YORKbiotech, the Regional Innovation Network for biotechnology-related industries at the centre of the Greater Toronto Area, will hold its inaugural meeting tomorrow, 4-6pm, in the Private Dining Room, Executive Learning Centre, Schulich School of Business .
Stan Shapson, York’s vice-president research & innovation and Chair of YORKbiotech, invites interested faculty members to attend and learn more about this not-for-profit community development corporation.
DNA-based diagnostics and targeting, advanced materials research, drug eluding stents and smart devices have begun to pioneer a new era in healthcare technology. The implications of convergent medical technologies (CMT) are immense: it has been estimated that the combination product category alone will be a market valued at US$9.5 billion by 2010. Companies able to exploit technologies, processes and materials through new channels and partnerships will become leaders in the healthcare marketplace.
The two-hour session will begin with a reception from 4 to 4:30pm followed by a presentation on the direction and future plans for the network.
At 5pm, John Soloninka, president and chief operating officer of Cogient Corp. and president of Soloninka and Associates, will discuss the opportunities for stakeholders, as well as threats and resources that will impact the long-term future of their enterprise. Soloninka, who is a professional engineer with an MBA, has 23 years of experience in healthcare technology as a company founder, manager and management consultant.
The meeting will conclude at 6pm after a short discussion and wrap-up.
Those interested in attending should e-mail Angela Bellantoni, in York’s Office of the Vice-President Research & Innovation, or call 416-650-8207.