The 2011 Biocat Forum featured a keynote speech, a panel discussion, a break-out session and the BioEmprenedorXXI awards ceremony, which recognized the best plan to create an innovative business in the life sciences sector. In inaugurating the event, former Biocat CEO Dr. Montserrat Vendrell said, “We must foster our ability to compete internationally in order to face the moment of change we are experiencing.”
The event finished off with a networking lunch, with great turnout, where members of the BioRegion had the chance to interact. This was a unique opportunity for top representatives of the biotechnology, biomedicine and medical technology sector in Catalonia, as well as the speakers from the conferences, to meet, interact and do business.
Networking is becoming increasingly important strategically (and highly valued) by companies in this sector. Although the need to create and maintain relationships with professional contacts has always existed, networking has changed the focus of marketing and business management, as explained in the report Networking takes over business.
Participants in the 2011 Biocat Forum also had access to an online partnering tool, allowing them to check the list of participants, email each other and comment on topics of interest to all. This tool makes it easier to set up an agenda of meetings, whether to renew previous contacts or scout for new collaboration opportunities. The networking lunch took place in the Sala Contractacions at Casa Llotja de Mar.
BioEmprenedorXXI Awards
Another key part of the program was the BioEmprenedorXXI awards ceremony, won by advanced biotechnology firm Regenear. The BioEmprenedorXXI program, organized by Biocat, Barcelona Activa, "la Caixa" and Genoma España, helped participants set up their companies with a series of training activities and by analyzing the feasibility of their business ideas. They were also mentored by noteworthy figures from the sector.
The program came to a close with the business-plan competition, judged by a panel made up of representatives from the organizations running the program. The panel granted first prize to the best entrepreneurial initiative and also recognized two runners-up: Endoasic Technologies and Minoryx Therapeutics. Plus, it also included complementary actions to support these new companies in their launch process, through access to international forums.
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Basic information:
Date: 24th November, 2011
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Venue: Casa Llotja de Mar · Passeig d'Isabel II, 1 · Barcelona (Spain)