It is time for Latin America
In 2009, Robert Kilpatrick and I decided to bring the BioPartnering events to Latin America. The main objective was to create business opportunities for local life sciences companies and to expand horizons for international companies into the region.
The decision proved to be right. Latin America is experiencing robust economic growth in comparison with other regions that were strongly affected by the 2008 financial crisis. Policies in several Latin American economies that help control deficits and keep inflation low, combined with strong international demand for commodities like iron ore, tin and gold, are encouraging investment and fueling much of the growth. The region’s economy is now growing at the rate of 4-5 percent.
In terms of life sciences, we also note a strong development in the last couple of years. Recognized competence in research areas, such as genomics and stem cells, together with recent developments in the areas of food production and bioenergy are some of the factors that are calling attention to Latin America. The results are becoming clear: international companies are expanding their scouting programs into the region, local corporations are starting to invest in innovative projects, new and dedicated life sciences venture capital funds are being created, the number of start-ups companies is growing and universities are establishing technology transfer offices.
It is also clear that there is still much to be done to include Latin America countries as major players in the life sciences and biotechnology worldwide. There are many challenges, including regulatory issues, access to biodiversity and infrastructure, especially for biological product scale up and manufacturing.
The first BioPartnering Latin America was held in Rio de Janeiro in September 2010. With 15 sponsors and 35 supporters, we were able to join together over 200 executives from 20 countries. A great success for our first meeting! For 2011, we decided to move the event to São Paulo, the main business city in the continent and one of the biggest in the world.
By now, a strong group of companies, including six of the main international pharma, are sponsoring BPL 2011. Equally important, we will have the tech transfer offices of the main universities and research centers (for example the University of São Paulo which is the biggest university in Latin America) presenting their technologies and a group of prominent start ups in the region, coming from the Mercosul* and other countries.
*Mercosul: Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay
I look forward to seeing you in São Paulo this September!
Eduardo Soares
CEO & President, Biominas Brasil
