I’ve just had the most exciting opportunity to participate in the 2011 BIO International convention held in Washington DC from the 27th - 30th of June 2011.
The Convention is HUGE! It is the largest event for the biotechnology industry anywhere in the world. The 20,000 industry professionals who attended in 2011 were certainly a far cry from the humble beginnings of 1987 in Washington DC. When the Association of Biotechnology Companies hosted the inaugural international conference there it superseded all expectations by attracting 155 attendees!
The four days were packed with sessions on every facet of biotechnology including technology transfer, business development, bio-security, leadership, health, investment, entrepreneurship. I was there to learn from those in the business of transferring technology from universities to industry and create links and networks. The take home messages for me was the importance of creating strong, long lasting partnerships with industry, creating more flexible and collaborative agreements and sharing the risk of commercialization.
A vast array of companies, ranging from small start ups to the largest pharmaceutical and agricultural companies in the world set up displays in the exhibition hall, all vying for the position of the most spectacular display to attract attendees.
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| The Exhibit Hall |
The opening night was held at the Newseum, where networking was enhanced by a beautiful backdrop.
One of the many highlights was lunch with Tony Blair, the former Prime minister of the United Kingdom who now heads up the Tony Blair Faith Foundation with the goal of countering extremism in all six leading religions.
Thanks to the Ministry of Science and Innovation for making this experience a possibility for me. The people I met and the knowledge I have gained has fuelled my enthusiasm for biotechnology, innovation and commercialisation.
Marcella.
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