2007 BIO International Convention to Help Pave the Way for Emerging Companies

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 17, 2007) -- The 2007 BIO International Convention, being held in Boston, Massachusetts from May 6-9, will give new and emerging biotechnology companies the unparalleled opportunity to meet with industry investors and key players from across the globe to learn about each other, meet one-on-one, and discuss business opportunities.

“In today’s global marketplace, a company making a name for itself can prove to be a long and tumultuous process. When it comes to biotechnology discovery, development, manufacturing, and marketing, no company can do it all alone. The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) has eagerly embraced the spirit of entrepreneurship, and recognizes the hurdles and challenges that many emerging companies face when trying to gain an edge in the biotechnology industry,” stated Jim Greenwood, president and CEO of BIO, the producer of the BIO International Convention. “Networking and partnering opportunities are a key component of the BIO International Convention, providing numerous emerging companies the chance to establish relationships with investors and venture capitalists that can help bring their products one step closer to market.”

In addition to the numerous networking receptions, this year’s BIO Business Forum is expected to host more than 11,000 partnering meetings during the Convention. This is the largest number of anticipated meetings in the Convention’s history, and a testament to the importance of these meetings for all attendees, from biotechnology stalwarts to early stage companies looking for partnership opportunities.

New this year will be a special table top exhibit that will spotlight 100 newly formed biotechnology companies. Visitors to this exhibit will get an early look at these young companies, and learn about the new technologies they are developing. Each of these ambitious, emerging enterprises was formed within the past three years, but all have the potential to produce the industry’s next big breakthrough.

The BIO International Convention will also offer numerous panels discussing good business practice techniques, venture capital funding, benefits of collaboration, and creative ways to secure successful, tactical and practical alliances between mature and emerging companies. Some of the key panels focusing on emerging company issues include:

“Do’s and Don’ts of Biotech Start-ups”

“Mining for Gold: Top Biotech Venture Capital Markets”

“How to Raise the Visibility of Microcap Biotechnology Companies”

“New Funding Alternatives for the Biotech Industry”

“Making a Perfect Match – Tools for Successful Strategic Alliances”

In addition, the Convention will offer two Biotechnology Entrepreneurship Boot Camp sessions designed for members of the scientific and academic communities. The goal of these sessions is to have attendees walk away with a clear idea of what’s involved for all stakeholders including the vision, skills, and plans required to take new technology and biotechnology inventions to market.

About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and 31 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.

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