Breakout #1 – Building Capacity: Investing in Infrastructure & Real Estate
Toronto has Canada’s largest life sciences sector, but it’s running out of room to grow. Institutions in the region are looking for an estimated 3.5 million square feet of lab space that doesn’t exist. We aren’t sufficiently planning for the space companies will need to grow. This includes wet labs, training centres and more.
Why attend? The session will likely address the critical issue of space constraints in Toronto's life sciences sector. If you’re a life sciences professional, this will explore solutions to help overcome growth challenges, expand your ability to expand operations and develop new products.
Speakers:
- Cary Solomon, Managing Partner, Seeker Labs
- Dr. Maura Campbell, President and CEO, OBIO
- Parimal Nathwani, President and CEO, Toronto Innovation Acceleration Partners
- Dan Lacey, Associate Vice President, CBRE
Moderator:
- Bethany Moir, Director, Stakeholder Relations and Strategic Projects, Toronto Global
Breakout #2 – Harnessing Our Workforce
An additional 14,300 workers will be needed in bio-health and bio-industrial industries by 2029 to meet hiring requirements in the Greater Toronto Area, including:
- 9000 workers in bio-health
- 4100 workers in bio-industrial
- 670 workers in agri-bio
- 390 workers in bio-energy
According to Bio-Talent Canada, new talent pools will be important because domestic enrolments in bio-economy-related post-secondary programs are expected to decrease in the coming years.
Why attend? This session will unpack the need for highly skilled professionals to catalyze growth and ensure success for the life sciences sector. Panelists in this session will explore talent gaps – ranging from executive management to technical expertise. It will also address how we can build on our existing talent base to meet the growing needs of the sector and help our companies compete globally.
Speakers:
- Henry Miller, Partner and Chairman of Global Life Sciences Practice, Odgers Berndtson
- Rob Henderson, President and CEO, BioTalent Canada
Moderator:
- Ben Rogers, Dean, Applied Research, Seneca Polytechnic
Breakout #3 – Unleashing the MedTech Cluster
- There are 30,200 people working in Ontario’s MedTech sector at almost 1,300 companies that collectively earn $18.7 billion in revenues annually.
- Ontario’s MedTech sector has attracted global players like Medtronic, GE Healthcare, Stryker, and Johnson & Johnson.
Why attend? As the epicenter of innovation and growth — and attracting global players — the Toronto region's MedTech cluster is set to soar to unprecedented heights. Join us as we unravel the untapped potential within this dynamic ecosystem, navigate the barriers and discover the keys to unlocking unparalleled opportunities. With the 2024 MedTech conference on the horizon, this is your chance to gain invaluable insights from visionaries shaping the future of healthcare technology and position yourself to benefit from these opportunities.
Speakers:
- James Brodie, General Manager, Canada, Johnson & Johnson MedTech
- Youssef Helwa, CEO and Co-Founder, FluidAI
- Garret Tone, Executive Director of Life Sciences, Invest Ontario
Moderator:
- Shahira Bhimani, Health Innovation Consultant