Manitoba is home to a thriving life sciences industry, with internationally-recognized centres of excellence in such diverse areas as: o infectious diseases; o functional foods and nutraceuticals; medical devices; composite materials; and bioenergy and energy alternatives. Manitoba Innovation Energy and Mines (IEM), through the Science, Innovation and Business Development Division (SIBD), aims to promote and enhance a climate of research, innovation and technology development for our life sciences industry-to spur economic development for the benefit of all Manitobans. As part of this mandate, SIBD works with local, national and international life sciences communities and businesses to: Develop public policy initiatives in support of research, innovation and technology development; Build and strengthen Manitoba's position as an international centre of excellence for research and innovation; Support and encourage growth and investment in Manitoba's life sciences industry and other knowledge-based sectors; and Facilitate national and international partnerships with jurisdictions and organizations in key research and life sciences industry sectors.