Imagine...  medical devices that can diagnose serious diseases in just minutes. Imagine... replacing fossil fuels with a product made from fish waste. Imagine... using locally-grown food to prevent and treat illness. Imagine... the brightest minds pushing boundaries to make discoveries that improve every aspect of life. Imagine... some of the most dynamic companies in the world, marketing and exporting these innovations across the globe ... 

You've just Imagined Nova Scotia's life sciences community!

Olympics an eye-opener for BioNova's past-chair

John-Paul Deveau, Acadian Seaplants president and head of the 2011 Canada Winter Games in Halifax, is promoting the east coast of Canada at Atlantic Canada House on Granville Island.
Photograph by: Ian Smith, PNG, Vancouver Sun

Nova Scotia seaweed entrepreneur Jean-Paul Deveau came to Vancouver on a three-pronged mission.

He wants to enjoy the Olympics, promote his company and region to people of influence and learn what it takes to organize a winter games that will attract about 2,700 athletes.

Deveau is president of seaweed products manufacturer Acadian Seaplants but he is also chairman of the 2011 Canada Winter Games organization coming next year to Halifax.

"I've never been to an Olympics but when I see how an extremely well-run organization has put things together here, it motivates me even more to do the kind of job we want to do in Nova Scotia," he said in an interview at the popular Atlantic Canada House on Granville Island.

Deveau said he is particularly impressed with the way Vancouver organizers have mobilized 25,000 enthusiastic volunteers, noting the winter games in Halifax will probably require about 5,000 volunteers.

The Nova Scotia games won't create an Olympic-sized economic impact but they are still expected to pump about $90 million into the economy, with a legacy that includes $15 million in sporting infrastructure improvements and a new $40-million training facility and recreation complex in Halifax.

Deveau's company produces a wide range of seaweed products exported to 70 countries around the world, employing 300 people and generating about $35 million in annual sales.

He has 25 researchers on staff to remain a leader in marine plant biotechnology and company products include seaweed extract fertilizers, commercial brewing agents and edible sea vegetables.

More than a few influential Canadian politicians have heard all about the business of seaweed and the world according to Jean-Paul in the past week.

Deveau paid his way to Vancouver and has participated with Atlantic Canada governments in several Olympic hosting functions during his stay in the city, enjoying access to many premiers and federal cabinet ministers.

"There are a lot of people here with a lot of influence, in terms of government policy and business development, and I have been lucky to get some really good exposure to those people," he said. "I have taken advantage of that."

By Bruce Constantineau, Vancouver SunFebruary 20, 2010

For the first time, hard facts and figures are available that confirm the depth and strength of Nova Scotia's life sciences sector.   BioNova partnered with the National Research Council Institute for Marine BioSciences, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Nova Scotia Business Inc., the Nova Scotia Department of Economic Development, and InNOVAcorp to conduct a full inventory of life sciences in the province.  

Download a copy of the Nova Scotia Life Sciences Asset Map here.