Welcome to BioPort Atlantic
Sept 16-18th, you will have the opportunity to engage with keynote speakers, participate in thought-provoking panel discussions, and connect with peers through networking sessions. Our carefully curated agenda is designed to provide you with deep insights, practical strategies, and inspiration to drive innovation and growth in your field.
Thank you for joining us at this pivotal event. We look forward to the valuable contributions and meaningful connections that will emerge from our time together.
Sept. 16, 2025
***Note: taking place at the Discovery Centre, Halifax, NS***
Time: Doors open at 6:00PM
Opening Reception: Welcome to BioPort Atlantic 2025
Fueling Hope: Uniting Philanthropy and Venture Capital to Conquer Cancer
Kick off BioPort Atlantic 2025 in style at the Opening Night Reception, proudly sponsored by Varian!
This year’s theme, Innovating for Impact – Scaling Life Sciences Together, comes to life with an energizing panel discussion showcasing the Cancer Breakthrough Fund – a cross-sector collaboration between Lumira Ventures and the Terry Fox Foundation (TFF), that will invest in first-in-class / best-in-class companies led by mission-driven entrepreneurs addressing unmet needs in cancer. This first-of-its-kind fund in Canada will bring together TFF’s extensive network of cancer researchers, scientists and clinicians, along with Lumira’s track record of building successful companies delivering products to patients and generating strong returns to investors.
Joining us on stage: Michael Mazza, CEO of the Terry Fox Foundation, Suman Rao, Principal at Lumira Ventures and Peter van der Velden, Managing General Partner at Lumira Ventures. They will share insights on building this powerful collaboration, the Fund and its role in building transformative companies that impact patients worldwide.
Come for the inspiration, stay for the connections, and be part of the momentum driving breakthroughs that matter. Don’t miss this energizing launch to a conference full of promise and opportunity!
Sponsored by:
Sept. 17, 2025
Location: Halifax Harbourfront Marriott Hotel
Time: 8:50AM
Speaker: Mena Abdel-Nour
Unlocking the Power of Capital and Collaboration: Driving Sustainable Growth in the Life Sciences industry
Dr. Mena Abdel-Nour, Associate, Investment Banking at Bloom Burton, will present insights on “Unlocking the Power of Capital and Collaboration: Driving Sustainable Growth in the Life Sciences Industry” at BioPort Atlantic 2025. Drawing from his extensive background in scientific due diligence and commercialization support for Canadian life sciences companies, Dr. Abdel-Nour will discuss how effective capital deployment and investment partnerships can spur innovation and growth. Attendees will hear practical perspectives on building robust collaborations between investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to transform life sciences technologies and position Atlantic Canada as a global hub for sustainable sector expansion.
Time: 9:25AM
Moderator: Andy Fisher
Panellists: Lara Skwarek, Telfer Hanson, Cathy Bennett,Alex McCallum
Scaling Smart: Navigating Investment and Growth in Today’s Life Sciences Landscape
Join leading investors and entrepreneurs as they explore the current fundraising landscape in life sciences, focusing on strategies to successfully raise capital amid evolving market conditions. Panelists will share insights on how companies are scaling operations efficiently, leveraging innovative approaches to growth, and navigating investor expectations in Atlantic Canada and beyond. This session will provide practical perspectives on capital deployment, growth management, and scaling tactics essential for life sciences ventures aiming to accelerate their impact and secure funding in today’s competitive environment.
Time: 11:00AM
Innovation Showcase – Pre-Seed Company Pitches
Discover the best of Atlantic Canadian innovation at BioPort Atlantic 2025! During our Innovation Showcase on Wednesday, Sept 17th, four groundbreaking Atlantic Canadian pre-seed companies will pitch to a panel of industry experts and our community.
We’re delighted to welcome:
- Chrysaor Biologics Inc (Charlottetown, PEI) – designing and developing novel DNA vaccines to fight against circulating pathogens at incredibly low costs.
- HearEye.ai by Bayhan Technologies (Fredericton, NB) – Real-time AI conversation transcription for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community
- Theranib Inc (Halifax, NS) – Developing breakthrough cancer treatments that target hard-to-treat tumors including breast, lung, brain, and other aggressive cancers
- XO Technology Inc (Halifax, NS) – Transforming senior care with the XO Companion Ring that automates health assessments and provides real-time insights
Time: 11:50AM
Speaker: Dr. Michael Gilman, CEO, Arrakis Therapeutics
Fueling Innovation, Driving Impact: Dr. Michael Gilman’s Journey
Join us for an intimate fireside chat with Dr. Michael Gilman, renowned biotech executive, scientist, and serial entrepreneur, as he shares lessons from a remarkable career at the intersection of innovation, leadership, and impact. Guiding the conversation will be Doris Grant, a respected leader in the life sciences and longtime collaborator of Dr. Gilman’s. Drawing on their shared history and deep mutual respect, Doris will help bring Michael’s story to life —unpacking pivotal moments, key learnings, and personal reflections from his journey. From his roles at pioneering companies like Arrakis Therapeutics to his experience scaling ventures and shaping biotech strategy, Dr. Gilman offers a candid look at what it takes to turn groundbreaking science into real-world solutions. This inspiring dialogue will highlight the power of collaboration, resilience, and purpose in building life science organizations that make a lasting difference.
Sponsored by:
Time: 12:35PM
Lunch and Networking Break
Thanks to Amgen’s support, BioPort Atlantic 2025 delegates will enjoy valuable networking opportunities during meal times at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel. Growing Atlantic Canada’s life sciences ecosystem happens best when we’re well-fed and connecting with industry leaders.
Sponsored by:
Time: 1:20PM
Speaker: Wendy Zatylny, President & CEO, BIOTECanada
Life Sciences as a National Priority: Canada’s Moment to Lead
BIOTECanada President & CEO Wendy Zatylny will deliver remarks at BIOPORT Atlantic with a clear message: Canada must treat life sciences as a national priority. As global competition intensifies, Wendy will speak to what’s at stake, and what it will take to ensure biotech companies in Canada can grow, scale, and lead on the world stage. Life sciences fuels economic growth, strengthens health and defence security, and drives innovation from early discovery through to biomanufacturing. This is a pivotal moment for the sector. Let’s make sure Canada doesn’t fall behind.
Time: 1:40PM
Moderated by: Rob Henderson, President and CEO (BioTalent Canada)
Panellists: Daniel Ohaegbu, Kelly Stander, Lee McKinley, Lola Williams-Afolabi
People Power: Driving Growth in Life Sciences through Collaboration
As Atlantic Canada’s life sciences sector continues to expand, a connected, people-first approach to talent is key. This session explores how collaborative strategies—across industry, government, and education—are transforming immigration, workforce development, and talent retention into engines of growth. Panelists will examine the role of programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program and provincial nominee pathways in attracting global talent, while also emphasizing the importance of employer partnerships, inclusive recruitment, and work-integrated learning. Together, these efforts are building a diverse, skilled, and future-ready workforce to power the region’s life sciences innovation and competitiveness.
Time: 2:30PM
Innovation Showcase – Seed Company Pitches
Discover the best of Atlantic Canadian innovation at BioPort Atlantic 2025! During our Innovation Showcase on Wednesday, Sept 17th, four groundbreaking Atlantic Canadian seed companies will pitch to a panel of industry experts and our community.
We’re delighted to welcome:
- Altheda Wellness Innovations (Halifax, NS) – Bridging science, nature, and medicine with evidence-based solutions for healthy aging
- Reach Orthopaedics (Halifax, NS) – Revolutionizing shoulder surgery with their patented implant for massive rotator cuff tears, designed to reduce surgery time and restore function
- HealthEMe Inc. (Halifax, NS) – an evidence-based tool designed to support an individual with their mental health needs, prior to, during and post their clinical intervention with a care provider
- TxtSquad (St.John’s, NL) – smart, two-way texting and AI-powered voice platforms that reduce missed appointments by up to 80% without requiring app downloads
Time: 3:55PM
Speaker: Dr. Modestus Obochi (Investment Advisor to 2Flo Ventures)
Scaling Innovation: Lessons from the U.S. Midwest Life Sciences Ecosystem
The U.S. Midwest is gaining recognition as a dynamic and fast-growing life sciences hub, with Chicago at its epicenter. In this fireside chat, Dr. Modestus Obochi-renowned biotech executive and strategic advisor-will share insights from his extensive global experience and current work in Chicago’s thriving ecosystem. This conversation will explore how the Midwest’s unique blend of academic excellence, infrastructure investment, and collaborative innovation is fueling the growth of biotech, medtech and pharmaceutical ventures. Dr. Obochi will offer practical advice for Atlantic Canadian life sciences companies looking to expand into the U.S. market, with a particular focus on Chicago as a gateway for commercialization, partnerships, and scaling.
Sponsored by:
Time: 4:30PM
Moderator: Lauren Ledwell
Panellists: Kathryn Lockhart, Andrea Guest
Equity at the Table: Bold Moves in Funding Women and Women’s Health
Canada is at a pivotal moment to lead the world in women’s health innovation—but to realize this potential, bold shifts in funding priorities and supportive policy environments are essential. Discover how current funding decisions are intentionally reshaping the innovation landscape for women and advancing health equity. This session will explore the criteria and processes organizations use to close gender gaps, highlight persistent underfunding in women’s health, and spotlight pioneering strategies that increase accountability and equity. Join changemakers, funders, and innovators as they reveal new outlooks and opportunities—charting a future where Canada not only invests in women but sets a global standard for advancing women’s health.
Sponsored by:
Time: 5:00PM
Day One Wind Down
After a full day of insights from industry leaders, join us to relax, connect, and celebrate with the life sciences community at our Wednesday end-of-day reception. Continue the conversations that shape Atlantic Canada’s growing ecosystem—one meaningful exchange at a time.
Sponsored by:
Time: 6:00PM
Investment Club at BioPort Atlantic
Ready to discover investment-ready life sciences companies from across our region?
Hear from three innovative companies who will present their compelling investment stories. Open to accredited investors and founders.
✅ Emagix (Halifax, NS) – AI-powered diagnostic image analysis software to detect retinal disease without need for invasive dye injections
✅ PragmaClin Research Inc. (St.John’s, NL) – 3D camera technology for real-time motor assessments, enabling remote Parkinson’s Disease monitoring and personalized care from home.
✅ Breathe BioMedical Inc. (Moncton, NB) – Developing non-invasive breath tests with focus on detecting early-stage breast cancer
Sponsored by:
Sept. 18, 2025
Time: 9:10AM
Speaker: Anne Woods
Impact & Opportunity in Life Science Investing
Anne Woods, Managing Director of Life Sciences & Healthcare at RBCx, will headline a session on the Impact & Opportunity in Life Science Investing. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in life sciences and capital markets, Anne will explore the rapidly evolving landscape of investment in the sector, analyzing how macro- and micro-economic trends and drivers of innovation are shaping new opportunities for investors. Attendees can expect actionable insights into current challenges, post-2021 market dynamics, and forward-looking strategies for leveraging growth and innovation within life sciences. Anne’s session will be essential for stakeholders interested in understanding both the risks and untapped potential in today’s investment climate for healthcare and biotech.
Time: 9:45AM
Moderator: Marie- Pier Brunelle
Speakers: Amir Golbang, Silke Ditgen, Sundeep Amar, Franklin Matos
Beyond Borders: Scaling Canadian Life Sciences Innovation in Global Markets
In today’s global economy, diversifying beyond a single market is essential for growth and resilience. Gain insights from seasoned exporters and Trade Commissioners as they share real-world lessons on overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities in the life sciences sector across markets like the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Time: 11:15AM
Moderated by: Barbara Campbell
Panellists: Dr. Jason Cleaversmith, Paul Richards, Ziyad Rahme, Dr. Beth Mason
Scaling the BioEconomy In Atlantic Canada
Explore the changing landscape of biomanufacturing in Atlantic Canada with this dynamic panel featuring leaders from the region’s most innovative facilities, including the state-of-the-art Neptune BioInnovation Centre in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Lead by NPC’s Barbara Campbell the session will highlight Atlantic Canada’s rapidly growing bioscience cluster, focusing on how newly established and expanded facilities are positioning the region as an emerging powerhouse for biotechnology, precision fermentation, contract manufacturing, and green supply chain solutions.
Time: 12:00PM
Speakers: Shawn White, Liam Kelly, Dan Fougere, Candice Pollack and Doris Grant
Moderator: Dr. Bettina Hamelin
Partnering to Help Advance Patient Care in Atlantic Canada
Over the last several Years, each Atlantic Province has demonstrated an interest in working with Industry Partners in initiatives that can advance patient care given the ability to gather the right stakeholders around the table with an ability to be nimble and agile. Since then, we have seen numerous public private partnerships that are showing strong collaborative efforts that are and will advance patient care in the Atlantic Provinces, while also demonstrating leadership both on the National and sometimes global scale. This Panel will share some examples of these Public Private Partnerships along with the key success factors now and moving forward.
Time: 01:00PM
Moderated by: Mandy Woodland
Panellists: Dr. Jack Ching, Jen Sheils, Dr. Mike Wesolowski
Atlantic Voices, Global Impact: How Our Health Ecosystem is Shaping Trustworthy AI in Healthcare
Artificial intelligence is reshaping every facet of healthcare—from accelerating diagnostics to optimizing workflows, personalizing patient care, and powering smart devices. But what does it take to ensure that AI supports, rather than replaces, the human touch?
In this panel, leading voices from industry, startups and clinical care will explore:
• How AI solutions are elevating patient outcomes through real-world examples.
• Paths to integrating AI effectively into provider workflows.
• Ethical and regulatory guardrails essential for responsible AI deployment.
• Strategies to earn and maintain trust—from front line clinicians to patients and families.
• Measurable value creation—better outcomes, efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
Through storytelling, lessons learned, and forward-thinking visions, attendees will gain actionable insights to guide innovation responsibly, helping position Atlantic Canada as a leader in trustworthy, AI-powered healthcare.
Time: 1:55PM
Lunch and Networking Break
Thanks to Amgen’s support, BioPort Atlantic 2025 delegates will enjoy valuable networking opportunities during meal times at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel. Growing Atlantic Canada’s life sciences ecosystem happens best when we’re well-fed and connecting with industry leaders.
Sponsored by:
