The BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology in Montreal took place from the 19th until the 22nd of July 2015. The Netherlands was represented in the Holland Biotech Pavilion, which included 12 Dutch organisations and companies with a focus on biotechnology, biochemistry, energy, feedstock production, transport and logistics. The eye-catching pavilion was coordinated for the 3rd time in a row by BE-Basic Foundation (requested by Topteam Chemie) as part of the Strategic Conferences Program.
With more than 1.200 visitors from roughly 725 organisations from all over the world present, the congress was well attended. Luuk van der Wielen, President of BE-Basic Foundation: ‘BioWorld -as we call it- is the premier conference, reporting latest developments in biobased business and technological innovation. For BE-Basic partners and others, it provides a very visible platform for international cooperation: for Dutch industries at an international market, and for international investments into the Netherlands.’
Located in Montreal, it was an excellent opportunity for Canadian and Dutch companies to explore mutual interests for international partnerships through one-on-one partnering meetings and network receptions. Furthermore, a partnering workshop was organised to give an opportunity to Canadian and Dutch organisations to present business pitches.
Arno van de Kant (Business Development Director, Bioprocess Pilot Facilities) represents one of the Dutch companies in the pavilion and comments: ‘The BIO congress was very successful for the BPF, we spoke to many new companies that were interested in scaling up activities.’
Bike raffle
During the Holland Business Partnering Reception, Mr. Rochus Pronk (Deputy Head of Mission from the Dutch Embassy in Canada) presented the Bike Raffle, sponsored by Rabobank, which attracted a great deal of attention at the Holland Biotech Pavilion. The winner, Dirk Carrez (Executive Director, Biobased Industries Consortium), was delighted with his new bicycle in traditional Dutch colours: ‘I am very honoured to receive this nice bicycle from the Dutch delegation. The Dutch companies and research institutions, including Rabobank, form an important part of the members of the Biobased Industries Consortium, which is a good indication for the innovative entrepreneurship of their country.’
Holland delegation in Sarnia
After the BIO World Congress, a selected delegation from the Netherlands travelled to Sarnia in the province of Ontario for a conference and a company tour, organised by Bioindustrial Innovation Canada. Sarnia is home to one of the first Hybrid Chemistry Clusters. The site houses the pilot and demonstration-scale operations from three highly innovative companies and several other green and sustainable businesses.
