MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Continuing its efforts to provide an informative, engaging and industry-advancing conference, BioFlorida has lined up dynamic speakers representing the state’s biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device industries. Governor Jeb Bush, Florida’s 43rd governor, will kick off the conference with a post-breakfast keynote session on October 8. During his time in office, Governor Bush made the advancement and growth of the Florida’s bioscience industry one of his legislative and executive priorities.
The industry’s progression, which accelerated under Governor Bush, was highlighted in the 2012 Battelle/Bio State Industry Development Report. The report found that from 2001 to 2010, industry business establishments grew by close to 33 percent and job growth increased almost 19 percent in Florida – while the nation experienced a business establishment increase of less than 13 percent and industry job growth of only 6.4 percent.
“Florida’s bioscience industry has made significant strides in its global reputation as a leader for the innovation and growth of life sciences,” said Governor Bush. “Florida is continuing to build on the investment made in 2003, and has solidified its position among top states in the nation for biotechnology discovery, innovation and entrepreneurship.”
The founder and executive director of the Genetics Policy Institute, Bernie Siegel, JD, will speak during the second post-breakfast keynote session on October 9. Siegel is the founder and the co-chair of the World Stem Cell Summit series of global conferences and editor-in-chief of the World Stem Cell Report. He works with grassroots activists throughout the U.S., raising public awareness and educating lawmakers, the media and the public on stem cells and regenerative medicine.
“The advancement of science and medical technology in Florida, the nation and the world begins with the interactive exchange of ideas and research,” said Siegel. “Engaging with other industry leaders, entrepreneurs and stakeholders is what I am looking forward to the most at this year’s conference.”
BioFlorida has stacked the conference with other high-profile speakers, including the presidents of two Florida universities: Mark R. Rosenberg, PhD, president of the Florida International University and Donna E. Shalala, PhD, president of the University of Miami. Frank R. Nero, president and CEO of The Beacon Council will join Rosenberg and Shalala for a discussion on higher education’s role in building a bioscience economy. Additionally, Charles Redding, chief operating officer of MedShare International, will speak during the general session on October 8.
This year’s conference will focus on three tracks: BioInvesting, BioBusiness and BioScience. Each track will focus on specific topics.
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BioInvesting topics include:
- VC funding for early-stage bio companies
- Stuck in the middle: how to cross the chasm from phase I data to accelerated growth
- Pivot, punt or pass: what investors are thinking when considering an investment into a late-stage bio company
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BioBusiness topics include:
- Sourcing innovation: current biopharma strategies
- Technology transfer: best practices and high impact trends
- Regenerative medicine: current model and industry approaches
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BioScience topics include:
- Regenerative medicine: adult stem cells and their clinical uses
- New devices for treating cardiovascular disease
- Novel strategies to discover and develop treatments for central nervous system disorders
To find out more about BioFlorida’s 15th Annual Conference in Miami held October 7 – 9, and view the complete speaker line-up visit bioflorida.com/conference.
About BioFlorida
BioFlorida (BioFlorida.com) is the voice of Florida’s bioscience industry, representing more than 3,000 companies and research organizations in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device fields that employ 61,000 Floridians. BioFlorida’s member-driven initiatives provide a strong business climate for production of quality, life-improving technologies; and promote economic benefits to the state.