On the eighth anniversary of the Biotechnology Center of Curauma, the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso, held the 8th National Biotechnology and Innovation Forum, which gathered more than 150 professionals from the biotechnology and scientific community, to discuss innovative strategies related to this year’s theme: “The New Industrial Revolution”.
To talk about this topic, the event was attended by representatives of the academic, scientific, private and public world; In addition to lectures by national and international experts, who shared their knowledge and experiences in the area.
Rodrigo Castañón, Manager of Asprocer, commented: “I believe that forums like this one allow the business and academic world to come together in the discussion of relevant topics, such as the environmental, economic and social sustainability of the country and its industries”.
Among the lectures presented were “Challenges for a Sustainable Pork Production”, by Rodrigo Castañón, Manager of Asprocer; “Added Value in the Food Industry Exporting Company” by John Alarcón (Prodalysa), “The Biofactories as a pillar of the New Industrial Revolution” by Yves Lesty (Aguas Andinas), and “CÉUTICAS”: From Pharmaceuticals a Nutra- and Cosme-céticos “, by Thomas Haack (Naturalis).
Castañón added that: “the focus of the forum was the industrial revolution 4.0, where I believe that, as a country and sector, we have a great challenge in matters of quality of education and the curriculum. In this regard, the given data by the MINEDUC in 2013 and which President Sebastián Piñera brought back to light a few days ago, within the framework Teacher’s Day, is that over 5 million people in our country, over the age of 18 have not finished their secondary education”.
On the part of the PUCV, Joel Saavedra, Vice-Rector of Research and Advanced Studies of the University, inaugurated the day, emphasizing that “the NBC, with its model of sustainable strategic direction, has collaborated with linking science and companies, and as PUCV we are proud of these achievements “.
Having finalized the conference cycle, the Prize generated by the innovation ranking “CompiteMAS” index was presented, to the members of this network who have stood out with their innovative entrepreneurship and ideas. This award was given in the categories of Export Innovation, Recycling Innovation, Environment and Society, Small Innovative Business, Acceleration Science-Company.
Dr. Rolando Chamy, director of NBC PUCV, commented: “At NBC, we believe that it is possible to improve the quality of life in balance with natural resources. That is why our efforts, achieved results, and contribution to innovation and national development fill us with pride”.
To close the event, a Prototype Fair was held to show a selection of products developed by companies, which allow networking among those present.
Thanks to: NBC -PUCV teams.[:]
