The international BIO conference in San Diego has commenced with the AusBiotech-led delegation comprising more than 250 Australians and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announcing support for AusBiotech 2018, Australia’s national life sciences conference, to return to Brisbane.
AusBiotech and the Australian delegation to the 2017 BIO International Convention will promote the strength of the Australian life sciences, foster the global connections of its delegation and strengthen connections with its overseas counterparts.
Premier Palaszczuk announced that Queensland’s support of AusBiotech 2018, will see the event held 31 October - 2 November 2018 at the Brisbane Convention Centre. It is expected that the conference will attract more than 800 researchers, investors and industry stakeholders from the life sciences sector, from Australia and around the globe.
Glenn Cross, CEO of AusBiotech, said: “We’re excited to bring the national conference back to Queensland. The Queensland Government has been a long-time supporter of the life sciences industry and their support is seen once again, with Premier Palaszczuk and Minister Leeanne Enoch leading the Queensland delegation to the 2017 BIO International Convention in the US.”
This annual mission to BIO is closely aligned with AusBiotech’s strategic plan, which seeks to ensure global engagement in strong established markets, including North America and Europe. AusBiotech has led the Australian delegation to BIO for more than ten years.
More than 150 companies from Australia are attending BIO and the Australian Pavilion includes more than 40 exhibitors, including the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science; State Government of Victoria, Queensland Government, Callaghan Innovation, Life Sciences Queensland Limited, MTPConnect, and Queensland University of Technology.
AusBiotech will hold the Australian Wine Tasting Event today, a hallmark feature of the Australian Pavilion. The event draws BIO delegates from all corners of the exhibition hall and the globe to the national exhibit.
Lorraine Chiroiu, Deputy CEO of AusBiotech, will deliver a Global Innovation Hubs presentation on behalf of Australia. This presentation will highlight Australia’s competitive advantage in the life sciences by sharing the top reasons to partner and invest in the Australian sector. Presentations from the Victorian and Queensland state governments will follow.
AusBiotech will also leverage its presence at BIO to strengthen its connections with its overseas counterparts, signing an MoU with Biocom, the largest and most experienced advocate for California’s life sciences sector. The MoU will allow greater collaboration between these associations and their respective regions, with both AusBiotech and Biocom representing a combined 1,000 entities in the global life sciences sector.
Prior to the opening of BIO, AusBiotech participated in a meeting with the International Council of Biotechnology Associations (ICBA). This meeting gave high-level government officials from ICBA member countries the opportunity to highlight the monumental innovation agenda in their country, share best practices in fostering an innovative biotechnology sector and learn about new life-saving technologies under development by the industry.
AusBiotech would like to thank the Entrepreneurs’ Programme for their support in AusBiotech’s mission to BIO. The Entrepreneurs’ Programme provides support for medical technology and pharmaceutical businesses, researchers and entrepreneurs to help innovate, grow and be competitive.
About the BIO International Convention
The BIO International Convention, hosted by the Biotechnology Innovation Organisation (BIO), is the largest global event for the biotechnology industry. It draws more than 16,000 biotechnology and pharma leaders annually, including 1,800 exhibitors and 800 speakers.