Edmonton; Canada's Life Science success story

EDMONTON, ALBERTA--(Marketwire -01/09/12)- Edmonton Economic Development Corporation in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada has four operating divisions to include economic development, tourism, the Shaw Conference Centre, the Edmonton Research Park, as well as being a joint partner with TECEdmonton. At EEDC our key areas of focus, life sciences, financial services, energy, advanced technologies, advanced education and tourism.

As you focus on the life sciences industry, we'd like to share some information about activity in our region.

Researchers Develop Microfluidic Chip Capable of Testing 80 Different Cancer Genetic Markers - A research team led by Linda Pilarski, who serves as Canada Research Chair in Biomedical Nanotechnology as well as an oncology professor at the University of Alberta, has developed a microfluidic chip that is capable of analyzing up to 80 various cancer genetic markers, paving the way to conduct low-cost and user-friendly diagnostic tests at remote locations. Click here for more information.

AVAC tops $129 million with three new investments in the past quarter - AVAC Ltd. has recently agreed to invest over $12 million in 3 companies. Edmonton-based Radient Technologies Inc., Beiseker-based Decisive Farming Ltd., and iNovia Capital in its third national venture capital investment Fund, headquartered in Montreal.

AVAC Ltd. contracted a $1.75 million Agrivalue™ investment to Radient Technologies Inc. This is the second investment in Radient made by AVAC and will be used to support the establishment of their new Microwave Assisted Processing (MAP™) extraction facility and allow them to build their customer base in the areas of Natural Health Products, Food, Cosmetic and Biopharma areas. MAP™ is a technology that uses microwaves to quickly and efficiently extract active compounds from biomass. It has been found that this process is one that uses less solvent and energy, allowing the method to be cleaner. Click here for more information.

Edmonton is a hotbed of research and innovation. Our post-secondary institutions along with our life sciences talent together create a world-class industry.

Edmonton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) provides leadership in economic development, markets Edmonton as a must-see destination, manages the Shaw Conference Centre and Edmonton Research Park, and acts as a stakeholder in TEC Edmonton, a joint venture with the University of Alberta. For more information, visit www.edmonton.com Learn more about Edmonton through the stories of people who've experienced it at www.edmontonstories.ca