Alberta Technology Commercialization Network Formed

Calgary - September 20, 1999 - Five of Alberta's major technology commercialization agencies have joined forces to enhance their industry in the province.

Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, Alberta Research Council, the Industry Liaison Office of the University of Alberta, PENCE Inc. (Protein Engineering Network of Centres of Excellence) and University Technologies International Inc. have formed ATCN, the Alberta Technology Commercialization Network. Other technology commercialization organizations in the province will be approached about joining.

In announcing the formation of ATCN, Linda Humphreys, AHFMR Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Commercialization, said the network represented a working agreement among the members which would augment and enhance technology commercialization in Alberta.

Technology commercialization is the transfer of research discoveries from universities, institutions and government laboratories into business and industry, usually through licensing, joint venturing or company creation.

"Technology commercialization is vital to improving the quality of life of Albertans and people throughout the world," Humphreys said. "As Alberta continues to develop its leadership role in research and discovery, it is imperative that the commercialization aspects of those activities keep pace. The combined technology commercialization expertise and experience of this group is second to none. We'll continue to build and lobby for support of the already-strong network within the province."

Collaboration has existed in the past between the member agencies of the ATCN, she said, but this working agreement will promote regular inter-agency cooperation with extended positive results for the industry.

Beverley Sheridan, President of UTI Inc., the University of Calgary-owned technology commercialization company, said, "Individually, the members of ATCN have enjoyed considerable success. By working more closely together, we can build on those successes by combining technologies into more marketable packages, learning from each other's best practices and strengthening the industry and Alberta's image as a research leader through joint promotion and accomplishment."

Rand Harrison, Manager, Strategic Partnerships and Networks, for the University of Alberta's Industry Liaison Office, said, "ATCN will collaboratively develop, enhance and expand the effectiveness and benefits of this fundamental component of Alberta's current and future economic base. In the next year and beyond, ATCN will be identifying specific opportunities for enhanced business collaboration, and also working with other institutions, agencies, and programs to strengthen existing relationships and pursue new opportunities. This will ensure that Alberta's technology commercialization system remains as one of the very best in Canada."

Karen Beliveau, Director, Technology Commercialization Office (TCO) at ARC indicated that "ARC is eager to move forward with ATCN partners. Collectively, the group has the opportunity to make an even greater impact in successfully commercializing technologies from Alberta into growing international markets. We and others will benefit from the shared information and central knowledge pool in many ways."

"PENCE Inc. is actively involved in commercializing protein technologies throughout Canada with a strong emphasis on start-up company formation," said Dr. Graeme Macaloney, Vice President, Business Development for PENCE Inc. Dr. Macaloney explained, "We look forward to being an active part of ATCN to build the infrastructure that will enhance and sustain Alberta's biotechnology industry."

Contacts for the Alberta Technology Commercialization Network

Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research
Linda Humphreys, Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Commercialization
Tel: 780-423-5727
Email: postmaster@ahfmr.ab.ca

Alberta Research Council
Carmen Forster, Director, Corporate Relations
Tel: 780-450-5148
Email: forster@arc.ab.ca

Industry Liaison Office, University of Alberta
Rand Harrison, Manager, Strategic Partnerships and Networks
Tel: 780-492-9910
Email: rand.harrison@ualberta.ca

PENCE Inc.
Taryn Campbell, Manager, Marketing & Communications
Tel: 780-492-0393
Email: taryn.campbell@pence.ca

University Technologies International Inc.
Oleh Hnatiuk, CEO
Tel: 403-270-7027
Email: info@uti.ca

Alberta Technology Commercialization Network - Member Organizations

Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research - AHFMR supports medical and health research at Alberta universities, affiliated institutions, and other medical and technology-related institutions. AHFMR is committed to fund basic, patient and health research based on international standards of excellence and carried out by new and established investigators and researchers in training.

The Alberta Research Council - ARC develops and commercializes technologies to give customers a competitive advantage. The corporation performs applied R & D on a contract or fee basis, and coventures with others to develop new technologies, deriving a return on investment from the commercialization of new products and services. ARC works in the following areas: Agriculture and Biotechnology, Energy, Forestry, Environment, Information Technology and Materials Engineering, Biotechnology and Industrial Services.

Industry Liaison Office, University of Alberta (ILO) - As one of Canada's five largest research intensive universities, the University of Alberta plays a significant role in meeting the strategic challenges facing society today. The ILO provides services in technology transfer and industry liaison activities to aid the University in the generation and transfer of knowledge to benefit Canadian society. The Industry Liaison Office has a demonstrated record of - and an ongoing commitment to - working with government and industry to develop a knowledge-based, global economy.

PENCE Inc. - Based in Edmonton, PENCE Inc. is a not-for-profit research, development and technology transfer company focused on both discovery and development of proteins, peptides, glycopeptides and bioinformatics as products or services for medical, veterinary and industrial applications. A member of the Network of Centres of Excellence, PENCE Inc. is a national research and commercialization network bringing together industrialists and financiers with researchers from universities, research institutes and government laboratories across Canada.

University Technologies International Inc. - Calgary-based UTI Inc. is an industry leader in technology transfer and the commercialization of intellectual property from research institutions, corporations and individuals. It is wholly-owned by the University of Calgary and applies its knowledge of product development, strategy, marketing, license negotiation and customer service to communicate technology-based business opportunities to industry.