Life Sciences in the Fast Lane

This year at the AZBio Awards and Expo our theme is all about forward motion.  Specifically, how  we move forward…faster.

From global innovations like IBM’s WATSON on Thursday night October 13, 2011 to panels of CEOs and leaders along with  nationally recognized thought leaders who will take the stage Friday October 14, 2011,  the conversations are geared up to deliver  the information and ideas  we  need to move our industry and our economy forward…faster.

A single accelerator? 

It would be great if there was a single accelerator that we could point to that moves things forward faster like the accelerator in our cars.  Just hit the gas and away you go.  Unfortunately, in the biosciences, it is not that simple.  It takes a combination of factors:  solid science, management talent, perseverance, and capital to go the distance.  Then it happens – something changes and you begin to build momentum and pick up speed.  Success is not necessarily tied to the fastest start.  It builds and then presses forward faster as we accelerate.

From “Fast Start” to Life Sciences in the  “Fast Lane”

Over the years at the AZBio Awards, we have recognized up and coming companies for their Fast Start.  The description of the AZBio Fast Start criteria read like this:

The most significant for-profit bioscience company headquartered in Arizona and founded on or after July 1, 2008.

Here’s the challenge.  Key success factors and accelerators including patents, FDA approval, and other factors for commercial success in the biosciences can take much longer than 3 years and many young companies don’t see their fifth anniversary.    The key to success in the bioscience industry is not just a fast start.  It’s crossings the chasm from discovery to commercial success with products and services that gain market acceptance.  That’s when you move to the fast lane and start moving forward faster whether your road takes you from the bench to the bedside, the field to the market, or the pond to the pump.

In 2011 we are changing it up.

At the AZBio Awards and Expo on October 13 and 14, 2011, its time to celebrate all of our Arizona Bioscience Companies that moved into the Fast Lane this year.  Perhaps it was a new round of funding, a new patent, or regulatory approval that is moving YOU forward faster.  It may have been a new plant coming on line, a new strategic partnership, expanding your team or expansion regionally or globally.  Whatever it is, it’s time to celebrate and recognize your accomplishment.  We will not be recognizing ONE 2011 “winner”.  We’ll be recognizing you ALL.  Let us know what’s moving your company into the Fast Lane with measurable results so we can recognize you and your team at the AZBio Awards on October 13th.  Who knows, what you share may be just what someone else needs to move their bioscience business forward faster too.

Some things change while others stay the same.

The “Fast Start” award may have moved over to the “Fast Lane”, but some of our most coveted awards are still the same.  We will continue to recognize excellence in Leadership, Research, Education, and of course the Bioscience Company of the Year.  When you go in to share your FAST LANE success story, don’t forget to place your nomination for the individuals and companies that have inspired you and your team.

Nominations for the AZBio Awards close on August 31, 2011.  Be sure to check it out and share your story today so that we can celebrate with you in October.  (Access the 2011 nomination form here.)

About AZBio  – The Arizona BioIndustry Association

Business + BioScience for a Better Arizona

AZBio is comprised of member organizations in business, research, government, and other professions involved in biosciences.

The Mission of AZBio is to serve our Members, both as organizations and as individuals, by providing access to the key resources, connections, and information that support their ability to Connect, Collaborate, Innovate and Succeed thus supporting the growth of a thriving economic ecosystem for Arizona’s Bioscience Industry.

About the AZBio Awards and Expo

Join Thursday us to celebrate… the best achievements of Arizona’s BioScience Community and in welcoming a VERY special guest for a keynote presentation unlike anything you have ever seen before as we welcome WATSON and the team from IBM at the AZBio Awards October 13, 2011

Join us Friday to Connect, Engage, and Collaborate…with CEOs from the Arizona BioIndustry’s leading companies and industry thought leaders at the AZBio EXPO October 14, 2011

Join us as we move Forward… Faster

Click here to get all the latest updates, check out the agenda, learn about sponsorships and more.