Global CONNECT 2006 Conference to Host Ontario Premier and Leading Thinkers at MaRS

Over 240 innovation experts from 17 countries to gather in Toronto to build a global network of innovation regions.

Toronto, December 6, 2006 — Technology commercialization experts, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, scientists and policymakers from around the world will come together in Toronto today for Global CONNECT 2006. This three-day conference, jointly hosted by San-Diego based CONNECT and MaRS, will focus on how to build a sustainable commercialization environment for science- and technology-based companies and more effectively link innovative regions to support the growth of these companies.

“We are delighted that Global CONNECT, one of the world’s most influential commercialization networks, has chosen MaRS to host this very significant gathering,” said Dr. Ilse Treurnicht, CEO of the MaRS Discovery District. “This conference will bring together a remarkably diverse group of people who are focused on building innovation economies in various parts of the world. It will shine the spotlight on MaRS and on Ontario, and provide a unique opportunity for our community to foster new international partnerships.”

Conference attendees at Global CONNECT 2006 will share best practices and experiences from around the globe related to risk capital, innovation and economic development.

Underscoring the importance of Global CONNECT to Ontario’s innovation community, the Honourable Dalton McGuinty – Premier and Minister of Research and Innovation – will offer an official welcome to the delegates.

Other notable speakers will share their expertise at 2006 Global CONNECT. Keynote speakers include David Thomson (best-selling author of “Blueprint to a Billion”), Dr. Paul Kedrosky (entrepreneur, investor and innovation guru) and Dr. David Naylor (President, University of Toronto).

Panelists include Mary Walshok (Co-founder, CONNECT San Diego), Rick Nathan (President, Canadian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association), Peter Brenders (President and CEO, BIOTECanada), Adam Bly (Editor-in-Chief, SEED Magazine), and Natalie Dakers (CEO, Centre for Drug Research and Development).

Global CONNECT 2006 will run from December 6-8, 2006 at the MaRS Centre in Toronto.

For inquiries please contact:

Ross Wallace
Director, Corporate Strategy
416-888-6553
rwallace@marsdd.com

About Global CONNECT

Global CONNECT (globalconnect.ucsd.edu), based at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) links individuals and organizations committed to building international technology-based enterprises. Global CONNECT facilitates partnerships between regions, especially between Southern California and regions around the world, to accelerate applied research collaborations and the growth of technology enterprises.

Downloads and Resources

Keynote Speech for the GlobelCONNECT 2006 Conference [348 KB]

Global CONNECT 2006 Agenda [708 KB]


About MaRS
MaRS Discovery District (www.marsdd.com) is a large scale, mission driven innovation centre located in Toronto and networked across Ontario, focused on building Canada’s next generation of technology companies. MaRS works closely with entrepreneurs to grow and scale their ventures into global market leaders in life sciences and health care, information, communications and digital media technologies, cleantech, advanced materials and engineering, as well as innovative social purpose business.
For more information, contact:
Linda Quattrin
Director Communications
MaRS Discovery District
416.673.8104
lquattrin@marsdd.com