The BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology in Montreal took place from the 23rd until the 26th of July 2017. The Netherlands was once again represented in the Holland Biotech Pavilion, which included 16 Dutch organisations and companies with a focus on biotechnology, biochemistry, energy, feedstock production, transport and logistics. The eye-catching pavilion was coordinated for the 5th time in a row by BE-Basic Foundation (requested by Topteam Chemie) as part of the Strategic Conferences Program.

With about 1000 visitors from roughly 535 organisations from all over the world present, the congress was well attended. The Congress hosted more than 2000 partnering meetings that many Dutch participated in. Next to a dynamic group of plenary speakers the congress featured 42 sessions with almost 2080 speakers amongst which several of the  Dutch participants. This congress provided a very useful platform for international cooperation: for Dutch industries at an international market, and for international investments into the Netherlands.

A new feature this year, was the Holland Biotech Pavilion in-booth event about “Highlights of the Dutch Bioeconomy”. During this event Willem Sederel (Board member Biobased Delta Internationalisation) presented the Holland Biotech Pavilion and the activities of the participants as well as the ins and outs of the Dutch Bioeconomy and its strong international position within.

During the Holland Business Partnering Reception, Mr. Henk van der Zwan (Ambassador of the Netherlands to Canada)  presented the Bike Raffle, sponsored by Rabobank and LeidenMarketing, which once again attracted a lot of attention at the Holland Biotech Pavilion. The winner, Mrs. Zanna McFerson (Chief Business Development Officer Avantium), was very happy with her new bicycle in traditional Dutch colours. 

Here you can find an impression of the Holland Biotech Pavilion at the BIO World Congress in Montreal.