BIO 2008
May 7th, 2008
Once again, I’m going to be attending BIO this year. My focus this year is to expand my network of contacts in the early stage product development space. As I have done in previous years, I’m going to spend some time in the BIO business forum where I can see some of the early stage companies who are looking for financing. I’ve found this to be a good way to stay up to date on some of the up and coming players in the industry. I suspect that I will try to attend a few sessions, although past history has told me that it is harder than it looks to actually get to the session due to all the contacts that you make in the hallways on the way to the sessions. I’ll also definitely attend the receptions as these are a great way to meet new people and deepen existing relationships in an informal way (which often leads to business relationships down the road). I hope to see you there and I’d be happy to set up a meeting if you would like to chat.
Conferences and reasons to attend
April 17th, 2008
I’ve been thinking about which conferences to attend this year. Obviously in my industry, BIO is the big one. There are also a number of small conferences that are more specific. It did get me thinking about what makes the most sense and my underlying reasons for going. I’ve distilled it down to the only real reason that I attend conferences (not training seminars, which are very different) is to network with others in the industry. I’m almost convinced that the content doesn’t really matter as long as the right people are there. Obviously, the right people come because of the content, but it might be much more efficient to set up conferences solely for the purpose of networking and have one or two keynotes to provide some fodder for discussion.
I’m not suggesting eliminating the concept of conferences, because there is value in the sessions if you attend, but for me, the best conferences that I have attended are those where I’m too busy chatting in the halls to attend any sessions.
New Projects
March 27th, 2008
I’m currently working on a new company concept that would be a supplement to my consulting work in an attempt to create something that is more scalable than a consulting practice. It’s been a really good experience to put into practice all that I have been teaching and recommending to clients. I’m not sure if the concept will actually fly as a company, but I’m reminded of a seminar that I took years ago that emphasized the need to “sharpen the saw” to remain effective. I know they were thinking of taking time out to renew and reflect, but I think the concept transfers well. I’ll be sure to publicize my new company when it’s done the prep stage and you can then provide some feedback.
How to send the wrong message
January 24th, 2008
Got an unsolicited computer program in the mail yesterday. Came addressed as admail (which I wish I could get rid of entirely), but what got me was the high level of packaging that came with the product (a hard plastic case and CD) and the advertising on the package that suggested that one should make the “ECO-choice”. Seems like a bit of a mixed message to me. Bottom line is that I won’t be purchasing this software.
Link to article on innovative approach to teaching commercialization skills
December 10th, 2007
There was an article on an online course that I am involved in teaching on the subject of technology commercialization this past weekend in the local paper. Here’s the link http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/careers/bowes/story/4090412p-4688545c.html. More information on the course can be found at http://www.hot-technologies.ca/iptcm/.
Early stage valuation
December 5th, 2007
Came across an interesting site this morning that is collecting data on early stage company valuations. It is part of a research project, and you don’t get to see data until you’ve submitted some, but it seems like a good idea to help both entrepreneurs and investors identify what companies are worth at various stages of development.
See www.thoughtleadership.info for more information.
Committees
July 17th, 2007
Saw a great quote on committees.
“A committee is a cul-de-sac down which ideas are lured and then quietly strangled.”
–Sir Barnett Cocks, Former Clerk of the House of Commons in the U.K.
Not been my experience entirely, but definitely seen it happen.
Infectious Diseases Technology Forum
April 25th, 2007
I’m currently involved in pulling together a one-day forum on infectious diseases. We’ve taken the approach that the various groups involved in infectious diseases (researchers, government epidemiologists, public health, biotech and pharmaceutical companies, etc) all need to work more closely to ensure that the threat of infectious diseases is kept at bay. If you are interested in this area, I encourage you to check it out.
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Infectious diseases are a growing threat to the health, well-being and security of the global population. The role of technology in addressing these threats is critical. The International Centre for Infectious Diseases invites you to the ICID Technology Forum 2007, a showcase and discussion on knowledge translation and application in Canada’s infectious diseases sector. Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at the Fairmont Hotel Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The ICID Technology Forum is an unprecedented national event featuring plenary and keynote speakers, poster and presentation sessions showcasing participants’ innovative infectious diseases research.
Hear from leading infectious disease professionals on:
- experiences with licensing and partnerships
- research on the cusp of requiring investment
- successes and failures, lessons learned
- long term needs and evolving risks
- future trends, market needs and potential markets
- technologies under development business and networking opportunities
Confirmed speakers to date include:
- Donald Low, M.D., FRCPC, Microbiologist-in-Chief, Mount Sinai Hospital
- Robert Hancock, PhD, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UBC
- Lorne Babiuk, OC, SOM, PhD, D.Sc., FRSC, Director & CEO, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization
- Damian Lamb, Managing Director, Genesys Capital
Companies and researchers with promising early stage products or technologies are encouraged to apply to present at the forum. Typical companies would include those seeking seed, early-stage, late-stage, and pre-IPO funding. Presentations will be selected by the forum’s steering committee.
For more information and to register, please go to www.icid.com/techforum .
BIO 2007
April 23rd, 2007
I’m going to be attending BIO 2007 in Boston this year. If you will be there, I’d be very interested in meeting my readers. Send me an email and we’ll find a way to connect.
What’s next
April 11th, 2007
Heard a presentation recently about the various trends that have been happening in the business world over the last 100 years. Starting with manufacturing, moving to telecommunications, pharmaceuticals/biotech, the internet, currently appears to be moving to the environment. Got me thinking about what was next. Seems like all of the areas have had significant growth in the last number of years (with the exception of manufacturing), while some of the areas are maturing (telecom, biotech) and becoming more like commodities than new areas with lots of opportunities. That is not to say that there are not great pockets of opportunity within these areas for those with disruptive products, only to say that it is not the same environment as a brand new area where there are very few players and virtually every new product is a disruptive one.
So what is next? Any thoughts?
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