Fifteen delegates from Life Sciences Nova Scotia member companies travelled to the BIO International Convention 2026 in San Diego this June, advancing their business development goals, strengthening partnerships, and showcasing the province’s growing life sciences sector on the global stage.

Participating member companies were: 3DBioFibR Inc., Myomar Molecular, Oncolinc Therapeutics, Partner International Inc., Sona Nanotech, Treventis Corporation, and XO Technology Inc.

High-Potential, Valuable 1:1 Meetings

For these teams, the value of BIO lies in making targeted connections that help accelerate growth.

Through the BIO Partnering platform, attendees were able to request meetings with industry leaders and make key connections to help them achieve their goals.

Having so much of the global life sciences community assembled in one place provides companies with an incredible opportunity. This is particularly valuable for companies like Partner International.

They help life sciences companies around the world find partners, explore new business opportunities, and build strategic relationships. For their team, BIO is a key venue for establishing those new relationships in person.

“Face-to-face connections with biotech and pharma companies from all over the world is the most valuable aspect of BIO.” says Mark Regular, Senior Vice President at Partner International. “You can have virtual calls, but nothing replaces face to face interaction and meeting with partners, clients, and industry leaders in person.”

Showcasing Atlantic Canada and Nova Scotia

Outside of the valuable 1:1 meetings, member companies participated in events organized by the Atlantic Canada Bioindustries Alliance.

This began with an Atlantic Canada roundtable discussion that brought together government officials and companies from across the region to discuss emerging opportunities, shared challenges, and the importance of building a competitive regional sector. Atlantic Canadian leaders also took the stage with other provinces at the Canadian Pavilion, building a sense of community, celebrating our region’s accomplishments, and learning about progress across the country.

Nova Scotia’s Growing Role in Life Sciences

A highlight of the week was the Nova Scotia Brunch, hosted by Life Sciences Nova Scotia, which welcomed more than 80 attendees, including pharmaceutical leaders, entrepreneurs, and long-standing sector champions. Premier Tim Houston celebrated Nova Scotia’s growing strength in life sciences, the province’s commitment to innovation, and the role the sector plays in improving healthcare and growing the economy.

The event created valuable opportunities for new introductions and conversations, while reinforcing Nova Scotia’s reputation as a collaborative, globally connected life sciences hub.

Targeting Valuable New Opportunities

Returning attendee Gurkaran Chowdhry, COO at 3DBioFibR Inc., says the company has built momentum by meeting global leaders at BIO and has become increasingly focused in its approach to partnering. For 3DBioFibR, a Halifax-based biomaterials manufacturer, that focus helped the team move more quickly through potential opportunities and identify partnerships aligned with their goals.

“As we’ve grown, we have managed to more narrowly define our partnering interest and therefore are better at evaluating what companies are a fit,” says Chowdhry.

He says they’ve learned how important it is to take advantage of a high-potential, but short, time window to expand their company.

“With a strictly partnership-focused business model, it is critical that we quickly and effectively can cut through the noise and focus on the partnerships that align well with our vision and capabilities,” says Chowdhry.

Participating On The International Stage

By supporting member participation at international events like BIO, Life Sciences Nova Scotia helps companies access strategic relationships and increase their global visibility. These connections will continue to support company growth while strengthening Nova Scotia’s reputation as a thriving and collaborative life sciences hub.

Fellow delegate Mark Regular, with Partner International, says Nova Scotia companies will only benefit by continuing to build a presence on this global stage.

“Science happens internationally and you need to participate in events like BIO to really engage in the industry,” says Regular.