Nov 10, 2016 – The Rick Hansen Institute’s (RHI) CEO, Bill Barrable, and Manager of Commercialization & Industry Relations, Jonathan Miodowski, will travel to Israel November 13-17, 2016 to expand and strengthen RHI’s network within the Israeli realm of technology and innovation.
Israel is recognized as a world leader in fostering innovation and commercialization of advanced technology, particularly in the area of life sciences. Miodowski currently heads RHI’s Commercialization Program, which is aimed at facilitating the development of innovative pre-commercial therapeutics and medical devices that will improve the lives of those living with spinal cord injury.
Jonathan Miodowski’s previous role as Commercial Attaché for the Embassy of Finland in Tel Aviv fostered extensive experience with the innovation ecosystems of Finland and Israel, and provided insight into the best practices that have made Israel the “Start-up Nation”. It is this knowledge and expertise that has enabled RHI’s invitation to join B.C.’s trade mission to Israel, led by B.C.’s Minister of Finance, Michael de Jong. The objective of the mission is to advance B.C.’s technology and innovation priorities by identifying opportunities for trade, investment, and joint B.C.-Israel collaboration.
This mission will provide the opportunity for RHI to nurture existing relationships, and establish new ones, with Israeli researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors which will help further the Commercialization Program’s objectives.
“This is a great opportunity for B.C. to learn from one of the most successful innovation ecosystems in the world. We’re excited to be part of this mission, and to help connect major players in the start-up communities within B.C. and Israel,” said Miodowski.
As part of the B.C. Life Sciences delegation visit to the Hebrew University Ein Kerem Campus, Bill Barrable and Minister de Jong will take part in a presentation to celebrate the established partnership between the Hadassah Medical Center and RHI, and to formally launch the Israel pilot of RHI’s observational registry of individuals who have sustained a spinal cord injury. More details will be released following the launch event on November 16.
Trade missions are an important part of B.C.’s international engagement strategy to support economic growth in priority sectors and the B.C. Jobs Plan objectives. RHI is honoured to be invited on this important expedition, and welcomes the opportunity to learn further from Israel’s example in order to support both the mission’s objectives, and RHI’s work to accelerate the translation of discoveries and best practices into improved treatments for people with spinal cord injuries.
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Rick Hansen Institute (RHI) is a Canadian-based not-for-profit organization committed to accelerating the translation of discoveries and best practices into improved treatments for people with spinal cord injuries.
For more information:
Rick Hansen Institute
Ravina Johal, rjohal [at] rickhanseninstitute [dot] org
t: 604.827.2426