DBEDT Promoting Hawai‘i Companies at 2017 BIO International Convention

Hawai‘i’s leading science companies and research organizations will be showcased at the annual BIO International Convention, the largest global event for the life sciences industry, held June 19 to 22 this year at the San Diego Convention Center.

The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) is promoting local life science companies at the event, now for the sixth consecutive year. DBEDT has been encouraging Hawai‘i companies to connect with BIO participants for one-on-one discussions on possible joint research efforts, licensing and investment opportunities.

DBEDT said that a consistent presence at the Hawai‘i Life Sciences pavilion during the event will encourage other participants at the BIO International Convention to engage in discussions with local companies.

The annual convention is organized by the Biotechnology Industry Organization, which represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the U.S., and in more than 30 countries.

“BIO International presents an opportunity for Hawai‘i’s life science companies to sell to the world,” said DBEDT Director Luis P. Salaveria. “As with other industries, where we promote exports of products unique to Hawai‘i, our life science companies and research organizations are developing solutions here in Hawai‘i for the global market. From vaccines for the Zika and West Nile virus, to microtags for product authentication, Hawai‘i companies have tremendous value, while also growing our educational base.”

During last year’s BIO International, five Hawai‘i companies reported projected sales of more than $7 million.

Some of the Hawai‘i companies being showcased at this year’s event will include:

• Hawaii Biotech, Inc. – Vaccine candidates in clinical or pre-clinical development targeting: Zika virus, West Nile virus, Tick bore flaviviruses, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, Chikungunya virus
• CyThera Pharmaceuticals – Drug development by repositioning FDA-approved compounds for new therapeutic indications in Autoimmune Disease and Cancer
• TruTag Technologies – Instant machine-readable microtags for product authentication
• Scorpio-V: a Division of HNu-Photonics – Automated microfluidics and imaging platforms for cell biology, tissue and physical science microscopy investigations onboard the International Space Station
• Edge-3D – 3D light microscope with the flexibility and multiple features of a universal microscope
• SmarTummy – Programmable abdominal manikin simulating abdominal conditions for use in research and teaching in medical schools

More information on the life sciences industry in Hawai‘i can be found at invest.hawaii.gov/exporting/life-sciences-industry-in-hawaii/.

Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant, the Hawai‘i Pavilion at BIO International is part of a series of initiatives DBEDT has undertaken to increase the export of Hawai‘i’s products.