May 10, 2012; Phoenix, Ariz. – On the heels of the Obama Administration’s release of its new National Bioeconomy Blueprint, the Arizona BioIndustry Association will host an all-day conference at the Grand Canyon University Arena in Phoenix on Thursday, May 17.
The White House blueprint outlines a commitment to strengthen bioscience research as a major driver of American innovation and economic growth. That is good news for the Arizona bioscience industry, which is already one of the fastest growing states in the biosciences in jobs, firms and grants from the National Institute of Health.
Currently Arizona’s bioscience industry brings medical innovation to Arizonans and represents $28.8 billion in annual revenues. The biosciences include agriculture feedstock and chemicals, drugs and pharmaceuticals, medical devices and equipment, hospitals, research, diagnostic testing and medical laboratories, representing over 96,000 jobs in Arizona that pay 29% higher than the Arizona average wage. ($55,353 for BIO compared to the $42,090 AZ average wage)
“The expo will bring together our researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs who are discovering and developing new ways to feed the world, creating alternate sources of energy, and delivering innovations that sustain, improve and save lives,” said AZBio CEO, Joan Koerber-Walker. “Our statewide conference will explore new technologies, develop new partnerships for collaborations and funding and get the latest information about forces that impact our industry.”
Area bioscience leaders will speak on topics such as algae biofuels, environmentally friendly technologies, access capital funding, key partnerships, cancer, personalized medicine, neurological research, university innovations, and entrepreneurship. Notable speakers include Greg Yap of Ventana Medical Systems, Paul August of Sanofi, Robert Bowser of Barrow Neurological Institute, Alan Nelson of VisionGate, Robert Penny of the International Genomics Consortium and representatives from all three state universities.
The exposition hall will showcase research from area scientists and students and companies that represent products and services with innovations that are transforming our world. Exhibitors include TGen (The Translational Genomics Institute), The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, SynCardia Systems, Inc. (2011 Arizona Bioscience Company of the year and manufacturer of the SynCardia Total Artificial Heart), Regenesis Biomedical, Northern Arizona University, and more.
The daylong conference is being held at the Grand Canyon University’s Ethington Theatre with the science and business exposition next door in the new GCU Arena, 3300 W. Camelback Rd. in Phoenix. The cost to attend is $200 for members, $300 for guests, and $100 for full-time students. For more information or to register for the event, visit http://www.azbioexpo.com .
Key Links:
Speaker Bio’s with photos
Selected Exhibitors and Attending Organizations
Facts and Figures on Arizona Bioscience Industry growth (PDF)
To learn more about AZBio, click here
The AZBio Expo is supported by leading business organizations including: the Arizona Commerce Authority, Upstream Consulting, BIO, CBS Outdoor, Celgene, Northern Arizona University, Phoenix Business Journal, 360 Vantage, Ernst & Young, LLP, The Biodesign Institute at ASU, Affordable Image, Flinn Foundation, International Research Center, New Angle Media, PADT Medical, Phoenix Public Radio for KJZZ/KBAQ, Polsinelli Shughart, Snell & Wilmer, Pfizer, PhRMA, The Stratford Group, TGen, Ventana Medical Systems, VWR, AZ Webcasting, Alliant Insurance, BioInspire, Genetech, Cassidy Turley – BRE Commercial, CEI/GateWay, Chandler Innovations, City of Phoenix, ECoNA, IDM Technologies, Inc., Medtronic Tempe Campus, Provista Diagnostics, Regenesis Biomedical, Inc., and SynCardia Systems, Inc.