BioNova Unveils Plan to Grow Nova Scotia’s Health and Life Sciences Sector

by | Oct 10, 2018 | BF2030, News

NEWS RELEASE: October 10, 2018 – Halifax, NOVA SCOTIA – Today BioNova released BioFuture 2030, the first industry-led economic strategy to grow Nova Scotia’s health and life sciences sector. BioFuture 2030 leverages the expertise and resources within the sector to deliver the tools entrepreneurs need to commercialize life-changing research, attract investments, create jobs, access new markets and improve the quality of life of Nova Scotians.
“The comprehensive strategic plan, BioFuture 2030, is a call to action for all Nova Scotian life sciences organizations,” said Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism and Member of Parliament for Halifax, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). “Taking a sector-wide approach and sharing best practices will speed up and spread out the adoption of innovations and leverage new ideas in world-class health products for commercialization, making the sector stronger as a whole.”
The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is providing a $495,000 contribution to BioNova to further the development, growth and support of health and life sciences companies. The non-repayable investment, provided through ACOA’s Business Development Program, builds on the commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth through the Atlantic Growth Strategy by making strategic investments in initiatives that build on the region’s competitive advantages, such as its strong export potential, growing innovation ecosystem, and skilled workforce.
“Our CEOs see health and life sciences as a driver of economic growth,” said Scott Moffitt, Executive Director of BioNova. “This is our action plan to compete for a piece of the $9 trillion global health and life sciences economy.”
BioFuture 2030 is the result of over 50 in-depth interviews and numerous collaborations between CEOs and industry leaders across Nova Scotia.  These sector champions shared their ideas on how making the health and life sciences industry a priority would deliver economic and health benefits to Nova Scotians and Canadians, as well as prepare companies for success on the world stage.
The vision of BioFuture 2030 is to achieve a connected and collaborative Health and Life Sciences community that reaches its full potential. The plan sets out a clear path for implementation and will be led by five action teams that will focus on making connections, recruiting talent, improving public policies, unifying the sector’s value proposition and building a sales culture.
“We have the right ingredients, the talent and resources needed to grow our sector, develop products that will change the world and transform Nova Scotia’s economy. BioFuture 2030 is the recipe that pulls it all together,” continued Mr. Moffitt.
Hosted at the Life Sciences Research Institute, the launch was attended by over 50 health and life science industry leaders. Members of government and Industry leaders were there to present the plan including Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax, Jeffrey Mullen, Director of Enterprise Development, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Brian Lowe, Vice Chair of BioNova, and Peter Hickey, CEO of Adaptiiv Inc.
Download the full plan at www.BioNova.ca/BioFuture2030
Download a copy of the BioFuture logo and other graphics here

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.
www.bionova.ca

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For further information, media may contact:
Shana Cristoferi
Marketing Manager, BioNova
902-421-5705
[email protected]