This release was issued under a previous government.

Minister Bilous will join 12 Alberta biotechnology and health sciences organizations attending the Biotechnology Innovation Organization’s (BIO) annual conference. It is the largest gathering of its kind in the world, attracting 16,000 participants from 76 countries.

The minister will also travel to San Francisco June 21-23 for meetings with companies specializing in health tech, artificial intelligence and virtual reality.

“Alberta life-sciences researchers and entrepreneurs are the best in the country and BIO 2017 is the best venue in the world to connect them with potential investors and partners. Showcasing Alberta abroad means new jobs and new opportunities at home as we work together to grow and diversify our economy.”

Deron Bilous, Minister of Economic Development and Trade

Over the past 10 years, Alberta delegations at BIO have attracted more than $40 million in health research investments. At BIO 2016, Alberta developed a successful collaboration on organ-transplant health technologies and expanded its partnership with a global pharmaceutical company to connect Alberta health researchers directly with experts who can help them take their innovative processes and products to market. 

Alberta is home to more than 200 life sciences companies employing more than 4,500 people, with annual revenues estimated at $1.5 billion and growing. The province has the highest per capita investment in health research and innovation of all Canadian provinces.

Following the BIO 2017 convention, Minister Bilous will meet with companies in San Francisco and Silicon Valley to build on discussions and expand connections made during his investment attraction mission to the region in April.

The Government of Alberta delegation includes the minister and one political staff, one ministry staff (Los Angeles) and two ministry staff (San Jose/SanFrancisco). The cost of the trip, including travel, accommodations and meals, is estimated at $32,000.

Itinerary for Minister Bilous*

Date

Event

Fri., June 16, 2017

Depart Edmonton for Los Angeles

 

Meetings with virtual reality and biotech companies

Sat., June 17, 2017

Depart for San Diego

Private time at own expense

Sun., June 18-

Wed., June 21, 2017

BIO 2017

Industry Roundtable with BioAlberta and Innovative Medicines Canada

Alberta multi-stakeholder meeting

Roundtable with elected officials from other Canadian jurisdictions

Canadian Pavilion opening

 

Meetings with biotech and pharmaceutical companies

 

Speaking at Alberta medical schools reception

 

Meeting with San Diego’s mayor and Economic Development Corporation

Wed., June 21, 2017

Travel to San Jose

Thurs., June 22, 2017

Meetings with software, agri-tech, venture capital companies

 

Canadian Consulate reception for Alberta delegation

Fri., June 23, 2017

Meeting with video gaming company

 

Depart for Edmonton

*Itinerary is subject to change.