Monday, January 26, 2009

New Study Reports Colorado Now Ranks 11th in U.S. for Bioscience Venture Capital Investments


Gov. Bill Ritter, the Colorado BioScience Association and Colorado Office of Economic Development publicly released the Colorado Bioscience Roadmap 2008 at “Bioscience Day at the Capitol,” on Friday. The announcement is made by John Collar, Executive Director of CBSA, who says the Colorado Bioscience Roadmap 2008 is an updated version of the 2003 report, Colorado’s Place in the Sun: An Action Plan to Grow Colorado’s Bioscience Cluster, prepared for the CBSA by the national Battelle Technology Partnership Practice organization.

“Among the most impressive findings, the new study reports $1.3 billion was invested in Colorado bioscience companies 2002 through Q2 2008, ranking Colorado 11th in the U.S. for bioscience venture capital investments,” Collar explains. “The new report shows us that Colorado is indeed on the right path to becoming a top-ten bioscience hub and pinpoints strategic areas where we need to focus our immediate attention during the next five years to position the bioscience sector as a key driver of Colorado’s economy.”

"More than 18,000 Coloradans are now involved in this field,” Gov. Ritter said. “We want to continue this industry growth trend and build upon our successes. Using the updated action plan will allow us to be more targeted and strategic in our planning, as well as to better compete at a national and international level.” -- Read More:
Denver Business Journal -- Ritter wants funds for bioscience
FDLI SmartBrief -- Colo. governor wants to keep incentives for bioscience firms in budget

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Bioscience Day at the Capitol from Rocky Radar - Part 2


The earlier programs Friday offered remarks from several state legislators as well as presentations on relevant legislative issues and the plans for bioscience in the state. Representative Jim Riesberg spoke first, noting the successes of HB 1001 which makes state matching funds available to bioscience companies. Matt Cheroutes of the Colorado Office of Economic Development then offered thoughts on the importance of the bioscience industry to the state, noting it as a “knowledge based industry” that will be key to state growth.


Read the complete posting at ROCKYRADAR.COM

Friday, January 23, 2009

Rocky Radar "On The Scene" at Colorado Bioscience Day 2009




Governor Bill Ritter and the Colorado Bioscience Association (CBSA) held a press conference at the State Capitol this morning to announce the release of the Colorado Bioscience Roadmap 2008 report. The report highlights both the accomplishments of the bioscience industry in the state, which now ranks 11th nationally in venture capital investment, and outlines the strategies for continued growth over the next five years. Gov. Ritter touted the “no longer fledging” industry for its growth to date - employing over 18,000 at over 900 establishments - and cited bioscience as “one of the pillars of [Colorado’s] strategy” for growth moving forward. CBSA Chairman Jack Wheeler noted House Bill 1001,which makes state matching grant funds available to bioscience companies, as “the kind of commitment needed to make [Colorado] competitive.”

Read more (and remember to look for more Rocky Radar Colorado Bioscience Day at the Capitol posts): ROCKY RADAR COVERS BIOSCIENCE DAY AT THE CAPITOL

Read more at the DENVER BUSINESS JOURNAL website


Monday, January 12, 2009

Jumping the curve - Biotech a bright spot in Colorado economy

By Rebecca Cole in the January 2009 ColoradoBiz Magazine print edition and online.

"Good innovators must be in denial, Guy Kawasaki says. Otherwise, "the bozos will grind you down." That’s what the former Apple software evangelist, venture capitalist and author of "Art of the Start" told a crowd of about 200 in November at BioWest 2008..."




Rocky Mountain High Bioscience: a national trade web exclusive




Read Drug Discovery & Development's web exclusive on the Colorado bioscience industry. The bylined article covers how the right people, policies, and funding have fueled growth of Colorado’s bioscience cluster. The overview was written by Denise Brown, CBSA's Founding Executive Director, 2003-2008.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

January 26th: The First BioBeers of the New Year


When: Monday 26 January 6:30pm


Where: Wyncoop Brewery 1634 18th St. Denver (Across from Union Station)


Bring an stack of business cards and network with other biosciencers.


Colorado BioScience Association LinkedIn Group


We now have a CBSA LinkedIn Group for social networking. Click below to link to the group page and join us!