It’s National Biotechnology Week!

In our work here at MaRS we are on the front lines of novel technology development. We have the opportunity to witness the ingenuity, creativity and resilience of Canadian entrepreneurs on a daily basis.

Many of these outstanding entrepreneurs work in the field of biotechnology, and National Biotechnology Week (NBW) is an exciting time to celebrate these and other contributors to our booming biotech industry.

The Ninth Annual NBW kicked off last Friday and runs until September 21. In conjunction with our partners at Life Sciences Ontario (LSO), the Ontario Genomics Institute and BIOTECanada, MaRS has celebrations underway throughout the week.

• We are the site of LSO’s Life Sciences Advocacy Workshop, an opportunity to influence LSO’s advocacy efforts in the biotech industry and to opine on the important policy initiatives that they are leading (including Ontario’s Life Sciences Open for Business initiative). This event is open to the public!

• Visit the MaRS Atrium to see the incredible “Art of Life Sciences in Ontario” exhibit, which takes you on a journey through the history of Canadian biotech and medical device development.

• Check back here and on Twitter throughout the week for our blog and social media series featuring guest posts by thought leaders on different aspects of the biotech industry.

• To conclude NBW this Friday we are proud to be hosting the monthly LSO Knowledge and Networking Breakfast Forum with an address from Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion and BIOTECanada’s vice-president of external affairs, Cate McCready.

• Last Friday we hosted an NBW edition of our monthly MaRS Future of Medicine Series.

Biotechnology applies scientific practices to living organisms to create new products and services. Innovations in biotech have led to significant progress in the fields of health, agriculture and chemical manufacturing. Not only is biotechnology a key driver of the Canadian economy (our bio-economy is worth $87.3 billion or 7% of our gross domestic product) and a significant source of job creation, but the industry is creating tangible solutions for everyday Canadians—think insulin, bio-fuels, vaccines, canola and more.

The importance of biotech in our everyday lives cannot be overstated, and Canada’s impressive history of biotech innovation is deserving of some recognition. Make the most of this week to get educated, get involved and get inspired!