Canadian biotech industry recognizes Wilf Keller and other top performers during Global Biotech Week

 BIOTECanada is pleased to announce the 2018 winners of the Gold Leaf Awards which annually highlight innovation and entrepreneurship within the Canadian biotechnology industry. This national celebration of the Canadian industry represents an outstanding collection of companies and individuals who have helped lead the industry throughout 2018

“The remarkable individuals and companies we recognize through the Gold Leaf Awards are great examples of the core strengths of Canada’s biotech ecosystem including scientific excellence and passion,” commented Andrew Casey, President and CEO of BIOTECanada. “Importantly, Canada’s global biotech success is founded in its ability to advance scientific innovation by leveraging a diverse and vibrant ecosystem comprised of individuals, companies and institutions located in every province across the country. It is this strength that establishes Canada’s biotech industry as a leader in developing the solutions that will help address the global social and economic opportunities emerging from population growth and a changing climate.”

2018 BIOTECanada Gold Leaf Winners:

• Aspect Biosystems Ltd. (Emerging Company of the Year) 
• BioVectra Inc. (Company of the Year)
• CDRD – The Centre for Drug Research and Development (Ecosystem Builder)
• Dr. Wilf Keller, CEO Ag-West Bio (Industry Leadership)

“To be selected as BIOTECanada's Emerging Company of the Year, among so many notable biotech companies across the country, is a true honour,” said Tamer Mohamed, Aspect's President and CEO. “We are inspired by the profound impact regenerative medicine therapies can have on patients around the globe and our team is committed to realizing this impact from right here in Canada.”

“On behalf of BioVectra, it is an honour to win BIOTECanada's 2018 Gold Leaf Award for Biotech Company of the Year,” said Oliver Technow, President of BioVectra. “Our team has accomplished a lot over the past year. Our new biologics facility is now online in Windsor, Nova Scotia, we are making tremendous progress on an expansion at our headquarters in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and we continue to build upon our capabilities, our development experience, and our technologies so that we can grow alongside our partners and help them advance their clinical programs efficiently. None of this would be possible without our highly dedicated and specialized employees. This award is truly a testament to their hard work and tenacity!”

“We are honoured that CDRD has been chosen to receive the BIOTECanada Gold Leaf Ecosystem Builder Award. This award is a testament to the tremendous dedication and hard work of each and every one of our team of 100+ scientists and business people; and the success they have achieved in commercializing innovation, attracting investment, supporting globally competitive Canadian companies; and helping generate long term, highly-skilled employment opportunities for Canadians – for moving us towards our Vision of being catalyst for Canada life sciences leading the world,” said Gordon C. McCauley, President and CEO of CDRD.  

“It’s a great surprise and honour to receive the Gold Leaf Award from BIOTECanada, a national entity that does the very important job coordinating and supporting biotech research. I’ve had the privilege of working with so many great people. It’s all about teamwork; I’ve been able to work with many excellent teams over the years. I look forward to continuing to contribute in any way I can,” said Dr. Wilf Keller, President and CEO Ag-West Bio.

Global Biotech Week running September 24 – 30, 2018 brings together domestic and international biotechnology associations will experience hundreds of events across 20 countries. With thousands of participants each year, Global Biotech Week provides an opportunity to collaborate and showcase the impact biotechnology is having on economies celebrating science, innovation, and solutions.