SASKATOONEXPRESS - August 27-September 2, 2012 - Page 9
Business Excellence
Regional Economic Development Authority The Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) is very proud of the community it serves. SREDA’s three main goals are to retain and expand local business in targeted sectors, to attract new investment in focus areas, and to ensure the Saskatoon Region is the place to live, work, invest and prosper. We are “Celebrating Growth” through past successes and the new opportunities that now lay ahead.
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Biotechnology sector offers tremendous economic value
Biotechnology in the Saskatoon Region includes many areas of science including agriculture, food science, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals and health sciences. Companies like Novozymes, Bioriginal Food & Science Corp. and Cargill Canada are great examples of the local presence of biotechnology. There are several support organizations that provide services for these growing companies including POS Bio-Sciences, Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre Inc., Canadian Light Source, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre, and science colleges at the University of Saskatchewan. These are world-class facilities that provide tools and leading knowledge to assist companies with their research and development, analytical testing and bio-processing. Many of these companies are located at Innovation Place in Saskatoon, which is one of the most successful universityrelated research parks in North America. The strength of agriculture research and development is also an asset to the biotechnology sector. With success in lentil production and exportation, canola and wheat, the biotechnology sector is able to provide grains for food, and added agriculture value such as nutraceuticals, biofuel and other bioproducts.
SREDA has been working with the biosciences and biotechnology companies in the Saskatoon Region for many years. A Business Development Officer Workshop was hosted by SREDA at the beginning of June to discuss the current status of the biotechnology and bioscience cluster in the Saskatoon Region. In connection with the workshop, SREDA hosted Dwayne Gathers, from Gathers Strategies, Inc. at the Business Development Workshop to discuss opportunities in the California biotechnology industry. There is an opportunity for interested Saskatchewan companies to take part in a pilot mission trip to California and be introduced to targeted biotechnology companies for the purpose of strategic partnerships and lead generation. SREDA is working with Gathers Strategies to plan this mission trip for January 2013. BioTalent Canada is conducting a survey on the way Canadian biotechnology companies compensate their employees this fall. SREDA was asked to sit on the Compensation Survey Advisory Committee to provide guidance for the Saskatoon Region biotechnology organizations. The report from this survey will provide biotechnology companies across Canada valuable information on compensation strategies and options for their company employees. By SREDA participating on the Advisory Committee, we will be able to represent the current position of the biotechnology sector in the Saskatoon Region. With world-class research and development facilities in Saskatoon to support this sector, there are significant discoveries and advancements being made. This translates into tremendous economic value and opportunities for the province.
Key Facts on Saskatchewan Biotechnology Sector: Saskatchewan makes up 4% of Canada’s bioMA70472.H27
Innovation Place is the hub of the Biotechnology sector in Saskatoon.
technology sector with Ontario and British Columbia leading at 28% and 27% respectively. The province is home to almost a third of Canada’s agricultural biotechnology industry, with more than 700 scientists working in 30 private and public research facilities. Saskatchewan offers extensive research and technological support, from plant biotechnology and fermentation capacity to analytical support and toll-processing, amidst the country’s largest renewable bioproduct resources. In the last decade, the number of life sciences companies in Saskatchewan has tripled to 57, and employment in the field more than doubled. (Sources: Statistics for Canada, Canadian Life Sciences DataJW10442.H27base, Last Accessed: January 1, 2011 and Enterprise Saskatchewan.)
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Start your career in Science at SIAST
The heart of Saskatchewan’s biotechnology community. AdeTherapeutics Inc. / Ag-West Bio Inc. / Agriculture Council of Saskatchewan Inc. / BASF Canada Inc. / Bayer CropScience Inc. / Bioriginal Food & Science Corp. / Canadian Food Inspection Agency /
Canadian Grain Commission / CropLife Canada / Dow AgroSciences Canada Inc. / Helix BioPharma Corp. / International Plant Nutrition Institute /
Metabolix Oilseeds Inc. / MPT Mustard Products & Technologies / National Research Council – Plant Biotechnology Institute / Novozymes
BioAg Limited / Phenomenome Discoveries Ltd. / Pioneer Hi-Bred Ltd. / POS Bio-Sciences / Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration / Quantum Genetics Canada, Inc. / Saskatchewan Alfalfa Seed Producers / Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission / Saskatchewan Pulse Growers / Saskatchewan Research Council / SunWest Food Laboratory Ltd. / VIDO-InterVac / Viterra / Western Ag Innovations Inc. / Western Grains Research Foundation
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Page 10 - SASKATOONEXPRESS - August 27-September 2, 2012
Regional Economic Development Authority
103 - 202 Fourth Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK CANADA S7K 0K1 1.800.706.1977
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Biotechnology and Innovation celebrated in September Sask Innovation Week Cel- of Saskatchewan and community ebrates Saskatchewan Ideas groups. The purpose of Innovation Week in Saskatoon is to showcase Saskatchewan innovation by celebrating made-in-Saskatchewan ideas and the people behind them. Organizers hope to raise awareness of local innovations today and in the past, provide networking opportunities, and inspire new innovators and innovations. Innovation Week is a multi-disciplinary showcase of science, technology, arts, humanities, and social sciences. Throughout the week of September 16 – 22 networking events, presentations, workshops, and contests will take place. The events will be hosted by industries, local associations, schools, University
leads the regional planning committee in organizing a wide range Sask Innovation Week is being of activities to showcase achievements and encourage involvement organized by the U of S College of Engineering, Greater Saskatoon and growth in the region’s bioChamber of Commerce and Inno- economy. vation Saskatchewan. There are events planned every There is something for everyone. day during the week of September Find out how you can be a part of 14-21. These include outreach celebrating Saskatchewan ideas at days for high school and univerwww.saskinnovationweek.ca. sity students, luncheon events, To connect with the organizers seminars, public lectures, and a of Innovation Week: networking event: Email: info@saskinnovationFood Fight week.ca The Amazing Biotech Race Facebook: Sask Innovation Week Biotech Blast! Twitter: @SKInnovationWK BioTalent Canada Luncheon Intellectual Property Lunch & National Biotech Week to Learn Showcase Sask Bioeconomy In Saskatchewan, Ag-West Bio Commercialization Seminar
Visit www.agwest.sk.ca/events/57 for more information, or contact Jackie at Ag-West Bio: Jackie.robin@ agwest.sk.ca or call 306-668-2656.
Genome Prairie: Enriching Society through Genomics cations for the resources sector include energy. He also points to SREDA’s Gauthier hopes that Saskatoon’s Genome Prairie is a projects that are attempting to come “very supportiveâ€? relationship with GP GP will be able to project management company that works with researchers across a diverse up with organisms that can be used to as another factor in ensuring success. “take our skills in clean up mine waste and to break up SREDA helps to “bring people together project management cross-section of the biosciences. As to discuss other funding for life scienc- and use it in other CEO David Gauthier explains, GP noti- heavy oil. According to Gauthier, Saskatoon, es,â€? says Gauthier, further explaining fies researchers when there is funding sectors.â€? Until then, with the close proximity and workthat SREDA is crucial for seeing “the available, assists the researchers in GP will continue ing relationships of the University big picture about what can drive the writing their funding proposals, and of Saskatchewan with the rest of the local economy. They take the initiative helping researchers if funds are granted, “we control the to discover “how to help to pull things together.â€? flow of the cash, ensure the researchers bio-science cluster of businesses on can living things David Gauthier, PhD, campus, is an ideal location for this In the future, and with it’s close are meeting their marks, and provide MBA is President contributeâ€? to kind of research, especially in the relationship with SREDA and the rest progress reports.â€? and CEO of Genome The funding arranged and managed areas of agriculture, food, mining, and of Saskatoon’s bioscience community, our world. Prairie by GP deals, naturally, with genomics. Genomics, says GauXXX HFOPNFQSBJSJF DB thier, “looks at all the genes in research & development . processing . extrusion . food safety . training an organism and at how they interact together. It’s a holistic view of genes,â€? with the goal being to try to find practical $POHSBUVMBUJPOT 43&%" uses and applications for all GPS ZFBST PG HSPXUI BOE TVDDFTT the genes in an organism. 43&%" JT B WBMVFE MFBEFS BOE QBSUOFS Gauthier says the potential JO 4BTLBUPPO T CJPTDJFODF TFDUPS applications and knowledge www.foodcentre.sk.ca (FOPNF 1SBJSJF JT QSPVE UP SFDPHOJ[F BOE DFMFCSBUF brought about by genomics are info@foodcentre.sk.ca 43&%" T JNQPSUBOU NJMFTUPOF almost limitless, and indeed the research has come a long way in the last ten years. “It used to cost two billion dollars and take a number of years to sequence a human genome. Now we can do it in a week or two for only $10,000.â€? According to Gauthier, potential results of such research could include “better drugs and diagnostics, and maybe even personalized medicines for patients.â€? Genomics also has The Saskatoon economy continues its momentum in growth, diversity, and applications in the agriculpopularity. SREDA is proud to be a part of that. As the economic development tural field, as researchers both agency for the Saskatoon Region, SREDA works to attract investment and optimize the different uses of coordinate resources that maximize economic opportunities for the business plants and breed better plants. Past projects managed by GP community. have concentrated on enhancing canola plants and to adaptPrivate Sector Investors with SREDA are key ďŹ nancial and strategic partners in ing crops to be able to grow at economic development. An investment in SREDA is an investment in the lower temperatures. Currently Saskatoon Region economy. research is looking at trying to develop a bio jet fuel and an industrial lubricant that would Flexible membership investment levels and beneďŹ ts that suit your business. be grown from plants adapted to grow in lower quality soil. “This way,â€? Gauthier explains, “they won’t be competing for space from food crops.â€? Appli-
Become a Private Sector Investor with SREDA
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SASKATOONEXPRESS - August 27-September 2, 2012 - Page 11
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THE
THIRD
SECTOR non-profit organizations non-
The Third Sector profiles non-profit organizations in our community. If you have an idea for this column, please e-mail sboklaschuk@saskatoonexpress.com.
103 - 202 Fourth Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK CANADA S7K 0K1 1.800.706.1977
Innovation Place world leader
in Biotechnology and Life Sciences What is biotechnology?
PDI has developed a diagnostic blood test that assesses an individual’s risk of “Biotechnology” – In 1919, Huncolorectal cancer by analyzing whether garian Karl Ereky coined the term to describe the interaction of biology and there is a deficiency in certain metabolites. It has been found to detect over human technology. But biotechnology 85% of early stage colorectal cancer. wasn’t exactly “invented” in 1919 – plants and animals had been selectively John Hyshka, PDI’s Chief Financial and Operating Officer, recently announced bred and microorganisms used in the that they’ve secured a commercial licensproduction of things like beer, cheese ing agreement for the US market with and bread for centuries before then. Polymedco Cancer Diagnostic Products. The biotechnology world is diverse and complex, an intersection of research Increased screening rates will mean the detection of more cancers at an earlier that combines chemistry, engineering, stage, resulting in more lives saved. physics, computing, living organism Helix BioPharma Corp. – Helix’s studies... Biotechnology is the coming most advanced product in development together of these varied disciplines in is Topical Interferon Alpha-2b, which is order to create, well, “innovation”. Researchers in this industry work to combat used for the treatment of certain skin/ a multitude of health, environmental and mucosal lesions caused by HPV infections. Topical application will soon economic challenges.
Innovation Place is one of the most successful university related science and technology parks in North America eliminate the need to inject interferonalpha by syringe. Metabolix – Metabolix, Inc. is developing and commercializing Mirel™ biopolymers, a family of high-performance bioplastics that are biobased and biodegradable alternatives to many petroleum-based plastics. The company is also developing biobased industrial chemicals as “drop-in” replacements for petroleum-based chemicals and developing a technology platform for Biotechnology at Innovation co-producing plastics, chemicals and Place energy from crops. Established in 1977, Innovation Western Ag Innovations – WestPlace is one of the most successful ern Ag’s Plant Root Simulator (PRS™) university related technology parks in technology and associated Nutrient North America. The biotechnology firms Forecaster enable farmers to forecast at Innovation Place are an important the success of crops and the fitness of component of its science and technolthe soil resources. Western Ag estimates ogy community. that this home-grown technology has Each day, researchers and advocates added $1.2 billion in additional crops work to advance the biotechnology grown over the last 15 years. industry. Some recent Innovation Place Biotech success stories include: Contango Strategies – One of the services Contango Strategies offers involves the rehabilitation of contaminated water (like that from mine effluent, seepage, or tailing ponds) using nature’s microbial cleaning solution: wetlands. Contango’s process helps nature do what it does best, at an accelerated and improved rate with a predictable performance. Each constructed wetland treatment system is tailored to the specific water in need of remediation, and the site’s specific logistic requirements. Not only is this a chemical-free system, it is a low-cost and long-term solution to an unavoidable problem. At present, Contango is working most with hard rock mines and oil and gas process waters. Phenomenome Discoveries Inc. – Agricultural biotechnology firms use technology to do things like improve a plant’s response to drought, increase a crop’s nutritional value and increase overall yields. Health biotech firms create preventative and therapeutic drugs, diagnostic equipment and more. Industrial biotechnology groups work to provide environmental solutions like cleaner water and products like biodegradable detergents and solvents.
Lorraine Stewart is the board president of The Persons Living With AIDS Network of Saskatchewan. (Photo by Joelle Tomlinson)
Persons Living With AIDS Network: 25 years of “life, hope and wellness’’ Shannon Boklaschuk Saskatoon Express The Persons Living With AIDS Network of Saskatchewan (PLWA) is marking “25 years of life, hope and wellness.” The community-based, non-profit organization, located in Saskatoon and serves the entire province, offers confidential support to people affected by HIV/AIDS. “In 1986, four HIV-positive young men knew of each other and they decided to have a support group — and, out of that, they decided to start the organization,” said Lorraine Stewart, who has served as the board president for nine years. “In 1987, they incorporated — that was in November — and they formed a board shortly afterwards,” she said. “Two of the fellows that were HIVpositive at that time are still alive and well; one, particularly, is doing very, very well. We like to emphasize that, because so many people out there think that HIV is a death sentence.” In celebrating its 25th anniversary, PLWA is focusing on the themes of life, hope and wellness. When the organization first began, there were few resources available to people affected by HIV/AIDS. Today, more is understood about HIV/AIDS and many people realize that individuals who are HIV-positive can live long, healthy lives. “I want to get that point out, because I really get annoyed when I read the opposite because it’s so discouraging for people who are experiencing it,” said Stewart. “We’ve been involved long enough to know that there are many people around who have lived with HIV for many, many years.” From the start, PLWA was a volunteerbased organization, so the board members have always been very involved, said Stewart. Over the years, the organization has received funding from various sources and has raised money through bingos, resulting in the hiring of several paid staff members. “This year, in January, we were able to secure some funding for an outreach worker from the HIV Strategy Program, which is the Saskatoon Health Region,” said Stewart, adding the staff member “was badly needed.” “She works with people who need to go to appointments for methadone treatments or are ill and need transportation to the doctor or just need a visit. It’s pretty broad, what she does. But the focus is life, hope and wellness.” The Ministry of Health also provides funding to PLWA, supporting its office coordinator position, while the client services
coordinator position is paid for through bingo fundraisers, said Stewart. PLWA currently has three staff members and a fivemember board, as well as three members at large. The purpose of the organization is “to create a positive attitude and engender a feeling of hope for persons with HIV/ AIDS, including their friends, families and partners,” according to its website. While society’s attitudes toward HIV have changed over the years, resulting in less social stigma, “there are still people out there who are really not educated about HIV,” said Stewart. For example, people should not be afraid of hugging or sharing a meal with an HIV-positive person. HIV is spread through sexual contact and sharing needles, as well as through transmission from infected mothers to babies. “HIV is not that easy to get,” said Stewart. PLWA, located at 127C Ave. D North, offers a variety of services, including nutrition advice, a multi-vitamins program, one-on-one support counselling, peer and professional support, health and wellness guidance, social activities, advocacy and referrals, a drop-in centre, an emergency care fund, a work program and more. There is also a small mother’s group for mothers with family members affected by HIV. Stewart said the organization encourages “a healthy lifestyle.” “The drop-in centre is a place where many people come that just want peace and quiet, and they want some support. They kind of are among friends in there.” While the organization has grown over time, so has the need for its services. “We are getting new people on a regular basis,” said Stewart. According to a provincial government document entitled Saskatchewan’s HIV Strategy 2010-2014, the province “has seen a substantial increase in new cases of HIV since 2003 and as of 2010 has the highest rates in Canada at twice the national average at 20.8 vs. 9.3/100,000.” In addition, “the epidemiology of HIV in Saskatchewan is different from the rest of Canada, with 75 per cent of new HIV cases in 2009 predominantly associated with injection drug use,” according to the report. PLWA provides referrals for HIV testing. If a person is nervous about going alone, a staff member will go with them, said Stewart. “I want people to know that it’s life, hope and wellness. If you take care of yourself, you have a very, very good chance of living a long life,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to get tested; there’s help out there.” For more information about PLWA, visit www.aidsnetworksaskatoon.ca.