Health Innovation Strategist.BioNova, which organizes the annual gathering for life science innovators, industry leaders, and investors from across North America, revealed the keynote speakers in a statement last week. BioPort will take place at the Halifax Convention Centre on Nov. 7 and 8. “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, in the statement. “This year our speakers will share how embracing disruptive technologies like robotics, artificial intelligence, and synthetic biology, present opportunities to grow our sector.” Lathan will give her keynote address the evening of Nov. 7 and Charnetski will give his on Nov. 8 in the afternoon. Their talks will dive into the relationship between technology and life sciences companies and health care systems. Lathan’s company provides healthcare providers with a mobile platform to moniter cognitive function. In her career she has also developed robotics for kids with disabilities, and wearable sensors for training surgeons and soldiers. Charnetski, a global executive who has worked in the highest levels of business, law, and government, will discuss how collaboration across the healthcare system requires the adoption of innovative health technologies. Since 2011, BioPort has been hosting the BioInnovation Challenge, a pitching competition open to health and life science entrepreneurs from the East Coast. This year, participants could win up to $25,000 in funding to develop their business idea. Past winners include, Pfera from Fredericton, MacKenzie Healthcare Technologies and Covina Biomedical, both of which are from Nova Scotia. Pfera, a company that is developing products for safer and more cost-effective horse breeding, won in October 2017 and was able to start conductng clinical trials two months later. The company, which helps breeders determine the due date of a pregnant mare, was incorporated in January 2017 and aims to launch late this year. BioPort 2018 is also the inaugural year for a new program for Nova Scotia’s youth. BioInnovation Challenge Junior (BIC Junior) is open to Nova Scotian high school and first year post-secondary students with health and life science business ideas. The winner will receive a prize of $2,000. You can register for the events here.
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