Canadian Biotech industry announces winners of Gold Leaf Awards in P.E.I.

There’s an Island connection to this year’s Gold Leaf Award winners. BIOTECanada selected Ron Keefe, for the Gold Leaf Award for contribution to the association, and AquaBounty, Gold Leaf Award for emerging agriculture company, last month, kicking off Global Biotech Week.

“The Canadian biotech industry is linked from coast to coast by regional expertise comprised of universities, incubators, individual entrepreneurs, pre-commercial companies, multinationals and investors all working to drive biotech solutions forward,” said Andrew Casey, president and CEO of BIOTECanada.

“Both AquaBounty and Ron Keefe highlight the particular strengths of the Canada ecosystem where game-changing innovations are being developed and supported by a community of entrepreneurs and leaders in all parts of the country. Keefe, a Kinkora native, said he was pleased to accept the award.

“Canada is well positioned to lead the world in the growth of biotechnology. The economic benefits from this growth are well documented and have had and will continue to have a significant impact on many parts of our country.”

He added, “Prince Edward Island has been particularly successful in expanding its economic base through investment in biotechnology, but much more can be accomplished with investment in infrastructure by both the public and private sector.”

Ronald Stotish, CEO of AquaBounty, said being recognized was much appreciated. “AquaBounty is a small company with a long history. Our efforts in Canada have been greatly aided by the supportive business development environment, the support of national and provincial governments, and in particular the support of BIOTECanada and the P.E.I. BioAlliance.”

“We hope to be able to give back by growing our business, increasing our workforce and contributing substantially to the economy of the region and the country. These are exciting times for our company.” With thousands of participants each year, Global Biotech Week provides an opportunity to collaborate and showcase the impact biotechnology is having on economies celebrating science, innovation and solutions.