meet on biotechnology
4 February 2009
Government, international and local finance, research, academic and industry
bigwigs will come together to explore investment developments in
biotechnology.
Focusing on his country's experience in establishing, financing and managing
the development of the biotechnology sector, Mr Andre Jaunay, a representative
of Ile de France, will set the tone for the discussions. Mr Jaunay's input is
expected to focus on the 'Business Angels Network (BAN)' concept. The BAN
concept has been used in France to help establish, finance and manage the
country's biotechnology sector.
The BAN concept is relatively new in South Africa and novel in the
agricultural sector. Public discussions on biotechnology in South Africa have
tended to generally be limited to genetically modified crops. This approach
continues to obscure the huge economic, environmental and health benefits of
biotechnology.
Another challenge relating to the establishment of a biotechnology sector
revolves around the huge upfront investment required. The BAN concept for
financing such endeavours was introduced and implemented with great success in
France.
Representative of the French Embassy in South Africa, representatives of
local universities, local research institutions, the South Africa Venture
Capital Association (SAVCA), development finance institutions such as the
National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and the Independent Development Corporation
(IDC), Khula, merchant banks, biotechnology business incubators, biotechnology
companies and other scientific organisations, financial and scientific media,
are amongst guests expected to participate in the discussions.
Representatives of financial, research, academic and biotechnology
institutions are invited to attend.
These discussions will take place as follows:
Date: 10 February 2009
Time: 09h00
Venue: Innovation Hub, Pretoria
For more information, contact:
Mr Motlatjo Makaepea
Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment (GDACE)
Tel: 011 355 1915
Mr Sipho Moshoane (eGoli BIO)
Tel: 011 605 2942
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment, Gauteng
Provincial Government
4 February 2009
Source: Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.gdace.gpg.gov.za)
