BioData 2008 on 22 and 23 January in Geneva
2008-01-15
By the ATS 15.01.2008 at 16:18
"This is an important event in the field of life sciences, critical to our economy," said Tuesday before the press Pierre-François Unger, Geneva's Minister of Economy and Health. They also affects the timing of the first meeting of the year bringing together all the players in a booming sector. 50 companies to discover "BioData was built on this integrated mode" recalled Mr. Unger.
"This is an important event in the field of life sciences, critical to our economy," said Tuesday before the press Pierre-François Unger, Geneva's Minister of Economy and Health. They also affects the timing of the first meeting of the year bringing together all the players in a booming sector. 50 companies to discover "BioData was built on this integrated mode" recalled Mr. Unger. The event helps strengthen "the Lake Geneva region in life sciences," around a large area including several French-speaking cantons and Rhone Alps in neighboring France. A set that includes "some 2 million people, with numerous key jobs."
Fifty companies will present to an audience of financial analysts, specialists in venture capital, institutional and industrial investors. All are seeking funding and partnerships. Thirty speakers will also express in General sessions.
BioData expects more than 350 participants, half of which come from Switzerland, 35% in Europe and 15% from North America. Of these, 40% are investors, 40% of executives in the biopharmaceutical industry and 20% of opinion leaders in the fields of science, politics and the media.
Place in Russia
In addition to playing a regional role BioData is an international convention which over the years has hosted delegations of US, Japanese and Indian. The 2008 will give way to the life sciences of the Moscow region.
"This is an area that is just beginning to emerge in Russia but the government, especially local government in Moscow, is very ambitious," said Hervé Kergrohen, president of BioData, confident "the rich exchanges" that will create during BioData. "Israel could be the next host of the convention" he added.
Step towards IPO
Many companies consider BioData as a key moment before an IPO (IPO). Brewing achieved in Geneva is fertile through "fees exchanges and without intermediaries," according to Unger. This is illustrated in 2007 by the lifting of 137 million francs fund performed during its IPO by the Geneva company Addex.
Other young companies take the opportunity to find the necessary contacts in academic and political circles. Often a critical step in the development of their future activities.
Partner loyalty
BioData 2008 has, since its inception in 2001, the support of the BioAlps association. "This year we will sponsor twelve young shoots of the region, including Leman Cardiovascular, ArisGen, DiagnoSuiss and Med Discovery," said Lionel Eperon, its president since July 1.
Other sponsors are BioData the Rhône-Alpes Region, Merck Serono and Hewlett Packard. Financial institutions, companies such as CDC Entreprises Innovation, SWX Swiss Exchange, the Swiss Association of Biotechnology or the French-Swiss Foundation for Research and Technology are also its partners.