Horner will also promote Alberta’s Action Plan for Bringing Technology to Market at networking events and meetings with influential technology investors and executives from multinational companies. The conference also provides an opportunity to increase global awareness of how the province is strengthening support for Alberta’s scientists and researchers through a new framework for provincially funded organizations that support world-class research and innovation in the province.

BIO 2009 is the largest global event for the biotech industry. More than 20,000 business leaders, scientists, executives, investors and industry leaders from more than 60 countries are expected to attend. Horner will participate in the opening of the Canadian Pavilion, speak at an Alberta reception and deliver remarks at the Korea-Canada biotech reception.

As a key part of the province’s life sciences sector, Alberta’s biotechnology industry is one of the fastest growing biotechnology clusters in Canada. Alberta is home to more than 130 bioindustry companies, concentrated in health, agricultural biotechnology, industrial bioproducts and medical device applications that directly employ more than 4700 people.

Estimated travel costs for Minister Horner and his executive assistant are $6,400.