For Immediate Release
The Galleria, Innovation Place, Saskatoon
April 30th 2004
Unveiling a new life science organization for Saskatchewan
The bio-based economy is the economy of the 21st century. Saskatchewan has huge potential in this bio-based economy and a new sector development agency – Ag-West Bio Inc. – is poised to lead the way!
Ag-West Biotech Inc., Bio-Products Saskatchewan Inc., and the Saskatchewan Nutraceutical Network have joined forces to position Saskatchewan as the premiere centre for the bio-based economy. Ag-West Bio Inc. has its roots in three highly successful economic development agencies. Together, the strengths of each organization will be combined to bring a greater power and synergy to our goal of building and strengthening the province's life science industry providing new economic opportunities for Saskatchewan.
"The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to announce funding to Ag-West Bio Inc. of $900,000 per year, for the next three years," Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Minister Mark Wartman said. "With this merger, we have taken a significant step forward toward the creation of a leading edge, bio-based economy that combines agricultural science and technology, health and nutrition, bio-energy, bio-products and bio-processing to create new economic opportunities and jobs for Saskatchewan."
Through early stage investment in commercialization, R&D facilitation, regulatory and policy development, building business competitiveness, communication and advocacy roles, Ag-West Bio Inc. will focus on economic development of products derived from living organisms with market applications in agricultural, environmental, industrial, energy and bio-processing markets and human nutrition and health. Saskatchewan will be in the international spotlight for leadership in the bio-economy.
"I am extremely proud to be involved in the development and launch of this new organization," said the President & CEO of Ag-West Bio Inc., Dr. Ashley O'Sullivan. "Saskatchewan has one of the greatest concentrations of life science knowledge, expertise, and resources in Canada. Ag-West Bio is strategically positioned to capture maximum value for Saskatchewan in the emerging bio-economy."
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Ashley O'Sullivan, President & CEO
Ag-West Bio Inc.
(306) 975-1939
ashley.osullivan@agwest.sk.ca
Janice Tranberg, Communications Director
Ag-West Bio Inc.
(306) 975-1939
janice.tranberg@agwest.sk.ca
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