Sandbox

The Host & Organizers

BioAlps

More than ever during this troubled period of world financial crisis which also affects the life sciences sector, BioAlps, the regional cluster which promotes biotechnology and medical technology in Western Switzerland is determined to pursue its mission of promoting businesses and institutions active in the field of life sciences. Right from its creation in 2003, BioAlps established itself as the primary life science cluster in continental Europe. It has offered important support, widely welcomed, to those working on new medical technologies and therapeutic approaches.

The BioAlps regional cluster is rated the third European centre for research into biotechnology and medical technologies after Cambridge and Oxford in the United Kingdom. It proudly covers more than 400 biotech and medtech companies, 500 research laboratories, 18 world-famous research institutions, universities and university hospitals, as well as numerous bodies supporting innovation including science parks and incubators of start-up companies, venture capital funds, etc. Above all, it is a centre of excellence which attracts many famous scientists. This stems as much from its dynamic nature as from its resources in research and development and its dense industrial fabric; both offer so many opportunities.

Today on account of its wide influence, the BioAlps cluster is a factor that cannot be ignored in the industrial world of life sciences. The proof lies in the numerous companies working in medtech and biotech which have set up in the region, like Baxter, Beckman Coulter, Celgene, Debiopharm, Edwards, Ferring, Johnson & Johnson, Kyphon, MerckSerono, Medtronic, Stryker, UCB-Farchim, just to mention a few. Even better, tomorrow's companies are already here. For example Addex pharmaceuticals, AC-Immune, Preglem, Geneuro, Novimmune, Ribovax, SpinX, Xigen and many others are all growing companies whose roots are fed by the innovations originating from our research institutions.

In the 2009 issue of our magazine, which is published once a year in partnership with l'AGEFI, I had a few questions and conclusions as:

- What if our real strength went further than medtech and biotech, and lay in convergence between the two?

- Medicine is moving from ready-to-wear to tailor-made

- Medecine is becoming more personalized, predictable and preventative

- The walls that traditionally separated scientific disciplines are falling

- Bioconvergence is a driver of change

I will be more than happy to have the opportunity to exchange ideas with all the participants next February.

BioAlps is proud to be the coorganiser of BioSquare 2010 and is committed to its successful outcome!

benoit

Dr Benoît DUBUIS

President, BioAlps Association

BioEvents

BioEvents SAS is the Lyon-based event management company of BioSquare and BioVision — The World Life Sciences Forum.

BioEvents SAS is a commercial subsidiary of the Fondation Scientifique de Lyon which was created in 1918. This rich scientific history makes BioEvents a clear leader in science related conferences, tradeshows and conventions.

Building on its expertise and credible access to major players, BioEvents is poised to continue producing quality events for years to come.

… Back to the Rhône-Alpes and Lyon

BioSquare 2011, and odd-years beyond, will be held in Lyon, another truly exceptional location for our industry. We need only mention the large pharmaceuticals, vaccines, diagnostic companies and the advanced research laboratories to make it an obvious choice. Lyon is, let us remember, the birthplace of BioSquare.

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