Live Q&A tonight: How B.C. became a hub of biotech innovation

Join us tonight at 7 p.m. as we bring together six experts to discuss what’s already happening here and how to ensure this expanding sector continues to grow.

Published May 16, 2023 • Last updated 5 hours ago • 2 minute read

AbCellera is a Vancouver biotechnology company that helped produce the first antibody drug approved to treat mild to moderate cases of COVID-19. Photo by AbCellera /PNG

The coronavirus pandemic underscored the important role B.C.’s biotech sector plays in the global pursuit of advances in medicine and technology.

We have told stories about local companies involved in the rapid development of COVID vaccines and treatments.

Overall, B.C. has emerged as a hub of life science innovation with hundreds of companies in many different areas of research and development, employing an estimated 20,000 people, and generating billions in annual revenue.

Tonight, The Vancouver Sun in partnership with Conversations Live is bringing together six experts for a live event starting at 7 p.m. These experts will discuss what’s already happening here and how to ensure this expanding sector continues to grow.

A recent report estimated 16,000 more people will be needed to work in biomanufacturing alone across Canada over the next six years, including more than 3,400 in Metro Vancouver. Stuart McNish, host of the weekly video interview series Conversations That Matter, will lead the panel discussion.

Bookmark this story and come back at 7 p.m. to the conversation to the panel and submit your own questions to our panelists. They are:

• Andrew Booth, chief financial officer at AbCellera, a Vancouver biotechnology company that helped produce the first antibody drug approved to treat mild to moderate cases of COVID-19.

• Allen Eaves, president and CEO of Stemcell Technologies, a local company that makes specialized products, including robotic equipment that accelerates stem cell development now in use at B.C. Children’s Hospital.

• Brenda Bailey, B.C. minister of jobs, economic development and innovation.

• Darryl Knight, president of Providence Research, an agency with expertise in laboratory, clinical and epidemiological research working in partnership with Providence Health Care.

• Wendy Hurlburt, president and CEO of Life Sciences B.C., a non-profit association that represents those in the province’s life sciences industry.

• Suzanne Gill, president and CEO of Genome B.C., a non-profit organization that supports genomics research and innovation.

hmunro@postmedia.com

Become a digital subscriber for just $14/month and you’ll get an invitation sent directly to your inbox for all of our future live Q&A events. Subscribe today: The Vancouver Sun | The Province.