Nov 10 2011
The Center of Innovation for Nanobiotechnology (COIN) announced the upcoming Nano&Bio Executive Roundtable event to be hosted at The RTP Foundation on November 17, 2011, beginning at 5 pm.
This Roundtable will explore how nanotechnology will play an increasing role in agriculture. The event is open to the public and will feature speakers and networking.
According to the NC Biotechnology Center, Agriculture and Biotechnology are the two largest industries in North Carolina. Nanotechnology, while still somewhat nascent in the agriculture sector, has been employed in agriculture for some time in nanoclays, cyclodextrans and nanoemulsions. Platform nano-enabled targeted delivery, controlled release, and/or transfection platforms, which are a common area of activity in the pharmaceutical space, might also represent a significant opportunity in the agriculture industry.
Sandra Merkel-DeJames, Ph.D., Manager, Business Creation Biobusiness Development and Acquisitions, Novozymes will be a speaker at the Roundtable. Dr. Merkel-DeJames works in Novozymes BioBusiness Development and Acquisitions unit to create, build and launch new lines of business. Dr. Merkel-DeJames has extensive experience in the biotechnology industry in direct research, global technology commercialization and new business creation. She is experienced in identifying new technology applications, integrating next-generation market needs with technology, and strategy development for new market entry.
The Roundtable will also feature showcase company presentations from: Liquidia Technologies - Frank J. Malinoski, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer; PharmAgra Labs - Roger Frisbee, Co-President; Piedmont Pharmaceuticals - Eric Barnett, MD; ACA, Executive Vice President, Business Development and Marketing, Nanovector Inc. - Albert D. Bender, Ph.D., CEO.
This Nano&Bio Executive Roundtable event series offers executives and entrepreneurs of North Carolina-based nanobiotechnology companies and others involved in this exciting field an opportunity to discuss key business issues and build relationships. In total, the previous four Roundtables have attracted over 500 attendees from eight states. COIN coordinates these Roundtables to stimulate dialogue in the community and to be a catalyst for relationship-building that is critical for accelerating the commercialization of nanobiotechnology.
Registration and networking begins at 5pm with presentations starting at 5:30. A networking reception will follow. The Nano&Bio Executive Roundtable series is sponsored by Forma, RTI International, McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP (MBHB), MANCEF, Xanofi and Grant Thornton. Event sponsors include Forma Life Sciences Marketing and The Agriculture Biotechnology Initiative at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center.
To register for this free event, please visit http://farmerpharmanovember.eventbrite.com/