DAY 1 - Tuesday, May 28
8:00am –5:00pm
Bioeconomy Site Tours
Visit some of the bioeconomy’s most promising projects, located around the Halifax area. See first hand what is possible in a range of applications, including:
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Social Meet and Greet at Garrison Brewing Company
1149 Marginal Rd, Halifax, NS
Bioeconomy Site Tours
Visit some of the bioeconomy’s most promising projects, located around the Halifax area. See first hand what is possible in a range of applications, including:
- Arduro – The quantity of waste rubber worldwide is staggering. Arduro is on a mission to tackle the challenge of recycling end-of-life tires and waste rubber back into their original raw materials, without sacrificing quality or increasing costs.
- DeNova – DeNova is reimagining nutrition with a naturally-derived, cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable protein source. The company is on a mission to nourish animals and humankind, while making our planet a better place for generations to come.
- Aruna Revolution – Aruna empowers you to reduce your environmental footprint by using producing plastic-free, 100% compostable menstrual pads.
- Colchester East Hants Health Centre – Built using Mass Timber construction, this facility was designed by our Luncheon Keynote speaker, Tye Farrow of Farrow Partners Architects. Tye will be helping to guide the tour, so you can hear first hand how it was designed using natural building products to have positive impacts on learning, health, healing and wellness.
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Social Meet and Greet at Garrison Brewing Company
1149 Marginal Rd, Halifax, NS
DAY 2 - Wednesday, May 29
7:30am – 8:15am
Registration & Light Breakfast
8:15am – 8:45am
Welcome to Atlantic BIOCON 2024
Morning Keynote
Elizabeth May OC MP, Green Party of Canada
Elizabeth May served as Leader of the Green Party of Canada from 2006 – 2019 and returned as leader in November 2022. She is the Green Party of Canada’s first elected Member of Parliament representing Saanich-Gulf Islands in 2011. She continues as the Member of Parliament, and has long been a champion in the battle against climate change. Elizabeth May OC MP will discuss this challenge, and how it relates to the opportunity for solutions in the bioeconomy.
9:15am – 10:30am
Plenary Session 1 – Demonstrating Success in the Bioeconomy
While the bioeconomy is very much about the future, it is also delivering real greenhouse gas reductions today. This session will explore a number of projects that have made significant progress to commercialization, both at home and abroad, providing lessons from lived experience for the audience.
10:30am – 11:15am
Nutrition Break, B2B Meetings, Trade Show & Student Poster Viewing
Take part in scheduled B2B meetings with potential partners, visit Exhibitors in our Trade Show, or meet with colleagues new and old with a beverage and a snack.
11:15am – 12:15pm
Plenary Session 2 – Circularity in the Bioeconomy, Presented by Natural Products Canada
Natural Products Canada is a Platinum Sponsor of Atlantic BIOCON 2024, and a leader in supporting Canada’s bioeconomy. NPC works with a wide range of partners to identify and develop innovative natural solutions that can meet growing global demand. Host Barbara Campbell will be joined by NPC clients to discuss their projects and how they are bringing Circularity to the forefront.
12:15pm – 1:30pm
Luncheon Keynote
Tye Farrow, FRAIC, B.Arch., M.Arch.U.D., M.Neuro.Appl.Arch.Des., OAA, MAIBC, AIA Assoc, LEED AP, Farrow Partners Architects
Working at the intersection of architecture and neuroscience, Tye Farrow is a world-recognized pioneer tackling how what we create either gives or cause health. With award-winning projects around the globe that enact salutogenic design - design that actively incites health - he is the first Canadian architect to have earned a Master of Neuroscience Applied to Architecture (University of Venice IUAV), and has a Master of Architecture in Urban Design (Harvard University), and a Bachelor of Architecture degree (University of Toronto).
1:30pm – 2:00pm
B2B Meetings & Student Poster Viewing
2:00pm – 3:15pm
Plenary Session 3 – Circular Building Products
Building products are everywhere, a critical part of our daily lives. They also come with major impacts in terms of both global emissions, as well as individual health and wellbeing. The bioeconomy is a major source of feedstock for traditional building products such as lumber, but holds far greater potential for innovative products that reduce greenhouse emissions and improve our overall health.
3:15pm – 4:30pm
Plenary Session 4 – Valorizing Byproduct Wood Fibre
Traditional uses of wood fibre such as lumber and pulp products have been around for generations. While these uses continue today and into the future, incumbents have both a critical role to play and a significant diversification opportunity in the transition to a low-carbon bioeconomy.
4:30pm – 5:50pm
B2B Meetings & Trade Show
4:30pm – 6:00pm
Evening Networking Reception
Registration & Light Breakfast
8:15am – 8:45am
Welcome to Atlantic BIOCON 2024
- Rod Badcock, Greenspring Bioinnovation Hub
- Dr. Mark Raymond, Saint Mary’s University
- Deputy Minister Karen Gatien, Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables
- Deputy Mayor Cathy Deagle, Halifax Regional Municipality
Morning Keynote
Elizabeth May OC MP, Green Party of Canada
Elizabeth May served as Leader of the Green Party of Canada from 2006 – 2019 and returned as leader in November 2022. She is the Green Party of Canada’s first elected Member of Parliament representing Saanich-Gulf Islands in 2011. She continues as the Member of Parliament, and has long been a champion in the battle against climate change. Elizabeth May OC MP will discuss this challenge, and how it relates to the opportunity for solutions in the bioeconomy.
9:15am – 10:30am
Plenary Session 1 – Demonstrating Success in the Bioeconomy
While the bioeconomy is very much about the future, it is also delivering real greenhouse gas reductions today. This session will explore a number of projects that have made significant progress to commercialization, both at home and abroad, providing lessons from lived experience for the audience.
- David Boulard, Vyterra Renewables
- Juha Hyvärinen, Taaleri (Finland)
- Amir Akbari, anessa
- Merili Palu, Fibenol (Estonia)
- Moderated by: Chris Dickie, ResearchNB
10:30am – 11:15am
Nutrition Break, B2B Meetings, Trade Show & Student Poster Viewing
Take part in scheduled B2B meetings with potential partners, visit Exhibitors in our Trade Show, or meet with colleagues new and old with a beverage and a snack.
11:15am – 12:15pm
Plenary Session 2 – Circularity in the Bioeconomy, Presented by Natural Products Canada
Natural Products Canada is a Platinum Sponsor of Atlantic BIOCON 2024, and a leader in supporting Canada’s bioeconomy. NPC works with a wide range of partners to identify and develop innovative natural solutions that can meet growing global demand. Host Barbara Campbell will be joined by NPC clients to discuss their projects and how they are bringing Circularity to the forefront.
- Rashmi Prakash, Aruna Revolution
- Nivatha Balendra, Dispersa
- Andrew Hebard, Techcrop
- Quinn Cavanagh, RFINE Biomass Solutions
- Moderated by: Barbara Campbell, Natural Products Canada
12:15pm – 1:30pm
Luncheon Keynote
Tye Farrow, FRAIC, B.Arch., M.Arch.U.D., M.Neuro.Appl.Arch.Des., OAA, MAIBC, AIA Assoc, LEED AP, Farrow Partners Architects
Working at the intersection of architecture and neuroscience, Tye Farrow is a world-recognized pioneer tackling how what we create either gives or cause health. With award-winning projects around the globe that enact salutogenic design - design that actively incites health - he is the first Canadian architect to have earned a Master of Neuroscience Applied to Architecture (University of Venice IUAV), and has a Master of Architecture in Urban Design (Harvard University), and a Bachelor of Architecture degree (University of Toronto).
1:30pm – 2:00pm
B2B Meetings & Student Poster Viewing
2:00pm – 3:15pm
Plenary Session 3 – Circular Building Products
Building products are everywhere, a critical part of our daily lives. They also come with major impacts in terms of both global emissions, as well as individual health and wellbeing. The bioeconomy is a major source of feedstock for traditional building products such as lumber, but holds far greater potential for innovative products that reduce greenhouse emissions and improve our overall health.
- Mark Masotti, AlterBiota
- Ian Lowe, Arduro
- Patrick Crabbe, Mass Timber Company
- Joshua Henry, TimberHP
- Moderated by: David Porter, Maritime Lumber Bureau
3:15pm – 4:30pm
Plenary Session 4 – Valorizing Byproduct Wood Fibre
Traditional uses of wood fibre such as lumber and pulp products have been around for generations. While these uses continue today and into the future, incumbents have both a critical role to play and a significant diversification opportunity in the transition to a low-carbon bioeconomy.
- Billy Freeman, Freeman Lumber
- Geoff Clarke, Port Hawkesbury Paper
- Jamie Lewis, Lewis Mouldings
- Jonathan Levesque, Groupe Savoie
- Moderated by: Stephen Moore, Forest Nova Scotia
4:30pm – 5:50pm
B2B Meetings & Trade Show
4:30pm – 6:00pm
Evening Networking Reception
- Loyola Conference Hall, Saint Mary’s University
Day 3 - Thursday, May 30
7:30am – 8:15am
Light Breakfast, B2B Partnering Meetings
8:15am – 8:30am
Welcome to Day 3
8:30am – 8:45am
Foresight Canada Presentation
8:45am – 9:45am
Plenary Session 5 – Lessons from Mi'Kmaq-Led Initiatives in the Bioeconomy
Indigenous communities have many lessons to teach in responsible resource management and developing bioeconomy projects. This session will explore projects developed from this perspective, merging traditional views and knowledge with the needs of today and tomorrow.
9:45am – 10:45am
Plenary Session 6 – BioProducts for Human Health & Wellness
Like our built environment, the products we consume for nutrition can improve the health of our communities, both on an individual and environmental level, or detract from it. Hear from experts in the field who are developing concepts and products that address both of these topics.
10:45am – 11:30am
Nutrition Break, B2B Meetings, Trade Show & Student Poster Viewing
11:30am – 12:15pm
Plenary Session 7 – Circularity Consortium
What is waste by some can often be repurposed as an input for another. This was the concept behind three Nova Scotia companies teaming up to convert material otherwise destined for the landfill into high quality aquaculture feed for a zero-waste, land-based Salmon farm. Learn from a premier example of how the bioeconomy can be truly circular when the right partners come together.
12:15pm – 1:30pm
Luncheon Presentation – Southwest Nova Scotia Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone
The Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Initiative certifies ‘regional readiness’ for bio-manufacturing, creates global connections and ignites an influx of clean energy opportunities. Southwest Nova Scotia recently completed one of the first initiatives of this kind in North America, resulting in an “A” rating for sawmill residuals and pulpwood, helping drive bioeconomy manufacturing projects to the region.
1:30pm – 2:15pm
B2B Meetings, Trade Show, & Student Poster Viewing
2:15pm – 3:00pm
Plenary Session 8 – Raising Capital in a Challenging Market
Capital is life for companies trying to scale and commercialize their projects. Recently, the market for companies trying to raise capital has been exceptionally challenging, though there are success stories. Hear lessons learned and best practices from both investors and a project proponent who successfully navigated this landscape.
3:00pm – 3:45pm
Plenary Session 9 – Addressing the Talent Gap
Founders can carry a project so far, until more hands are needed with specific expertise or just more horsepower. This session will explore programming designed to both help founders navigate the initial steps and challenges of recruiting, hiring and retaining key human resources, as well as increasing the overall pool of talent for Fermentation Technicians.
3:45pm – 4:30pm
Plenary Session 10 – Communicating Your Carbon Emission Reductions to Create Value
Like any product, those made from the bio-based feedstocks can be sold to generate revenue. Unlike other products, low-carbon bioproducts also come with the additional value of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. But how can this additional value be realized? What are carbon credits, how do I create them for my product, and how can I sell them to generate additional revenue for my business? Hear from the experts who have been there and done that.
4:30pm – 4:45pm
Atlantic BIOCON Wrap-Up
Light Breakfast, B2B Partnering Meetings
8:15am – 8:30am
Welcome to Day 3
- Rod Badcock, Greenspring Bioinnovation Hub
- Makye Clayton, Hope Blooms
8:30am – 8:45am
Foresight Canada Presentation
- Jacob Atherton, Foresight Canada
8:45am – 9:45am
Plenary Session 5 – Lessons from Mi'Kmaq-Led Initiatives in the Bioeconomy
Indigenous communities have many lessons to teach in responsible resource management and developing bioeconomy projects. This session will explore projects developed from this perspective, merging traditional views and knowledge with the needs of today and tomorrow.
- Mattias Bierenstiel, Maskwiomin
- Kevin Wood, North Shore Mi’kmaw District Council
- Moderated by: Anne LeBrun Ruff, FPInnovations
9:45am – 10:45am
Plenary Session 6 – BioProducts for Human Health & Wellness
Like our built environment, the products we consume for nutrition can improve the health of our communities, both on an individual and environmental level, or detract from it. Hear from experts in the field who are developing concepts and products that address both of these topics.
- Gregg Curwin, Novagevity
- Pratish Gawand, Ardra
- Jack MacDonald, Infusd
- Moderated by: Sean Awalt, Life Sciences Nova Scotia
10:45am – 11:30am
Nutrition Break, B2B Meetings, Trade Show & Student Poster Viewing
11:30am – 12:15pm
Plenary Session 7 – Circularity Consortium
What is waste by some can often be repurposed as an input for another. This was the concept behind three Nova Scotia companies teaming up to convert material otherwise destined for the landfill into high quality aquaculture feed for a zero-waste, land-based Salmon farm. Learn from a premier example of how the bioeconomy can be truly circular when the right partners come together.
- Fraser Gray, Sustane Technologies
- Greg Wanger, Oberland Agriscience
- David Roberts, Sustainable Blue
- Moderated by: Rod Badcock, Greenspring Bioinnovation Hub
12:15pm – 1:30pm
Luncheon Presentation – Southwest Nova Scotia Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone
The Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Initiative certifies ‘regional readiness’ for bio-manufacturing, creates global connections and ignites an influx of clean energy opportunities. Southwest Nova Scotia recently completed one of the first initiatives of this kind in North America, resulting in an “A” rating for sawmill residuals and pulpwood, helping drive bioeconomy manufacturing projects to the region.
- Rod Badcock, Greenspring Bioinnovation Hub
1:30pm – 2:15pm
B2B Meetings, Trade Show, & Student Poster Viewing
2:15pm – 3:00pm
Plenary Session 8 – Raising Capital in a Challenging Market
Capital is life for companies trying to scale and commercialize their projects. Recently, the market for companies trying to raise capital has been exceptionally challenging, though there are success stories. Hear lessons learned and best practices from both investors and a project proponent who successfully navigated this landscape.
- Paul Richards, Invest Nova Scotia
- Brianna Stratton, DeNova
- Rhiannon Davies, Sandpiper Ventures
- Moderated by: Kyle Burton, Verschuren Centre
3:00pm – 3:45pm
Plenary Session 9 – Addressing the Talent Gap
Founders can carry a project so far, until more hands are needed with specific expertise or just more horsepower. This session will explore programming designed to both help founders navigate the initial steps and challenges of recruiting, hiring and retaining key human resources, as well as increasing the overall pool of talent for Fermentation Technicians.
- Kath Perry, NewGround Leadership
- Megan Hiscock, Verschuren Centre
- Moderated by: Rob Henderson, BioTalent Canada
3:45pm – 4:30pm
Plenary Session 10 – Communicating Your Carbon Emission Reductions to Create Value
Like any product, those made from the bio-based feedstocks can be sold to generate revenue. Unlike other products, low-carbon bioproducts also come with the additional value of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. But how can this additional value be realized? What are carbon credits, how do I create them for my product, and how can I sell them to generate additional revenue for my business? Hear from the experts who have been there and done that.
- Rori Cowan, BMO Radicle
- Megan McCarthy, RO Carbon
- Moderated by: Sarah Riley, R&G Strategic
4:30pm – 4:45pm
Atlantic BIOCON Wrap-Up
