Engage
October 2020
Let's Connect this Fall
With the autumn chill hitting Alberta we hope you are renewed and ready to take part in some great opportunities for virtual networking and connecting this month.

Have a look at the opportunities we've featured to help you recover, pivot and move forward this fall season.

As always, practice safe distancing rules to stay safe.

BioAlberta Team
Annual General Meeting Oct. 15th, 2020

Learn about what BioAlberta has accomplished in the past year at our annual general meeting which will be held virtually for the first time in our 21 year history on October 15th, 2020.

Meeting is open to all members in good standing (all dues are paid). Members and the public are also invited to a special presentation by Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (AMii) CEO Cam Linke immediately following the formal AGM.

Agenda
2:00 PM     Annual General Meeting (Members only)
2:15 PM    Virtual Reception (open to the public)
              State of the Industry: BioAlberta President & CEO Robb Stoddard
2:30 PM     Keynote Speaker: CEO Cam Linke (open to public)

Keynote: Bio AI: Transforming Life Sciences
Artificial intelligence is transforming industries across the world, and the life sciences are no exception. Join Cam Linke, CEO of the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute, to discover how fundamental research in AI and machine learning is changing life sciences – from translating theoretical advancements in unrelated fields to direct applications in medicine, public health and bioinformatics.

Register now here to save your spot for this event.
Cam Linke is a longtime leader in Edmonton’s technology and startup community. Over the past 10 years, he has worked as a CEO, investor, community builder, product manager, software entrepreneur, academic, and developer.

Past roles include Co-founder of Startup Edmonton, Founder of Flightpath Ventures, CEO of Touch Metric, Product Manager at Nexopia.com, and Founder of DemoCamp Edmonton. Linke is a sought-after speaker and mentor and has been recognized as Avenue Magazine Top 40 Under 40.

He is also an artificial intelligence researcher, currently studying under Dr. Richard Sutton and Dr. Adam White. His research, which focuses on AI adapting behaviours to improve their own self-learning, has been published at top conferences.
THE Virtual MedTech Conference
September 8 to October 23, Plus Partnering October 5 - 7, 2020
AdvaMed is excited to introduce an all-virtual conference experience for 2020 - The Virtual MedTech Conference.

The Virtual MedTech Conference will feature a mix of live and on-demand content, available to all registrants right from their homes or offices. On-demand sessions will be available in early September, with live sessions streaming from October 5-7.

The MedTech Connect partnering platform opened in August and allows all participants to schedule virtual meetings. More updates and a program schedule is available on our website! Registration is open now here.

As the largest gathering of our industry's leaders, we believe our educational program and networking opportunities will shed light on how medtech companies have faced this challenge head-on, the lessons learned, and how the industry and the world will look moving forward. We hope you'll join us online this fall!

If you are planning on attending this event, please contact Joshua@bioalberta.com. xt Link
Shout Out – Edmonton International Airport
Congratulations to BioAlberta member Edmonton International Airport (EIA) on becoming AHA accredited! The Airport Health Accreditation program reassures the travelling public using the airport’s facilities.

EIA has been accredited by Airports Council International under its rigorous Airport Health Accreditation Programme. The accreditation means EIA is meeting high standards on how it has responded to COVID-19 and passenger safety concerns.

The ACI accreditation was created to help passengers, airlines and governments understand that individual airports have adopted best practices and are meeting industry-wide guidelines for safe reopening and operations. The program evaluates cleaning and disinfection standards, physical distancing (where feasible and practical), staff protection, physical layout, passenger communications and passenger facilities.

All passenger areas and processes are considered including terminal access, check-in areas, security screening, boarding gates, lounges, retail, food and beverages, gate equipment such as boarding bridges, escalators and elevators, border control areas and facilities (in collaboration with authorities), baggage claim area and arrivals exit. Learn more here.
Focal Point: PBG BioPharma
PBG BioPharma announces the Official Completion of their Manufacturing and Research Laboratories

PBG BioPharma Inc., a life science company committed to becoming a world leader in the development and production of evidence-based natural health products and medicinal cannabis products using its proprietary GenBioChem® fingerprinting technology platform, completed its 25,000 SQF research and manufacturing facility on September 8th, 2020. The one-of-a-kind facility houses three distinct operations under one roof— a GMP certified facility for natural health product development and manufacturing, a C1D2 manufacturing facility with license for cannabis processing, and a suite of world-class GMP and ISO 17025 accredited research and analytical laboratories with cannabis analytical and research license.
The manufacturing and research/analytical laboratories will be utilized as innovation and manufacturing centres performing proprietary extractions, isolations, formulations, research and testing of Canada-based medicinal herbs, as well as cannabis products for health and wellness. The manufactured products will include ingredient extracts and isolates and formulated finished products.

The facility will also serve as a “one-stop-shop” for Canadian and international businesses looking to create innovative, reliable, consistent, and evidence-based nutraceutical and medicinal cannabis products.
Dr. Jacqueline Shan and Robb Stoddard pose for a photo at the official opening of the PBG BioPharma Leduc Facility.
"Dr. Jacqueline Shan & Robb Stoddard at the official
opening of the PBG BioPharma Leduc Facility."
“We are excited to announce the completion of our state-of-the-art facilities,” said Dr. Jacqueline Shan, PBG Biopharma’s President, Founder, CEO and Chief Science Officer. “These joint facilities will serve as innovation centres, furthering our research and development of scientifically verified NHP products and medicinal cannabis, and also provide a much-needed resource to businesses looking to manufacture and develop their own reliable NHP and medicinal cannabis products.”

 “I am truly proud of our incredible team that has achieved such a monumental task in a matter of 8 months, and during a pandemic no less. We couldn’t have done this without the excellent execution of our entire PBG team and our wonderful team of architects, engineering and construction.”

The completed facility has created 20 jobs for scientists, biomedical professionals, and highly qualified personnel, and is expected to lead to the creation of another 30 new jobs over the next three years. For more information see link here.
PBG BioPharma is a vertically integrated biopharmaceutical company based in Alberta and Ontario. Using the proprietary GenBioChem® Fingerprinting Technology platform, the company takes a pharmaceutical approach to their research and product development process. PBG BioPharma’s products are vigorously tested and standardized by chemical, biological and genomic fingerprinting to ensure consistent purity, potency and targeted efficacy batch to batch and are in compliance with regulatory and industry standards. PBG BioPharma is currently conducting research and development and clinical testing in the area of broad-spectrum anti-viral therapy, neuropathic pain and Alzheimer’s management. The company’s NHP brands including Allergy Rf®, GenBioChem® Immunity and GenBioChem® Memory, are sold via multi-platform channels both nationally and internationally, including through wholly-owned Ontario based pharmacy store, Chi Health Pharmacy.
Call for Top Innovators
Get Noticed. Get Funded. Grow Faster.

Come meet, interact and network online with more than 1,300 VCs, Corporate VCs, angel investors, industry execs and founders of venture backed, emerging and early stage Lifesciences/healthcare companies at the prestigious Venture Summit Virtual Connect being held virtually on November 17th-19th 2020, featuring a dedicated Lifesciences/ Healthcare Track.
Whether you’re a Lifesciences/Healthcare startup seeking capital and exposure, or an investor seeking new deals, Venture Summit Virtual Connect presented by youngStartup Ventures.

A select group of more than 100 Top Innovators will be chosen to present their breakthrough investment opportunities to an exclusive audience of Venture Capitalists, Corporate Investors, Private Investors, Investment Bankers, and Strategic Partners.
Apply to Present / Nominate a company: For more information or to be considered for one of the Top Innovator slots click here.

Seed Pitchfest: If you are a seed stage company seeking angel funding of less than $1M (and have raised less than $300,000) click here to apply.

Special Offer:UAlberta Health Accelerator has made special arrangements for our network to receive a special discount of 20% off the existing “early bird" savings. This conference will be attended by the best people in the industry. Please register early to avoid disappointment. Register here today & save by using promo code "UALBERTAVIP”.
Funding
NCN-NPC Investor Meeting

Highlighting Canada’s top emerging nutrition and wellness companies

When: October 14-15

Don’t miss Natural Products Canada’s 4th annual Investor Meeting with Nutrition Capital Network, an exclusive gathering for investors and emerging companies from the nutrition and wellness industry.

This year, they bring you a highly customized virtual version of the annual flagship event.

Register for the October 14-15 meeting to hear more than a dozen pitches from Canada’s top emerging nutrition companies, expert insights from industry leaders, and personalized networking opportunities. Register here now! 
About Nutrition Capital Network

Nutrition Capital Network helps active investors make purpose-driven connections with curated health and wellness brands.

Our participants represent all facets of the industry, including ingredients and technology, natural and organic foods, functional foods, supplements, personal care and household goods, and related technology solutions.
2021 THRIVE VII Accelerator Program Applications Open Now

They support new startups from all areas of the value chain whose technologies drive us towards a more efficient, sustainable & secure agriculture future. Apply now by using this link.

Connection Silicon Valley helps organizations build meaningful networks and provide access to the world-renowned Silicon Valley technology startup ecosystem. Want to learn more? See our website here.
2020 Texas Life Science Forum: Call for Presenters
Cohost: BioHouston and the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship
The Texas Life Science Forum is the premier life science event in Texas that brings together members from industry, emerging life science companies, academic, and investors. This is an opportunity to meet investors, learn about promising life science companies, to learn about opportunities for entrepreneurs, investment professionals, big pharma, academics and business executives serving the life science industry.
Thanks to a close collaboration with Rice Alliance, The Canadian Consulate in Houston has secured 5 spots for Canadian companies interested in participating in this event.
Selected companies will have the opportunity to:

~ Give a 4 minute pitch to 400+ venture capitalists, corporate innovation groups, angel networks, industry leaders, academics, and service providers.

~ Meet with investors during Virtual Office Hours. Office Hours are introductory, 1-on-1 meetings with venture capitalists, corporate innovation groups, & angel investors. Meetings are scheduled at the request of investors. They will be held at a mutually agreed upon time between Friday, November 13 and Wednesday, November 25.

~ Meet with forum attendees in a dedicated 15 minute virtual showcase session.

Event Schedule:
Tuesday, November 10 | 9:00 am to Noon CT
Wednesday, November 11 | 9:00 am to Noon CT
Thursday, November 12 | 9:00 am to Noon CT
APPLICATION PROCESS: Complete your application by visiting here.
Once you have applied, please also enter your details in this document here to be considered part of the applicants supported by the Canadian Consulate in Houston.
Organizers will evaluate applications and select companies to participate at the Forum.
Contact Maria Bofill here if you have questions.
Business Link receives additional funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada and the Government of Alberta to support COVID-19 recovery for small businesses

Business Link strives to support Alberta businesses with their unique needs at any stage of business, and in support of that, on August 4, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and the Government of Alberta have provided Business Link with additional funding to support entrepreneurs and business owners through this challenging time.

Business Link will be launching three new programs with the funding received, including peer-to-peer group sessions with entrepreneurs and Business Link small business strategists, a business recovery coaching program, and the development of an online toolkit, which will include an interactive business plan writer for Business Link clients to utilize through the planning and growth stages of running a business. The remainder of the funding will be used to provide additional advisory support for small businesses and on marketing and awareness campaigns that will run across the province.

The new programs and resources will be launched over the next several months and entrepreneurs and small businesses are encouraged to apply or seek more information at www.businesslink.ca or by contacting Business Link directly at 1-800-272-9675.
Student Work Placement Program
Building Skills for Canada's bio-economy

Canadian universities and colleges are placing highly-
educated students in the bio-economy. If you are looking to hire young and eager talent, BioTalent Canada’s Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) can help. Past positions include everything from Drug Formulation & Delivery to Sustainable Agriculture Intern.

SWPP will support you to hire, train and retain employees in a variety of sectors, including healthcare. They will also provide funding to employ post secondary students within healthcare organizations, bioscience companies and research organizations.

The subsidy covers up to 75% of a student's work placement to a maximum of $7,500.

Apply today at biotalent.ca/Co-opFunds to grow your talent pool and provide upcoming graduates with the foundational experience they need to start careers.

Want to learn more? See Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) and contact Colleen at chayes@biotalent.ca.
Canada's Technology and Aging Network's - AGE-WELL - is receiving $21.9 over three years from GoC to provide Canadians with technology-based solutions to improve quality of life for older adults and caregivers.

They are looking for projects. Now is the time to investiaget and apply for these exceptional funding opportunities. Check it out at: http://ow.ly/fgsL50zE3oO Y
Western Economic Diversification Canada

Businesses across Western Canada unable to access existing relief measures can now apply to Western Economic Diversification Canada's Regional Relief and Recovery Fund worth $304 million.

This Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) is being delivered by regional development agencies (RDAs) to help more businesses and organizations, that are key to the regions and local economies. A total of $304 million will be available for western Canadian businesses. To learn more or apply see Western Economic Diversification Canada
In the news…
BioNeutra - Sugar Alternative Maker – Wins a Top Canadian Export Award
MONTREAL, QC. Quebec based Groupe Export Group, Canada’s largest association of agri-food exporters, today announced that Edmonton-based BioNeutra Global Corporation was chosen winner of a top Canadian agri-food export award. The award is called les Prix Alizés award.

It was one of two awards sponsored by Farm Credit Canada (FCC) and the Canadian and Quebec governments to celebrate Canada’s agriculture and agri-food export industry. Canada is the world’s 5th largest exporter in this category.

BioNeutra was chosen the 2020 winner in the small/medium business category by a jury of recognized experts in agri-food exports. Jury Chairperson Louis Turcotte says of the nominees, “the jury was greatly impressed by the innovation demonstrated by companies, both in adapting their products for new markets and in developing international strategies.” Read all about it here.
Edmonton Airport to host trial of new COVID-19 testing technology

Edmonton International Airport (YEG) has been chosen as the exclusive location to trial a new COVID-19 test that can produce results in seconds.

In partnership with GLC Medical (GLCM) Inc. – a subsidiary of Graphene Leaders Canada (GLC) Inc. – Edmonton Airport will host clinical trials with this new technology that has the potential to have global implications for COVID-19 testing.

The test is conducted with a handheld unit that takes a saliva sample from a person and is expected to tell if someone has COVID-19 in under one minute, compared to other tests with longer laboratory-based waiting periods for results. This test promises many advantages, from its ease of use to the elimination of the nasal swab to direct virus detection. Read all about it here.
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