OTTAWA–Canadian industrial biotechnology companies and researchers will present their world-leading technologies to an anticipated record crowd of over 400 attendees at this week’s BIO Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy in Vancouver, co-hosted by BIOTECanada.
“This is the first time this summit is being held in Canada and the interest and attendance is exceeding all expectations.” said BIOTECanada President and CEO, Peter Brenders. “Industrial biotechnology is pioneering environmentally-responsible manufacturing processes and innovative consumer products. Adoption of these technologies will mean a sea change in how we do business and how we live, and Canada has the right mix of natural resources, research capacity, and skilled scientists and entrepreneurs to make us an emerging leader in this space.”
Industrial biotechnology uses micro-organisms and enzymes to produce a variety of goods and services that give Canadian consumers and businesses new options for eco-friendly products which contribute to the betterment of the environment, while increasing business efficiency. Industrial biotech consumer products include popular household items such as: linoleum, detergent, shampoo and cosmetics. Products and processes with industrial applications include: renewable fuels made from wood waste, grasses and other forms of biomass; industrial oils and lubricants; soy-based automotive parts; non-polluting pesticides; and environmental remediation solutions. Industrial biotechnology is predicted to be a $125-billion business by 2010.
Leading Canadian companies presenting at the Pacific Rim Summit include:
- Michael Rushton, Lignol Energy Corporation: World’s largest cellulosic ethanol demonstration plant converts wood wastes to fuel, industrial oils.
- David C Boulard, Ensyn Technologies: the world’s only constructor and operator of commercial facilities for the liquification of biomass wastes into fuel.
- Jack Grushcow, Linnaeus BioSciences: leaders in modification of oilseeds to produce eco-friendly fuel and industrial oils.
Other Canadians presenting at the Summit include:
- Adrian Tsang, Concordia University
- Susan Baldwin, University of British Columbia
- Elizabeth Edwards, University of Toronto
- Lindsay Eltis, University of British Columbia
- Margo Moore, Simon Fraser University
- Martin Bliemel, Simon Fraser University
- Michael Paice, FPInnovations
- Quinn Goretzky, Alberta Research Council
- David Castle, University of Guelph, Office of Research
- Jack Saddler, University of British Columbia
- Konrad Sechley, Gowling Lafleur Henderson, LLP
- Maria Wellisch, Natural Resources Canada, CETC Ottawa
- Brian D. Titus, Natural Resources Canada, Pacific Forestry Centre
- Terry McIntyre, Environment Canada – Technologies Advancement Division
ABOUT PACRIM
For additional information about speakers and sessions at the Pacific Rim Summit, visit https://www.bio.org/ind/pacrim/08/. Media registration is now available online at https://www.bio.org/ind/pacrim/08/mediaRegistration.asp.
ABOUT BIOTECanada
BIOTECanada is dedicated to the sustainable commercial development of biotechnology innovation in Canada. It is the national industry-funded association with over 230 members representing the broad spectrum of biotech constituents including emerging and established companies in the health, industrial, and agricultural sectors, as well as academic and research institutions and other related organizations.
Contact:
BIOTECanada
Kasia Majewski, Director of Communications
613-230 5585 x 257
Cell: 613-219-2770
kasia.majewski@biotech.ca