Israel’s annual BioMed exhibition and conference keeps its international
appeal but broadens its scope
By Rivka Borochov
Israel is a globally recognized hub for biomedical
technologies and inventions. From novel compounds like Copaxone to keep multiple
sclerosis at bay, to the billion-dollar company Biosense bought by Johnson &
Johnson to offer a solution for heart arrhythmia, Israeli entrepreneurs and
scientists are dedicated to changing the face of the biomedical industry
worldwide.
How all these great minds invent life-changing technologies will be
documented and exhibited at Israel’s annual international biomed conferencein Tel
Aviv June 10-12, 2013, officially known as IATI-BioMed
Israel.
Some 6,000 people from 40 countries are expected to attend. Keynotes
speakers include Israeli Chief Scientist Avi Hasson; Dr. Jeremy
Levin, CEO of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries; Pat
Mackin of Medtronic; Douglas Solomon, global head of medical technology
for Barclays Bank; and Dr. Scott P. Bruder of Stryker.
Newcomers to the scene will include academics and engineers from the
“startup nation” as well as new companies that aim to bridge the interface of
the IT industry with healthcare.
For those familiar with the venue, there will be a few changes to
this year’s event, says Ruti Alon, co-chair of the conference and a partner at
Pitango Venture Capital. For one, there will be seven simultaneous sessions of
presentations over the three-day period, with presenters picked by those
attending the event via a social media campaign.
A whole new range of topics will be opening up, including regulatory
issues in various markets around the world, as well as new business models, and
how companies can protect their intellectual property.
A floor for international success
In the past except for keynote speakers, only Israeli companies were allowed to
present in the sessions. This time, with the conference well-established over
its 12 years, representatives of companies from abroad will be permitted to take
the floor as well.
A lower entrance fee this year will give ticket-holders entry rights
to both the exhibitions and the conference sessions. Nearly 200 presentations
are planned over three days, and some 190 companies will have a presence on the
exhibition floor.